A Comparative Analysis of Role of Physical Components of Mosques in Formation of Neighborhood Identity(Comparison of three mosques in the historical district, the middle fabric, and the modern fabric).

Identity crisis, or a sense of lack of identity, is one that prevails in most realms of the modern day human's life, and in most communities. In fact, the significance of considering identity at human habitat level lies in what brings about identity disorders today, which can pose a threat to the survival and sustainability of the built environment. The reason is such disorders can undermine all values of the society, render the surrounding environment bare of its mental image and identity, and bring about uncalled-for consequences for the vital configuration of the city. Thus, assigning identity to neighborhoods and human habitats as the preamble to the concept of urban physical division and its aspects and hierarchies is among the exigencies of urban planning topics.

The present study aims at examining and comparing the role of the physical components of mosques in defining the physical identity of neighborhoods, and eventually, at devising proper physical-spatial strategies that can bring identity to neighborhoods corresponding to the historical district and middle and modern fabrics, drawing upon the role of mosques in the neighborhood.

This is an applied research conducted using a descriptive-analytical method. Desk research was used to collect theoretical data, questionnaires were used to deliver survey data, and SPSS was used for data analysis. The statistical population is comprised of families residing in Shiraz, which was put at 376 people using Chocran formula, with a sampling error of 5 percent. Experts were asked to put forth strategies, and eventually, SWOT was employed and followed by AHP quantification to shape up proper physical-spatial strategies.

At the end, based on the findings of the study, competitive strategy was selected for the internal fabric, conservative strategy for the middle fabric, and SO for the external fabric in order to heighten the physical identity of neighborhoods using the physical components of mosques.