The transformation of the city of Najaf, Iraq: Analysis, reality and future prospects

Abstract

This paper addresses the subject of the transformation of traditional environments and how this affects the future style of sacred cities. The study attempts to analyse and evaluate the traditional structural characteristics and structural transformations in holy shrine city centres, and to find an approach to protect the urban and architectural style of those cities. The paper assumes an existing impact of urbanisation on the traditional structure of the sacred city of Najaf in Iraq. Holy cities provide the organic connection between acts of worship and religion and reveal the mechanism and reasons behind the regulatory nature of holy shrines and their role in achieving organisational integration of urban structure in all areas of replanning in a historical holy city. The research demonstrates that the need to accommodate visitors does not justify the random acts of destruction and removal of historical areas and buildings on the pretext of providing car parking spaces and rest areas for visitors during religious visits. Alternative solutions for special events should be sought that meet visitor needs while at the same time preserving the traditional structures.