Modernization and preservation of the Islamic urban heritage

The physical changes brought about by the recent developments in the Muslim cities have been achieved at considerable cost to the quality of its social cohesion and spatial organization. Its architectural style and urban patterns are becoming mere copies of perhaps the worst elements of the Western city.;Governments in the Middle East are faced with the urgent need for preserving the character and heritage of their Islamic cities and the simultaneous need to provide contemporary necessities by incorporating modern services, materials and technology into the city structure.;This research addresses the issues mentioned above. It begins with the hypothesis that the traditional urban forms rather than those imported from the West are best suited for the Muslim way of life and a cohesive society. Secondly, in order for it to succeed, modernization of the Islamic city must be balanced with preservation of the traditional urban heritage.;The research gives a brief account of the historical development and transformation of Muslim cities through history. A discussion of specific aspects of the Islamic built environment is also discussed. This includes an analysis of there relationships between socio-cultural and religious values and the form of the traditional Islamic city.;In order to present strong arguments against imported Western planning concepts and alien architectural designs, the author discusses some incompatibilities between Western planning ideology and the Islamic built environment. The research also includes brief case studies of selected cities in the Middle East.;Based on the need to halt the transformation of the Islamic city, to preserve what is left of its historical heritage, and to enhance its basic socio-cultural and religious values, policy recommendations are set forth. These recommendations represent a valuable resource and a point of reference for mayors, planners, local and national governments.;This dissertation concludes with a summary and suggestions for further investigation in areas not covered in this research.