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Rethinking Gendered Spatial Practices in Iran
Abstract
This paper focuses on the idea of andaruni (the “women-only space” in gender segregated courtyard houses in Iran) and how this idea has been idealized and recently revived in spatial practices by state, architects, and planners in public spaces in contemporary Iran. Similar to andaruni, the new gender segregated spaces have confined women within the spatial margins of the public realm. Through a transnational feminist lens and theories of gender and space, this study comparatively examines the gender segregated inward-oriented private courtyard houses (with separate andaruni and biruni spaces) with women-only public spaces in contemporary Iran. Drawing on archival sources, visual, and cultural analysis the paper argues that the revival of gender segregated spaces in contemporary Iran (re)produced the female body as “other” and affected gender norms in public spaces. The paper ultimately illustrates how women utilize and forge tactics to resist marginalization and to negotiate their inclusions and rights in public life.
Discipline
Architecture & Urban Planning
Geographic Area
Iran
Sub Area
Gender/Women's Studies