Exploring Impact of Historical and Cultural Heritage on the Sustainability of Urban and Rural Settlements

Abstract

Sustainable development of urban and rural areas is a key focus in urban planning and socio-economic planning. While the scientific literature extensively discusses socio-economic, environmental, and anthropogenic factors that contribute to the sustainability of cities, the significance of cultural heritage often receives insufficient attention. This study addresses this gap by employing a multi-criteria model to evaluate the impact of tangible and intangible cultural heritage on the sustainability of cities in Syria for example Homs. By utilizing public domain materials and statistical data from municipal organizations, the study incorporates parameters based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The objective of the research is to determine the influence of these factors on the sustainability of Syrian cities and the role of cultural heritage in promoting socio-economic development and urban reconstruction after the military conflict. The multi-criteria model, developed through a systematic approach and qualimetry analysis, demonstrates that the preservation of cultural heritage positively impacts the sustainability of urban and rural settlements. The study reveals a decrease in the development level of settlements due to the loss of cultural heritage, while emphasizing the potential for increased development through the preservation of cultural heritage.