The Morphology of the Traditional Fallujah Market between 1870 and 1958

Abstract

This study analyses the regional and autonomous components of the emergence and development of the traditional market of the city of Fallujah, initially a simple and modest commercial centre that evolved into a major urban hub by the end of the Ottoman empire. In particular, the article considers the use of traditional Arab architectural styles where, owing to the lack of modern methods of lighting, heating and cooling, architects sought to utilise the sun, moon and air currents. The role of the city as a vital nexus in the region;s transport infrastructure is also considered, as these transport links served as a catalytic external force which drove the expansion of the Fallujah marketplace and profoundly im[acted its urban identity. By studying the morphological reality of the market of the city of Fallujah in terms of origin and internal composition as well as urban fabric, this study hopes to offer new insights into the morphological identity of the city. It was necessary to follow and adopt a methodology for research through the descriptive-analytical method based on the collection of information, both from the sources that addressed the city and field study through direct observation and question the people of the city, especially the centenarians and officials in the municipality and a questionnaire.
 Keywords: Architectural styles, Khans, Fallujah market, commercial establish- ments, morphology