Historical Trees within the Framework of Urbanization (a Case Study of the Maryam Tree, Matariya District)

Abstract

Heritage trees are considered among the distinctive and documented features of the geological history of the development of the region and a witness to historical events and a record of the memory of the place. Some of these trees have been documented and preserved, but there were a lot of these trees that were neglected and erased, which made the area lose its natural historical character. This was caused by a combination of factors, including natural factors and factors resulting from haphazard urban development. The study aims to know the criteria for documenting heritage trees and monitoring their impact on the surrounding urban areas. The study followed the descriptive approach through literary review through books and research and the analytical approach by studying similar models of heritage trees and extracting the elements of choosing the heritage tree and the methods of urbanization dealing with the heritage tree and applying these elements to the study area (Maryam's tree) in the Matareya area. Through a documentation form showing the impact of Maryam's tree on the change of uses within the surrounding urban environment. This study concluded by highlighting the importance of protecting these heritage trees from extinction by linking them within the surrounding urban space in proportion to their historical importance. And enacting laws to document the heritage trees to protect them by making a comprehensive map to heritage trees in the Arab Republic of Egypt as a natural heritage that must be preserved.