Conserving Heritage Values of Traditional Souqs: Case Study of Souq El-Turk, Alexandria. (Dept. A)

Abstract

The traditional Souqs play a vital role as the heart of old Arab cities in the Mediterranean and Middle East. These Souqs are substantially linked to the historical existence of these cities, their urban development, their unique characteristic, and their associated sense of place. In the age of globalization, in the context of social and economic changes and the Widespread of typical Western-style shopping centers, many of these old Souqs face increasing challenges of maintaining their own identity or even their existence. The open and multi-functional character of such traditional Souqs has made them a focal point for interaction between tangible and intangible elements of heritage, as well as between different cultures and experiences over time. In these complex urban environments, the values-based approach is one of the most important approaches that can support the conservation and effective integration of such heritage sites within the urban context of cities. Therefore, the main concern of this paper is applying a value-based approach to conserving Souq el-Turk at Alexandria as part of the Turkish city dating back to the 17th century during the Ottoman domination of Egypt, that area is currently one of the oldest inhabited places in the city which have been facing increasing challenges due to various urban pressures along with deficiencies in the prevailing thought of conservation.