A Critique of the Application of Jan Gehl's Theory of Public Life in Iran from the Perspective of Islamic Thought, Relying on Allameh Tabatabai's Theory of Credit Perceptions

The theory of public life developed by Jan Gehl is one of the theories in the field of urban space planning and design that has been successfully implemented in Western countries. As a result, it has been evaluated in various countries, including Iran, and his outstanding works have been translated and published. Implementing Jan Gehl’s theory of public life can have positive effects on the quality of urban life, such as enhancing vitality, security, health, and sustainability; however, due to the economic, political, social, cultural, and ideological differences between Western countries and Iran, its applicability and localization appear to be extremely important. This study therefore aims to critique this theory by emphasizing the cultural dimension and using Islamic concepts. This is accomplished with a focus on the ideas of Allameh Tabatabai, who is one of the most prominent contemporary Islamic philosophers and has a valuable theory of credit perception. According to Allameh Tabatabai’s theory of credit perceptions, the concepts of the social world are creditable and malleable. This theory formed the basis for the development of the research method. Therefore, in order to analyze the validity, the ontology and anthropology that form these concepts must be identified and analyzed to elucidate the reasons for their emergence and efficacy. The findings of the study indicate that the core beliefs of Gehl’s theory of common life are incompatible with Islamic thought. However, by considering the modified credits based on Islamic thought in order to modify the existing theory, it is possible to eliminate its negative cultural effects and utilize this theory to meet the material and spiritual requirements of the citizens.