Comparative Analysis of Neighborhood‑Based Tourism Capacities in the Historical Fabric of Sanandaj Based on the Principles of the 15‑Minute City

Habibi, Kyoumars; Saidi, Mehdi; Sayari, Shadieh

doi:10.22054/tms.2026.94844.3239

Comparative Analysis of Neighborhood‑Based Tourism Capacities in the Historical Fabric of Sanandaj Based on the Principles of the 15‑Minute City

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Kyoumars Habibi ¹

Mehdi Saidi ²

Shadieh Sayari ³

¹ Department of Urban Planning and Design, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

² Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

³ Department of Urban Planning and Design, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.

10.22054/tms.2026.94844.3239

Abstract

The 15-minute city, with its emphasis on pedestrian access, has become a dominant framework in urban policy, and historical fabrics possess an inherent capacity to realize this model due to their traditional proximity patterns. This study aims to provide a documented picture of the differences between two historical neighborhoods in Sanandaj (Ghatarchiyan and Sartapola) regarding neighborhood-based tourism capacities and to rank these capacities. The study employed a mixed-method approach using questionnaires and field observations. The findings revealed that Ghatarchiyan excelled in tourism and heritage dimensions, becoming a tourist magnet, while Sartapola performed better in service equity and socio-cultural components but was weaker in tourism infrastructure. Poor walkway quality and inadequate lighting were common challenges in both neighborhoods. Accordingly, improving façade transparency in Ghatarchiyan, eliminating defenseless spaces in Sartapola, and ensuring fair service distribution were recommended to realize a 15-minute live-visit neighborhood and enhance the tourism appeal of this historical fabric.

Keywords

15-minute city

neighborhood-based tourism

integration of residence and tourism

Sanandaj

Ghatarchiyan and Sartapola neighborhoods

Subjects