Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 M.Sc in Landscape Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Landscape Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
10.30473/psp.2026.78021.2814
Abstract
Introduction
While most studies on restorative environments have focused on urban green spaces, parks, and gardens, the role of cemeteries as spiritual and restorative spaces in Iranian cities, particularly within hot and arid climates, has received limited attention. This study aims to investigate the restorative potential of cemeteries and identify the environmental, spiritual, and landscape-related factors influencing visitors’ psychological restoration, using Behesht-e Mohammad Rasoul Allah Cemetery in Zahedan as a case study.
Methodology
The research employed an Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods design. In the qualitative phase, 59 semi-structured interviews were conducted with cemetery visitors, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. In the quantitative phase, the extracted themes were transformed into dichotomous variables and examined using the Chi-square goodness-of-fit test in SPSS.
Results
The findings revealed that among the components of Attention Restoration Theory (ART), “Being Away” (84.7%; χ² = 28.49, p < 0.001), “Compatibility” (76.3%; χ² = 16.28, p < 0.001), and “Fascination” (74.6%; χ² = 14.25, p < 0.001) had significant effects on visitors’ restorative experiences, whereas “Extent” was not statistically significant (p = 0.091). In addition, four emergent themes were identified, including “Leisure Activities” (83.1%), “Sacralization” (76.3%), “Ritual Expression” (72.9%), and “Altruism” (54.2%), of which the first three were statistically significant (p < 0.001).
Discussion and Conclusion
The results indicate that psychological restoration in the studied cemetery is not solely dependent on natural elements. Rather, factors such as silence, solitude, spirituality, reminders of mortality, and reflection on life play a substantial role in enhancing visitors’ psychological restoration.
Keywords
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