Detecting the physical aspects of local identity using a hybrid qualitative and quantitative approach: The case of Souk Al-Khawajat district

Abstract

The identity of the city is shaped over a long period of time and is developed according to needs of growing population over years. The population and urban growth along with adoption of mechanisms of urbanization and western settlements can lead to city losing its own identity. This paper attempts to establish a methodology for exploring physical aspects of local identity, to determine actual uniqueness of physical environment of district to make cities stand out and continues across their own heritage. For achieving this aim, the current study proposes a method for investigating local identity using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Both space syntax and personal observations are combined to analyze several physical aspects related to local identity of Souk Al-Khawajat district. Mansoura is known for its unique features in terms of origin, location, cultural and social interactions, where Souk Al-Khawajat is a representative of its oldest identity. The results reveal usefulness of space syntax and observation in comprehensively analyzing several aspects of local identity of district under study. It could be concluded that Souk Al-Khawajat represents an excellent model of how local identity changes over time due to possible shift in social, political, economic and cultural values and priorities.