Transformation of place identity; a case of heritage and conflict in Iraq

Post-war urban transformation in Erbil, Iraq, significantly impacts place identity, highlighting the need for resilient urban development approaches. The study, focusing on Erbil's historic core and contemporary urban areas, reveals that intensive reconstruction efforts, driven by political stability post-2003 invasion, have negatively influenced the city's identity rooted in its ancient citadel—a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 5000 B.C. Key informant interviews with local residents, policymakers, and stakeholders were used alongside morphological analysis to explore these changes. The research underscores the importance of balancing historical preservation with modernization to ensure place identity evolves while remaining resilient to future conflicts.

Almukhtar, A. (2016). Transformation of place identity; a case of heritage and conflict in Iraq. International Planning History Society Proceedings, Vol. 17 No. 3 (2016): HISTORY URBANISM RESILIENCE: Change and Responsive Planning. https://doi.org/10.7480/IPHS.2016.3.1274