Rereading the Criteria of Vitality in Historical Places with Emphasis on the Approach of Heritage Tourism

Historical tourism is known as one of the most primitive types of tourism in the world, which is rooted in human nature since human beings are continuously interested in knowing innovative matters and recognition of accurate knowledge of the past and history of their ancestors and others. Unfortunately, this is much less important in contemporary Iran despite its numerous historical monuments and attractions, than in other developed countries. One of the ways to develop heritage tourism is to restore the lost urban life in places that have been remembered for us in the past, which is possible through the correct application and claim of vitality indicators. In fact, the present study has been conducted with the aim of recognizing the criteria and indicators of vitality in historical sites in order to develop the level of heritage tourism. This research is descriptive-analytical according to the type of purpose and also developmental-applicational according to the method and its data collection has been based on the study of library resources and content analysis. After analyzing and reviewing the opinions of recent experts on the components of vitality, the most significant criteria for promoting vitality in public urban areas as well as historical contexts were identified, including 1. People's presence, 2. Diversity and attractiveness, 3. Comfort and tranquility, 4. Permeability, 5. Flexibility, 6. Security, 7. Transparency, 8. Readability, 9. Beauty, 10. Activity and diversity, Access, comfort, safety and security. Considering that the physical characteristics of historical places are different from the historical areas and textures of the city, therefore, among all the proposed indicators, six main indicators, including (1. Diversity and Attractiveness, 2. Flexibility, 3. Beauty, 4. Accessibility, 5. Comfort 6. Security) were explained as criteria for promoting vitality in historical places.

1. Recognition of the vitality criteria in historical contexts. 2. Recognition of the possibility of developing heritage tourism according to the knowledge of vitality criteria.

Research questions: 

1. What are the criteria for reviving historical textures? 2. What connection can be made between vitality in historical contexts and heritage tourism?