Introduction

Rural housing in Iran exhibits various typologies due to its climatic and geographical diversity. These dwellings are constructed based on geographical characteristics, land conditions, livelihoods, lifestyles, and the social and cultural features of each region. Therefore, the main focus is to understand how social factors have influenced the architectural appearance and structure of rural housing throughout history, creating a housing pattern distinct from that of neighboring villages in this specific geographical area. The Turkmen, who were historically nomadic and constantly on the move, have developed a different model of rural housing after settling in one place. In this context, the role of social factors is quite significant. Thus, the question arises: how have the identity components of traditional society manifested in the housing elements of Turkmen villages? This research aims to find answers to this question by examining the extent to which social components influence the rural housing patterns in the Turkmen-inhabited areas of Raz and Jargalan County.

Methodology

The current research is a survey that is applied in terms of its objective and descriptive-analytical in terms of its method. For collecting the necessary information, both document-based and field methods were utilized. The data collection tool was a semi-structured questionnaire, which was completed through interviews. The statistical population of this study consists of villagers living in the Turkoman-inhabited villages of Razojergalan County (34 out of 53 inhabited villages in the county). Using the N0 formula and at a 0.2% margin of error, 15 villages were selected through stratified sampling based on population size, which has a total population of 13,474 individuals across 3,407 households, representing 32% of the rural population of the county. The sample size, determined using the Cochran formula, was equivalent to 247 individuals at a 0.6% margin of error. Eight questionnaires were allocated as a baseline for each village, while the remaining 127 questionnaires were distributed proportionally based on the number of households in the villages. By adding one questionnaire to the Tash Nafas village, the total sample size in the villages increased to 248 rural households.

Results

Based on the results of the study, the overall level of the rural housing pattern in the selected villages was perceived by the villagers as being lower than the theoretical average of the study (which is 3), with a mean of 2.4. The comfort in housing, with a mean of 2.85, fared better than other components within the region. According to the results from the PSI model, the villages of Ashraf al-Islam, Greshli Baghli, and Qara Aqaj experienced the highest levels of change in housing patterns, while the villages of Qara Batr, Imam Darreh, and Tangeh Turkman experienced the lowest level of change in rural housing. 
Furthermore, the overall level of social factors within the sampled villages, as viewed by the villagers, was also below the theoretical mean of the research (3), showing a mean of 2.87. The component of power and authority, with a mean of 3.13, was comparatively in a better position than other factors in the region. In spatial analysis, the villages of Yekeh Saud Sofla, Tash Nafas, and Amanli ranked highest in terms of socio-cultural factors influencing rural housing patterns due to their traditional social fabric and greater susceptibility to social customs and traditions. Conversely, the villages of Imam Darreh, Qara Batr, and Nakleh Qooz ranked lowest regarding socio-cultural factors.

Discussion

Based on the findings of the research, there is a direct and moderate correlation among the research variables (correlation coefficient of 0.479). In other words, a moderate and positive relationship exists between socio-cultural factors and the housing patterns of rural residents in the study area. This means that as the status of socio-cultural factors in the seven components increases, the housing patterns of rural residents also change. Specifically, in the villages studied, the social components account for 20.7% of the changes in the housing patterns, while identity and lifestyle components have the highest influences at 26% and 21%, respectively. Ultimately, it can be concluded that socio-cultural factors have a significant impact on the housing patterns of rural residents in the study area.

Conclusion

The results obtained from the current research regarding the influence of social factors on the housing patterns of villagers align with findings from previous studies, which indicated a significant impact of social and cultural factors on rural housing patterns in various regions of the country. However, the aspect that distinguishes the results of this study from earlier research is the comprehensive approach to the social components affecting housing patterns. The findings reveal that the most substantial influences on changes in housing patterns among the factors considered are identity and lifestyle in the Turkman villages.
Ultimately, based on the obtained results and the understanding of regional constraints, the following suggestions can be made to enhance the quantity and quality of rural housing influenced by social factors within the studied area:
- Providing more education to villagers to enhance technical knowledge and utilize expert consultation for housing construction;
- Actively collaborating with villagers by the government in constructing resilient housing through incentives and encouragement for those who adhere to safety measures such as using frameworks, structural roofs, having earthquake-resistant features, and utilizing durable materials in the construction of roofs, floors, and walls.