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Abstract
This study aims to provide a perspective on the symbolic characteristics of oil cities by focusing on the example of the first oil city in the Middle East, Masjed Soleyman city. Studies of oil cities are generally based on their industrial characteristics rather than their symbolic meanings. However, since oil became a distinctive symbol in the Middle East, these cities need to be examined from an altered perspective. Therefore, the present study analyses the urban context of Masjed Soleyman city based on four concepts of “city as overall sign”, “image of city”, “language of city” and “interpretation/communication” as well as the derived indicators from each concept. It is concluded that given the critical importance of oil at both the national and international levels, oil production was arguably maintained or sustained by various treatments of this city's inhabitants. In the process of exploring this ancient city, the study portrays that Masjed Soleyman characteristically symbolises control, social segregation and surveillance.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notes on contributors
Assoc. Prof. Dr Rafooneh M. Sani, Ph.D. in Architecture: Rafooneh M. Sani is an architect, educator and author. She holds Ph.D. degree in Architecture. Within the field of architectural design theory, her major research area covers subjects of semiotics and identity in architecture and urban studies. She has several peer-reviewed journal publications in her field of study. She is an Associate Professor at Eastern Mediterranean University, where she has been teaching architectural design and theory courses.
Asst. Prof. Dr Payam Mahasti, Ph.D. in Architecture: Payam Mahasti is an urban planner/designer, educator and author. He got his Ph.D. degree in Architecture within the field of urban design. He has been done many master plan and urban design projects and some peer-reviewed journal publications. He is an Assistant Professor at Cyprus International University.
Prof. Dr Naciye Doratli, Ph.D. in Architecture: Naciye Doratli studied in Urban Conservation at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and is an instructor at the Faculty of Architecture (EMU). She has many scientific publications in the field of urban conservation and revitalisation, chapters in scholarly edited books. She is the Director of EMU Center for Cyprus Studies, member of EMU Urban Design and Research Center, member of Board of Antiquities, registered independent expert in European Commission FP7 (Seventh Framework Programme) and member of Europa Nostra Scientific Council.