Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities

Resilience of Iranian civilization against environmental hazards

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

Iman Nezamzadeh 1
Mehdi Zare 2

1 Ph.D. in Geology, Iranology Foundation, Tehran, Iran

2 Full Professor of Seismology, International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22035/isih.2025.5485.5120
Abstract
The Iranian civilization, one of the oldest global civilizations, has developed within a challenging and hazard-prone environment, exposed to frequent earthquakes, droughts, floods, desertification, and climate change. Despite these threats, it has maintained a sustainable way of life through indigenous knowledge, participatory social structures, and climate-adaptive technologies. This study aims to analyze the mechanisms of Iranian civilization’s resilience to environmental hazards through a descriptive-analytical and interdisciplinary approach. The theoretical framework draws on Holling, Berkes, and Adger, conceptualizing resilience as the synergistic interaction between humans and nature. Findings indicate that indigenous technologies such as qanats, windcatchers, climate-responsive architecture, and social institutions like waqf and local councils have been instrumental in environmental adaptation. Case studies from Yazd, Gonabad, Masuleh, Sistan, Tabriz, and Bam illustrate this historical resilience: for example, water management in Sistan using dams and the Helmand River, climate-adaptive architecture in Yazd reducing energy consumption, and local social systems enabling post-earthquake recovery in Bam. The study emphasizes the value of integrating historical practices with modern approaches to foster forward-looking resilience against contemporary environmental crises.

Keywords

Iranian civilization
resilience
indigenous knowledge
traditional technology
disaster management
sustainable development

Subjects

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Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities
Volume 17, Issue 4 - Serial Number 68
Ecological Civilization
Autumn 2025
Pages 121-137

  • Receive Date 16 April 2025
  • Revise Date 22 June 2025
  • Accept Date 01 July 2025

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