In Search of the Abiding City

This research investigates how the urban landscape of Tehran shapes the narratives of Iranian female authors, highlighting the intricate connections between gender, identity, and spatial dynamics. This study focuses on Tehran to provide a deeper understanding of its role as Iran’s political and cultural center. By examining four key novels—"Negaran nabash" by Mahsa Moheb?ali, "Ehtemalan gom shodeh?am" by Sara Salar, "Natamami" by Zahra ?Abdi, and "Az sheytan amukht va suzand" by Farkhondeh Aqa?i—this research addresses a significant gap in Iranian scholarship concerning the depiction of urban environments in works by female writers. Applying theoretical frameworks such as the concepts of the "flâneuse", the Right to the City, and identity formation through narrative space, the research illustrates how the urban context profoundly impacts the experiences of female characters. The findings reveal that, while Tehran presents numerous challenges and gender-based obstacles, it also serves as a vital arena for women to express their identities and resist traditional societal constraints. This duality creates a complex relationship between female characters and their urban environment, characterized by both confinement and empowerment. Ultimately, this study provides new insights into the gendered experiences in Iranian urban literature, revealing how female authors navigate and express both their challenges and sense of agency within Tehran’s shifting sociopolitical landscape.