Analysis of the Spatial Distribution of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Order to Preserve and Develop Heritage in Iran

The Managing and Protection of intangible cultural heritage is done through the process of “identifying, evaluating, documenting and recording, raising awareness, reviving, promoting and transmitting aspects of heritage in all its manifestations.” Considering the richness of Iran in terms of the existence of intangible heritage, the purpose of this study is to investigate the spatial distribution of the protection of intangible cultural heritage in Iran. By examining the relevant documents and extracting information from them, a database of geographical locations of intangible heritage in Iran was formed, and the spatial distribution of intangible heritage was analyzed through the GIS. Findings indicate that a total of 1065 intangible heritage has been registered in Iran and the highest number recorded was related to “skills in handicrafts and traditional arts” and the lowest was related to “traditions and oral manifestations including language (heritage media).” Also, Semnan province, with 66 registered heritages (7%), had the highest number, and Qom province, with 14 heritages (1.4%), had the lowest number of registrations. In addition, in the intangible heritage type of “knowledge and behaviors related to nature and the universe,” there are three provinces. In the heritage type of “traditions and oral manifestations including language (heritage media),” there are 12 provinces that have not registered any related heritage.It can be concluded that the spatial distribution of intangible heritage in Iran was unbalanced, so managing and protecting intangible heritage is not a priority for policymakers in this area, and their approach is passive. Finally, theoretical and practical suggestions were presented based on the findings and results