Spatial Elucidation of the Gentrification Phenomenon in Coastal Tourism Cities (Case Study: Chabahar)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of urbanism, Ma.C., Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

The phenomenon of gentrification, as one of the forms of spatial reconstruction in contemporary cities, especially in coastal tourist cities, has significant effects on social composition, ownership structure, and spatial patterns of residence. Chabahar city has faced social and physical changes in recent years that reveal signs of gentrification in its urban context. The aim of this research is to spatially explain gentrification patterns in Chabahar. This research is of an applied type and was conducted with an explanatory-spatial approach. The data used included ten indicators that were extracted from the statistical blocks of the census of 2006 and 2016. To identify hidden patterns, the K-Means algorithm was used and the output was analyzed in the form of five natural spatial clusters. Multivariate clustering analysis showed that the third and fourth clusters represent gentrified areas with the highest level of social, economic, and physical capital. The first cluster, with high accessibility and moderate cultural and property capital, is on the verge of gentrification. The fifth cluster has a semi-stable structure with relative social cohesion. In contrast, the second cluster, with weakness in all indicators, reflects a deprived context and lacks the capacity to resist or absorb gentrification. It is suggested that in areas exposed to gentrification, control policies should include preventive policies to control the increase in land prices and housing rents. These interventions should be designed with the aim of maintaining social diversity and reducing the displacement of vulnerable groups.

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