Analysis of Fundamental Themes of the Islamic Governance Model in Urban Management: Tehran City
Subject Areas : مفاهیم بنیادین در شهرسازی و معماری اسلامی
1 - Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism, Faculty of Tourism, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran.
Keywords: Islamic Governance, Urban Management, Sustainable Development, Justice, Citizen Participation.,
Abstract :
Analysis of Fundamental Themes of the Islamic Governance
Model in Urban Management: Tehran City
Behrooz Badkoo*
Governance is the systematic organization and regulation of the relationships between the government and society to achieve objectives. This study explores the fundamental themes and components of the Islamic governance model in urban management, with a focus on Tehran. The main approach for analysis is thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 30 experts and managers. Findings indicate that the principles and processes of Islamic governance differ from common global models in some components and are based on divine principles, spirituality, justice, honesty, rule of law, active citizen participation, and Jihadi management. This model emphasizes not only economic and social development but also deepening rationality, moral growth, spirituality, human excellence, and promoting an Islamic lifestyle.
Keywords: Islamic Governance, Urban Management, Sustainable Development, Justice, Citizen Participation.
Introduction
Good urban governance, as a key principle of sustainable development, plays a vital role in improving citizens’ quality of life. With increasing urban populations and the complexities of city growth, there is a need for a comprehensive model of effective urban governance (Dabbirzadeh et al., 1403) In Islamic societies, the Islamic governance model is proposed as a superior alternative to the Western materialistic paradigms, which are often promoted by global organizations. Unlike Western paradigms, Islam offers profound insights into human nature and existential relationships, along with a value-based and normative system for a desirable human life—challenging the prevalent materialistic and secular notions (Refiyian et al., 1401: 24). Urban governance systems are responsible for implementing programs, decisions, and policies aimed at improving the interests of all citizens and are regarded as participatory processes for development (Sabzehie et al., 1400: 117).
Among Iranian cities, Tehran, due to its strategic importance can serve as a prominent example for illustrating and implementing a successful Islamic governance model in urban management. Based on this, and considering the following factors, Tehran city can act as a pioneering case for Islamic governance. Accordingly, the Tehran Municipality was selected as the case study for this research. The main aim of the study is to identify the fundamental themes of the Islamic governance model in urban management within Tehran Municipality. The primary research question is: What are the indicators, components, and levels of Islamic governance from the perspective of senior managers in Tehran Municipality?
Theoretical Foundations
In the theoretical literature, four models of urban governance have been identified: managerial governance, participatory governance, growth-oriented governance, and welfare governance. These models collectively encompass a comprehensive range of governance styles observed across various countries and cities worldwide.
Managerial governance involves local governments assuming the primary responsibility for meeting the needs and desires of citizens and residents. This is achieved through the direct provision and delivery of services by entities overseen by municipal authorities and local management structures.
Participatory governance, predominantly observed in developed European countries, emphasizes the active involvement of diverse groups and stakeholders in urban management. This model requires participation at multiple levels of policymaking, planning, and operational implementation, involving various public, governmental, and private organizations.
Growth-oriented governance focuses on fostering close and reciprocal interactions and collaborations between the private and public sectors. Establishing such partnerships necessitates the precondition of suitable political institutions at local, regional, and national levels, conducive to facilitating effective cooperation.
Welfare governance prioritizes the creation of public welfare through national and local governments. Under this model, the primary strategy involves securing extensive resources and facilities by the national government and allocating them to cities and regions to meet the needs and desires of local citizens and residents.
Research Methodology
Initially, a library research approach was employed, collecting necessary information from accessible documentary and electronic sources—including books, articles, projects, previous studies, national and local laws, such as the country's five-year development plans, and Tehran Municipality’s programs. The statistical population for the field survey consisted of senior managers and planners of Tehran. A sample of 30 participants was selected based on the theoretical saturation method, using purposive sampling. Data analysis of the interviews was conducted qualitatively through thematic or code-based analysis using MAXQDA software.
Findings
Based on the research findings, an initial set of 120 codes was systematically reduced to 30 subcategories. These subcategories were further condensed into core themes that constitute the Islamic governance model. The main themes include empowerment, long-term planning, organization, institutionalization, courage, evaluation, accountability, public participation, autonomy and freedom of choice, equality, consultation, self-awareness, avoidance of rent-seeking behavior, honesty and integrity, legality, adherence to law, influence, advocacy, efficiency, effective management, sacrifice and bravery, round-the-clock effort, spiritual leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, integrity, fairness, spatial justice, and justice.
In the third stage of analysis, the thematic analysis method was employed to transform the subcategories into overarching core themes. During this phase, the 30 subcategories were further distilled into eight principal themes, which serve as the foundational elements of the Islamic governance model in the Tehran Municipality. These core themes include facilitation of development, responsibility and accountability acceptance, fostering participatory and autonomous environments, transparency and honesty in actions, strict adherence to law, efficiency in operations, jihadist leadership, and fairness coupled with spatial justice. Based on this framework, the fourth stage involved identifying the central organizing theme of the research, which was derived from the set of eight main themes. This overarching theme is designated as "Islamic Governance in Urban Management of Tehran."
Results
Islamic governance comprises a set of principles, frameworks, and processes that collectively enhance urban management performance in Tehran. The core principles of Islamic governance stem from divine worldview and spirituality and serve as its foundation. Its framework emphasizes citizen participation, transparency, and anti-corruption measures. The processes facilitating this framework include digitalization, continuous and accurate supervision and evaluation, along with managers’ honesty and integrity
According to the identified principles and framework, the ultimate goal of Islamic governance encompasses creating a development-enabling environment, accepting responsibility and accountability, fostering participatory and transparent spaces, rule of law, efficiency, Jihadi management, and justice and fairness. The primary arm of Islamic city governance regarding the relationship between government and citizens is maximizing citizen participation, incorporating their opinions into decision-making processes, and creating conditions conducive to human development and excellence.
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* Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism, Faculty of Tourism, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran.
b.badkoo@usc.ac.ir
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6581-0041
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