Community-led initiatives for the rehabilitation and management of vernacular settlements in Oman: a phenomenon in the making

Community-led initiatives are emerging as a transformative force in the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of vernacular settlements in Oman, particularly at Bahla Fort. This research reveals that such bottom-up efforts, driven by local communities, are fostering heritage tourism while facing significant challenges due to centralized policies and insufficient regulations regarding land use, restoration, and adaptive reuse. Through three case studies, the study employed a mixed-methods approach—including data analysis, onsite observations, interviews with stakeholders, and quantitative data extraction from hotel booking platforms—to uncover unexpected interrelations among these initiatives and their operational dynamics. The findings highlight the potential of horizontal cooperation between community-led projects but also underscore the need for policy reforms to support sustainable heritage management.

Naima, B. (2021). Community-led initiatives for the rehabilitation and management of vernacular settlements in Oman: a phenomenon in the making. Built Heritage, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43238-021-00039-5