Case Studies of Sanandaj and Sulaimani: Women’s Experiences of Urban Public Spaces in Rojhalat (Iran) and Bashur (KRG)

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the case studies of Sanandaj and Sulaimani, two major Kurdish cities in Iran and KRG, respectively. Looking at the past - from the founding of the two cities to today’s challenges of urbanisation and modernisation, we aim to lay the groundwork for understanding how these developments have shaped their urban identities, public spaces and social structures, particularly for women. Complementing this historical perspective, field studies conducted through surveys of women in both cities provide insights into their daily interactions with public spaces, their perceptions of safety, their social engagement, and the opportunities and obstacles they encounter. Through this structure, the chapter juxtaposes the cities’ historical legacies with their modern social landscapes and shows how these contexts shape women’s experiences in different yet interconnected ways. This comparative approach not only highlights the particular challenges and opportunities in Sanandaj and Sulaimani but also offers broader insights into the ways in which governance, culture and urban planning influence gender inclusion and equality in Kurdish cities. By bridging past and present, this chapter deepens our understanding of how public spaces reflect and influence social dynamics and offers lessons for promoting inclusive environments for women. This chapter builds on the empirical data and key findings initially presented in a journal article (Alizadeh et al., European PlanningStudies, 32(10):2203–2228, 2024). Here, the data are placed in a deeper historical context and reanalyzed to provide unique insights for this volume. To understand women’s experiences of urban public spaces in these cities today, it is important to begin by exploring their historical and cultural foundations. © 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.