The Importance of the Role of Traditional Markets in the Context of Heritage Cities

Abstract

The traditional market architecture is a cultural space that supports the growth of local community activities in the heritage city. Its role depicts daily trade and community activities. The emergence of modern market architecture has caused the state of traditional market architecture to be increasingly threatened by economic competition and the presence of global culture. This research describes the tangible and intangible elements of the traditional market from the cultural aspect around the heritage city. The methodology used in this research is qualitative, where the data were gleaned from primary and secondary sources. The findings show that the unique elements of traditional markets still exist around the heritage city as a cultural space through the influence of historical values, diversity of activities, socio-culture, uniqueness of fresh and economical products, traditional business, central location and accessibility. In conclusion, the traditional market architecture needs to maintain its role and function as a sustainable cultural space in order to colour the economic, social and environmental growth of the local community in the city. In addition, this study can be used as a guideline to market development in the future to achieve a sustainable and unique quality of life of local community development growth.