Mashhad, City of Light

Abstract

The night phase of cities is an extra source of time and space. Using this reserve of time and space efficiently can provide opportunities for users in populated cities to engage in a wider range of activities. Evolution of light in urban spaces and emergence of 24-hour networks within cities is reviewed briefly while the main aim was to investigate and document urban lighting and the nightlife in city of Mashhad. Keeping a light on during the night has had a long history in Persian culture. An objective appearance of this tradition is traceable in Mashhad's Samen District and its landmark, Imam Reza's Shrine. The city is observed at four scales, from inside houses to the boundaries of the city, within the context of Persian culture. Three key concepts were identified: population growth pushes activities and users into the night phase of cities, belief structure and local culture support and provide safety of urban nightlife while authorities play a significant role in the formation of 24-hour districts. In the case of Mashhad, ideology seems to have played a crucial role in the formation of urban nightlife, while financial and social aspects are subordinates to the belief structure.