Studying the effect of implementing the Great Mosque of Tehran on the development of surrounding urban neighborhoods Case study: Abbas Abad neighborhood

Introduction
Large urban projects inevitably present challenges including traffic issues, transportation pattern changes, and social fabric disruption. These mega-projects often result in land use modifications, increased population density, infrastructure pressure, and environmental irregularities. Without proper public participation and social considerations, such projects frequently generate resident dissatisfaction and diminish neighborhood belonging.
Tehran's Grand Musalla, a significant urban-religious project covering approximately 63 hectares in District 7's Abbas Abad neighborhood, exemplifies these complex dynamics. This research investigates whether the musalla has contributed to neighborhood development and improved conditions, or conversely created problems for residents. Key questions include its contribution to economic prosperity versus increased traffic and environmental issues, and its impact on residents' quality of life. The study examines the social and cultural effects of this religious-cultural complex on community interactions and addresses the central question: What impacts has Tehran's Grand Musalla had on the physical, social, and economic development of Abbas Abad neighborhood?
Research Methodology
This descriptive, mixed-method research employs both qualitative and quantitative approaches to analyze the musalla's developmental impacts. Data collection utilized two primary sources: library research encompassing books, scientific articles, research reports, and theses on urban development and mega-project impacts; and survey data collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire.
The 40-item questionnaire specifically evaluates Tehran's Musalla's neighborhood impacts using a 5-point scale (0-5) covering economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. The statistical population comprised 115,930 households in Abbas Abad neighborhood (Iran Statistics Center, 2016). Using Cochran's formula with 95% confidence level, the sample size was determined as 384 respondents, selected randomly with balanced proportional distribution. Data analysis employed t-tests and regression analysis.
Findings
Regression analysis revealed that most variables showed no significant impact on neighborhood development related to the musalla's presence. For instance, transportation infrastructure, typically crucial for urban development, showed a positive but insignificant coefficient (0.040, p=0.120). Similarly, "physical improvement of streets" and "commercial activity expansion" demonstrated weak coefficients (-0.015 and 0.014 respectively) with non-significant p-values above 0.05.
These results suggest that Tehran's Grand Musalla has not significantly influenced various Abbas Abad neighborhood development factors, indicating other elements may play more substantial roles in neighborhood development.
Discussion and Conclusion
Despite statistical insignificance in regression analysis, the musalla demonstrated notable positive impacts across multiple dimensions. In physical development, residents rated impacts at 3.88/5, with strongest effects on transportation infrastructure (4.43), street organization and drainage (4.12), and electrical infrastructure (4.12). Problematic texture improvement (4.31) was also significant. However, street physical conditions (3.94), water networks (3.94), and pedestrian safety (3.18) require attention. Green space per capita decreased from 3,000 to 2,500 square meters (16.67% reduction), presenting ongoing challenges.
Economically, the musalla positively impacted neighborhood prosperity with scores of 3.64/5 and T=4.21, indicating improved economic conditions. Commercial activity expansion (T=4.19), employment opportunities growth (T=3.95), and capital attraction (T=3.61) were key achievements. However, housing prices doubled from 2 to 4 million tomans per square meter (100% increase), and traditional market impacts (T=3.92) created challenges for some residents.
Socially, the musalla strengthened social interactions and resident belonging with scores of 3.66/5 and T=4.45. Educational opportunities increased (T=3.61), public transportation access improved (T=3.74), and sense of place strengthened (T=4.20). Nevertheless, increased traffic (3.82) and reduced neighborhood security (T=3.30) remain challenging.
Environmentally, the musalla showed mixed impacts with scores of 3.87/5. Neighborhood cleanliness improved (4.23) and waste management enhanced (3.53). However, air pollution increased from 50 PPM to 70 PPM (40% increase), and reduced green space per capita present ongoing challenges.
The regression analysis's overall non-significance (p=0.398) suggests the musalla's influence may be concentrated in specific dimensions rather than comprehensively affecting all development variables. This indicates need for more precise planning to ensure equitable benefit distribution and negative impact reduction.
Tehran's Grand Musalla, as an urban mega-project, has played an important role in developing surrounding neighborhoods, including Abbas Abad. Infrastructure improvements, economic growth, strengthened social interactions, and enhanced residential quality represent key project achievements, though targeted interventions remain necessary to address persistent challenges.