Cognitive mapping of the causal relationships of multisensory stimuli and the sense of belonging to a place in the historical context of Yazd

Fallah Tafti, Hamed; Taslim, Seyedeh Atefeh

doi:10.22054/tms.2026.92397.3197

Cognitive mapping of the causal relationships of multisensory stimuli and the sense of belonging to a place in the historical context of Yazd

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Hamed Fallah Tafti ¹

Seyedeh Atefeh Taslim ²

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Humanities, University of Science and Arts, Yazd, Iran

² PhD student in Tourism, Faculty of Humanities, University of Science and Arts, Yazd, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22054/tms.2026.92397.3197

Abstract

This study aims to model the causal relationships among multisensory stimuli, spatial–architectural attributes, perceptual–emotional components, socio-cultural factors, and place attachment in the historic fabric of Yazd. The research is applied in purpose and exploratory in strategy, using the fuzzy cognitive mapping method. Data were collected through the judgments of 17 experts, and 15 concepts were identified within four analytical layers. The findings show that the final network contains 52 direct relationships with a density of 0.248. “Indigenous materials and construction methods,” “inward-oriented spatial organization,” and “sense of authenticity and identity” had the highest centrality scores. The simulation results further indicate that the erosion of spatial–architectural and socio-cultural layers has the strongest negative effect on place attachment. The study concludes that strengthening place attachment in Yazd requires the simultaneous preservation of material authenticity, spatial coherence, cultural meaning, and social interaction.

Keywords

Multisensory tourism

place attachment

Yazd historic fabric

fuzzy cognitive mapping

destination management

Subjects