Authors
1
PhD student in Cultural Management, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Cultural Management, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration and Media, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/fakh.2025.532489.1745
Abstract
Introduction
Civic culture, as a fundamental component of sustainable urban and social development, plays a crucial role in shaping responsible, law-abiding, and participatory behaviors among citizens (Gholamzadeh-Fard, 2021). In Islamic societies, religious and social institutions—particularly mosques—possess substantial capacity to promote civic values and norms due to their spiritual, educational, and social functions (Delzendeh et al., 2014). Mosques are not only places of worship but also influential spaces for strengthening social cohesion, providing informal education, and enhancing the quality of the urban environment (Zarei, 2016). Despite the recognized importance of civic culture in urban management and development, challenges such as declining social participation, a weakening sense of belonging, and diminished civic responsibility have intensified the need to reassess the role of local institutions (Haji-Esmaeili & Khalilian, 2011). In this context, mosques, as deeply rooted institutions within local communities, can play a constructive role in civic education, the reinforcement of law-abiding behavior, and the promotion of social norms (Timornezhad et al., 2016; Hosseini Karim-Abad et al., 2016). However, existing studies indicate that relatively few investigations have systematically examined the role of mosques in improving civic culture (Akbari & Ghasemi, 2023). The main research question guiding this study is:
Through which components and functions can mosques contribute to the enhancement of civic culture?
Accordingly, the purpose of this research is to identify and analyze these components and to propose a conceptual model for improving civic culture, with an emphasis on the role of mosques in South Khorasan Province. Such a model may serve as a foundation for cultural and social policymaking at the local level.
Methodology
The present study is applied in purpose and qualitative in nature, employing a systematic literature review approach. Research data were collected from both domestic and international scholarly sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles and academic theses. The literature search was conducted using keywords related to civic culture, mosques, social participation, and civic education, covering the period from 2015 to 2024. To enhance the rigor and validity of the findings, the selection of relevant studies was guided by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and implemented through four stages of screening and refinement. Of the 123 studies initially identified, 24 sources met the eligibility criteria and were ultimately selected for final analysis. Data analysis was carried out using qualitative content analysis, in which concepts were systematically coded at multiple levels, leading to the extraction of main and subordinate components. This methodological framework enabled the identification of conceptual patterns, comparison of scholarly perspectives, and synthesis of findings toward the development of a proposed conceptual model.
Findings
The findings of the study indicate that mosques in South Khorasan Province possess substantial potential as well as existing capacities for enhancing civic culture. This role is not confined solely to religious and ritual functions; rather, it extends across social, educational, physical (spatial), and economic dimensions. The high density of mosques in the province, together with their historical and cultural background, provides a favorable context for mosques to play an active role in the everyday lives of citizens.
Based on the qualitative content analysis of the selected studies, the key components influencing the improvement of civic culture were identified across five main dimensions: human relations, communicative capacities of mosques, architectural and physical status, the concept of placemaking, and civic education. Within the dimension of human relations, mosques foster connections between individuals and God, the self, and others, thereby promoting adherence to social norms, social responsibility, and behaviors grounded in religious ethics. Interactions between imams and worshippers, group interactions, and collective activities emerge as some of the most important mechanisms for strengthening social capital within mosque spaces.
With regard to communicative capacities, mosques function as local social networks that contribute to social cohesion and increased civic participation through the organization of cultural, social, and supportive activities. The findings also reveal that the architecture and spatial positioning of mosques, particularly within the urban and rural contexts of South Khorasan, play a significant role in identity formation, strengthening a sense of place attachment, and enhancing the quality of the urban environment. The concept of mosque-based placemaking, achieved through the integration of physical, social, perceptual, and cultural components, transforms mosques from purely ritual spaces into dynamic venues for social and cultural interaction.
Finally, the findings demonstrate that mosques, as centers of informal education, play a vital role in teaching civic rights and responsibilities, promoting law-abiding behavior, enhancing social awareness, and contributing to economic empowerment and psychological well-being, particularly during times of crisis.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate that mosques in South Khorasan Province, due to their spiritual significance, extensive social networks, and cultural influence, have the potential to serve as strategic institutions for promoting civic culture. The conceptual model developed here shows that integrating the religious, social, educational, and physical functions of mosques can enhance social cohesion, strengthen social capital, and improve quality of life in both urban and rural communities. The discussion suggests that when mosques extend beyond their traditional roles and actively engage in local cultural, educational, and social programs, they can help address challenges such as declining social participation, weakened sense of belonging, youth migration, and broader social issues. Attention to indigenous mosque architecture, social placemaking, and the development of managerial capacities is essential to realize these expanded functions. Practically, the study provides guidance for cultural policymakers, urban planners, and mosque administrators. By designing mosque-based civic education initiatives and fostering collaboration among local institutions, sustainable cultural and social development can be promoted. Future research is recommended to adopt field-based, quantitative, or mixed-method approaches, as well as comparative studies, to validate the proposed model and assess its applicability in other regions of the country.
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