Islamic Urbanism and Access Regulation as a Guide to the Future the Case of Medieval Cairo

Medieval Cairo's urban design reveals a hierarchical system of access and enclosure, reflecting Islamic societal patterns. This study identifies how domestic spaces—ranging from courtyard houses to entire quarters—were structured around privacy and regulated access, forming nested hierarchies that mirrored social interactions and allegiance within Islamic society. By analyzing medieval documents, the research does not aim to reconstruct the past but instead extracts prescribed regulations to address modern urban estrangement caused by Western architectural influences. The findings suggest that traditional Islamic urbanism, rooted in shari’a traditions, offers a blueprint for sustainable, culturally resonant urban planning today.

Shokry, H. M. (2012). ISLAMIC URBANISM AND ACCESS REGULATION AS A GUIDE TO THE FUTURE THE CASE OF MEDIEVAL CAIRO. JES. Journal of Engineering Sciences, 40(3), 943–958. https://doi.org/10.21608/jesaun.2012.114428