A Social Practice Perspective on Consumption of Agricultural Land in the West of Tabriz(From the Preparation of the First Master Plan of Tabriz City in 1970 Until Now)

In the era of climate change, ensuring food security through the utilization of agricultural lands in and around cities is paramount. These lands are threatened by urban expansion, and their preservation requires the support of urban planners. This research examines the issue of repurposing urban agricultural land for other urban uses from a social practice perspective rather than a physical or legal one. The article explores why and how changes in agricultural land use occur and the potential for intervention, guidance, and management of this process from a social practice standpoint. The case study focuses on agricultural lands in the west of Tabriz city over more than 50 years, from the approval of the first urban plan to the present. The study employs historical reconstruction for analysis. “Sayings” are analyzed using texts from urban development plans, while “doings” are derived from maps of the current situation from different years and interviews with long-time neighborhood residents. The findings indicate that changes in the three sources of meanings, materials, and competence have altered social practices in different periods during this period. If this continues, it could lead to changes in land use methods. Also, multiple meanings and corresponding materials and competence coexisted during each period, weakening or strengthening the dominant social practice. Throughout the period, the differing perspectives of urban management, landowners, and citizens have influenced the process of social practice.