Historic City Research Articles

Preserving Cultural Identity in Historic Cities: Exploring the Intersection of Tradition and Development in Varanasi, India

Historic cities are invaluable collections of cultural heritage, embodying centuries of history, tradition, and identity.Varanasi, known as India's oldest city, has a rich history and architectural style that combines Hindu, Islamic, and Mughalinfluences. Its core consists of ancient temples, ghats, and traditional houses. However, the quick speed of expansion andurbanization has raised worries about preservation of its cultural identity, posing a delicate balance between historicityand demands of modernization and expansion. This paper looks at the complex interplay of cultural identity, tradition, andchange in the architectural environment of historic cities, with a particular emphasis on Varanasi. The study investigatesthe impact of urban development on the city’s cultural fabric. The paper will investigate both historical and contemporaryarchitectural practices, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that exist at this intersection. The paperhighlights the necessity of creating a balance between cultural identity and urban development.

ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF IDENTIFIED HISTORIC BAZAR OF SULTANATE PERIOD TOWARD TOURISM AND ECONOMIC UPLIFTING IN THE REGION OF SOUTHERN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Internationally, historic bazars are being regenerated to maintain and sustain the ambience of heritage core of the city. In Pakistan, this concept is also being followed in historic cities like Lahore, which have meaningful results by saving endangered heritage of specific time period as well creating economic, recreational and tourism activities having direct impact on uplifting of the community. There is need to apply this concept of regeneration in the other historic cities of Pakistan especially the remote areas like Southern Punjab where the heritage is being detoriating due to lack of maintenance and encroachment and need to protect on priority basis. Southern Punjab, Pakistan is a cradle of many civilizations and full of historic monuments with a most important era of Sultanate Period in which numbers of shrines were built spiritually in the memory of Sufi saints who played a vital role in spread of Islam in the region. Regular visits by their followers, especially during URS, led to the establishment of commercial and recreational activities in the form of bazars and mela grounds around these shrines. However, as city centers evolved over time, these bazars have deteriorated, necessitating regeneration for the revival of the historic core's ambiance This research focuses on the regeneration of historic bazars during the Sultanate Period in one of the historic settlements of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. The methodology involves a comprehensive survey and interviews with experts, contributing valuable insights to the existing body of knowledge. Emphasizing compliance with SDG-11.4, which underscores the importance of ensuring the safety of indigenous heritage, the study aims to provide practical recommendations for the sustainable regeneration of these historic bazars, safeguarding Southern Punjab's rich cultural legacy.

Digital Protection and Innovative Development Path of Red Culture Resources Based on Distributed Machine Learning Supported by Intelligent Information

As a product of the revolutionary war years, red culture, with its strong vitality, strong cohesion and extraordinary charm, with its incomparable positive energy, resists vulgar and flattering culture, promotes people to rebuild their faith, purify their minds, stimulate their motivation, and promote the process of cultural power. Yan’an, represented by red culture, is rich in resources. This is the holy land of Chinese revolution, the first batch of famous historical and cultural cities named by the State Council, and the three major education bases of patriotism, revolutionary tradition, and Yan’an spirit. The development and utilization of such resources have great political, cultural, educational and economic values. This research is based on the development of red culture, and uses the distributed machine learning system to realize in the system architecture of parameter server. In the distributed system set in this study, node downtime and network interruption are random. When the parameter server system adopts static scheduling, it leads to poor scalability and robustness. The experimental results show that under the intelligent simulation of machine learning system, the development of red culture resources meets the expected assumptions, and the accuracy of the model is relatively high.

А. N. Aristov's Concept «Kyiv as an Architectural & Artistic City» and the Evolution of Approaches to the Historical City in Ukrainian Architectural Science

The article examines the evolution of views of domestic planners and researchers of urban development on the so-called «historical city» during the 20th century. The design of the opposition «old»/ «new city» at the beginning of the 20th century is traced. Special attention is paid to the first conceptual work on the mentioned topic by the Kyiv municipal official A. N. Aristov, «Kyiv as an architectural and artistic city» (1918). Expanding his, so to speak, landscape considerations, Aristov singled out factors that must be taken into account in urban planning. Comparing the views of centuries ago with the current state of affairs, our investigation outlines the methodological prerequisites for the study of the urban development of the historical city, as well as a significant change in the views of domestic researchers and designers regarding the urban heritage of the second half of the 19th - early 20th centuries, which is the most actively took place in the 1970s and 1980s. An important summary of the research of the last quarter of the 20th century. was the formation of historical and architectural protection zones of Kyiv, the allocation of the confluence of the Dnieper and Lybіd rivers as a natural border of the conscious development of the city at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, where the most valuable and integral urban development that took place before the beginning of the 20th century is located. and covers the plateau between the Dnieper and the Lybіd valley. The urban planning analysis of this planning structure, which stretched across the plateau along the Dnieper from north to south, determines the main distinguishing feature of Kyiv is its expedient urban planning linear system. Highlighting the natural-organic and four-dimensional spatio-temporal character of this system, this position is illustrated by a peculiar parade of hills: high-altitude dominants are located at certain spatio-temporal intervals from each other (half an hour or an hour's walk) in such a way that they do not "overlap" one another with visual perception, without suppressing or obscuring anything, and flowing like different themes in a melody, they create a single architectural and artistic composition. At the same time, already in ancient times, Kyiv was a constellation of settlements – a prototype of future satellite cities. Let's emphasize that the develop­ment of urban planning opportunities embedded in this system remains an urgent modern task. The author's personal contribution is the classification of artistic, methodological and organizational proposals of A. N. Aristov's concept. Town plan­ning centers that should be taken into account in urban planning: architectural and artistic, scenic and poetic points. The article characterizes and defines the principle urban planning locations in the process of building the architectural and artistic structure of Kyiv; clarified the organizational provisions of Aristov's architectural and artistic concept with the proposal of new management structures up to the creation of modern structures such as the City Architectural and Planning Office.

Conceptual basis of architectural and urban planning heritage development in ethnic regions of Ukraine

The article describes the results of the philosophical and methodological analysis of the definitions - "formation", "concept" and "network" in the context of the preservation of architectural and urban heritage in ethnic regions of Ukraine. The relationship between these definitions and modern ideas about sustainable development and self-organization is revealed by their postmodern interpretation and architectural-sociological orientation. On this basis, two macrocosmic principles - the tectonicity of the formation of cultural focuses and the cyclicity nature of the sustainable development of ethnic regions, and two microcosmic principles - the architectonicity self-organization of the areas of these focuses’ and the ornamentality of their network is theoretically substantiated. These principles form the philosophical foundations of the formation of regional networks of historical centers of architectural and urban heritage on the territory of Ukraine. The principle of cyclicity reflects the recurrence of periodic changes in natural phenomena and stages of sustainable development of settlements and communities. The essence of the principle of tectonicity consists in the non-accidental placement of the overwhelming majority of focuses’ of architectural and urban heritage, which are provincial cities and towns, outside the zones of tectonic rupture dislocations and geopathogenic zones. The principle of architectonicity, which connects the natural and artificial environment, regulates the location of individual focuses’ and areas outside of fully urbanized territories, between highways and railways of national and international importance. The natural component of the architectonicity principle is rooted in the desire of a large part of historical provincial cities, towns, and villages to be located in a functionally and aesthetically attractive landscape environment - on the coasts of seas, lakes, and rivers, on the tops and slopes of hills, against the background of forest areas, etc. The principle of ornamentality integrates macrocosmic cyclicity and tectonicity with microcosmic architectonicity. It has a multi-layered structure, contains potentials, and becomes a regulator of the formation and sustainable development of the investigated network at all levels of its architectonical structure.

Structure of the modern city: context of the urban transformation

The article highlights the urgent issue of changes in urban planning structures in the process of development on the example of Ukrainian cities. The transformation of the city structure is one of its most dynamic properties in the process of its growth in space and time. Generalisation of the characteristic features of the development of historical cities makes it possible to identify typical models of their development and changes. The problems that arise in the process of transforming the urban planning structure of a modern city are very relevant today, as this process continues and is gaining momentum. The question is: how can innovative responses to complex problems are developed to help further optimal development and stop negative trends? The purpose of the publication is to reveal the essence of the processes of transformation of the modern city, divided by method, on the example of typical models in relation to the characteristics of certain periods of development of urban planning structures of both Western European cities and Ukrainian cities. Analysis and generalisation provide an opportunity not only to draw conclusions, but also to form a universal model as a basis for solving problems and to enable the modern city to improve the quality and comfort of its residents. The two ways of transforming the urban planning structure, according to certain periods of its development, described in the text of the article, provide an opportunity to structure and generalise dynamic processes on the example of both Western European cities and Ukrainian cities. Three typical models of urban transformation are distinguished by their characteristic features, according to the main historical periods, which make it possible to form a universal model as a basis for solving the problems of the modern city. Therefore, in order to improve the quality of life and comfort of residents, which is one of the sustainable aspects, all possible resources should be used in the process of creating a global integrated modern urban structure by combining all elements into a whole, capable of developing both today and in the future.

Tracing the Roots of Historic Cities: Embracing Sustainable Green Cities and Navigating Threats through Original Characteristics

Tracing the Roots of Historic Cities: Embracing Sustainable Green Cities and Navigating Threats through Original Characteristics

Adapting the Historic Urban Landscape Approach to Study Slums in a Historical City: The Mae Kha Canal Informal Settlements, Chiang Mai

Beyond conserving urban heritage, the concept of historic urban landscapes (HULs) aims to tackle poverty and inequality, as well as to improve the quality of human settlements, through a people-centered approach in the context of rapid urbanization. This paper demonstrates the adaption of HUL tools and methodologies to investigate a slum in a historical city—the informal settlements along the Mae Kha Canal in Chiang Mai. An on-site field survey of the characteristics of the settlement’s composition and interviews with stakeholders, local authorities, and inhabitants were conducted. The analysis revealed that there is a gap between the desired strategy of the Mae Kha Canal agenda and the actual conditions of the location. The aforementioned contrast is discussed to suggest alternate options for upgrading the informal community while preserving its ancient walls, in line with HUL principles. The conclusion highlights the benefits of introducing the HUL approach in a slum setting and provides recommendations for deteriorated neighborhoods elsewhere that are either surrounded by or adjacent to historical features needing resilience.

Preferences for the Old Towns Centers: The Case Study of Antalya Kaleiçi

The perception of historical urban areas is essential for the city. This study used photographs taken in Antalya Kaleiçi to question the perception of historic urban areas in the whole metropolitan area. In the study, in which the psychological model method was used in environmental aesthetics, categorization was carried out by factor analysis. In the study, in which five different categories emerged, it was revealed that users liked the open prospect views the most, and the streets were significantly less. The study's results are thought to contribute to the management of historic city centers.

Analysis procedures accounting for load redistribution mechanisms in masonry earth retaining structures under traffic loading

This paper introduces novel analysis procedures for the structural assessment of masonry earth retaining structures subjected to traffic loading. Given their substantial presence, particularly in transportation networks of historical cities, and the challenges posed by ageing, deterioration, and exposure to loads beyond their original design considerations, this research highlights the necessity of accounting for potential load redistribution mechanisms during their assessment. This can prevent overly conservative interventions that may not be necessary and also contravene sustainability and heritage preservation principles. Four distinct analysis procedures – 2D monotonic, 3D monotonic, 3D static moving load and 3D dynamic moving load – are developed, each progressively more refined than its predecessor in capturing potential load redistribution mechanisms in masonry earth retaining structures. These mechanisms may develop due to the dynamic loading conditions of the vehicular passage, the 3D structural configuration of retaining structures, and non-linear material behaviour. By comparing the structural capacity evaluated using the four procedures, contributions from different sources of load redistribution can be separately quantified, aiding in the reduction of conservatism inherent in less refined assessment procedures. The application of the developed procedures and consequent quantification of load redistribution is demonstrated through a case study of an existing masonry retaining structure in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

The (in)effectiveness of sanctions: an attempt at the space-time evolution of street names in a Chinese historic city: a theoretical exploration from social memory

The (in)effectiveness of sanctions: an attempt at the space-time evolution of street names in a Chinese historic city: a theoretical exploration from social memory

Forms and Elements of Recent Ethno-Acculturation Preferences of Yoruba Architecture in Southwest Ngeria; A Case Study of Abeokuta Historic City Core

The evolution of indigenous architecture for any social culture is usually sectionalised into thresholds of different but succinct architectural styles. The continued survival of any indigenous style is the ability to accommodate changes in components while preserving the culture of the people. The postmodern and contemporary architectural styles are the most recent defined patterns that have been assimilated into the Yoruba areas of Southwest Nigeria. Existing literature on Yoruba architecture have not addressed the delineation of the current threshold of the indigenous style. In a bid to address this problem, this research set out to define the current outlook of the Yoruba indigenous architecture through the forms and elements that have been acculturised from the foreign styles. This was achieved by locating the study in a historic city centre where the social culture is preserved in the community and the buildings. Urban upgrades carried out in the area stimulated the renovation and fresh construction of buildings where they occurred in the otherwise sedentary community. The older buildings in the sedentary parts of the study area and the newer structures in the upgraded areas provided two different thresholds in the architectural evolution for comparison of the constituents of the building patterns. After defining the study area, building counts were carried out to determine numbers in the upgraded and sedentary areas. This helped to calculate the sample sizes for direct observation guided by a schedule. Questionnaire was administered to evaluate residents’ opinions on the subject. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the trends in typologies and preferences while existing literature was used to explain the chronology of styles and the architectural evolution of the area. The research identified the current natures of the forms and elements being adopted in the area and the reasons for their adoption. It concluded that the forms have been modified to suit the social culture and the climate.

Improvement of the domestic system of national heritage protection using effective examples of foreign experience

The study of rich foreign experience in the preservation and use of cultural heritage makes it possible to apply various aspects of foreign practice in this area to form a promising cultural policy in the Russian Federation. The country has a rich potential of cultural heritage, which, however, is preserved and used not in the best way. At the same time, cultural heritage can become a kind of branch of specialization, a factor in the rise of local economy and stimulating social development for many Russian historical and cultural places, historical cities and historical and cultural territories. Foreign examples of practices in the field of heritage protection are analyzed, their application can contribute to the preservation and at the same time effective use of this specific resource of social and economic development in many Russian regions.

Arabic and foreign sources describing the cultural heritage of the historic city of Fez

Arabic and foreign sources describing the cultural heritage of the historic city of Fez

Tarsus historic city center, identification of problem and potentials as base for strategic guideline

Tarsus historic city center is a continuous settlement from the Neolithic Age to the present day. Archaeological heritage is integrated with traditional historic quarters, historic city center, Early Republican buildings and industrial heritage. Social practices, cultural production processes, legends and religious events transferred from generation to generation constitute the intangible cultural heritage elements and also the symbols of the city. In 2013, conservation area boundaries were revised and Tarsus historic city center, was declared as 3rd Grade Archaeological Site by the Regional Conservation Council. In defined context, the Conservation-Strategy Guideline was prepared with the contract signed between Mersin Metropolitan Municipality and Mersin University, Faculty of Architecture in 2022. Within the scope of document, a guideline containing urban conservation strategies for the historic city center of Tarsus has been prepared. Within the scope of this article, findings and evaluations regarding current situation based on field surveys and questionnaires that form the basis for the guideline are presented. The study aims to document the physical and socio-cultural situation of the historic center in 2022 to guide further studies concerning cultural heritage in Tarsus.

Evaluating the Historical and Cultural Tourism Potential of Gwalior: A Comprehensive Analysis

This paper explores the tourism potential of Gwalior, a historical city with rich cultural heritage. By providing background information on the city, it aims to identify key factors shaping its tourism landscape. The research objectives include studying tourism potential, identifying challenges faced by locals and tourists, assessing existing infrastructure facilities, and delineating the scope for tourism development. Primary data was collected through a multiple-choice questionnaire, targeting both locals and tourists, to decode prevalent issues. Additionally, the quality of urban spaces was analysed across various parameters. This study contributes to understanding Gwalior's tourism prospects and provides insights for planning interventions for enhancing visitor experiences and fostering sustainable tourism growth in the city.

Exploring Innovation Sustainability in the Development Historical City Batik Motifs and People's Purchasing Power

Exploring Innovation Sustainability in the Development Historical City Batik Motifs and People's Purchasing Power

Urban Safety, Socio-Technical Solutions for Urban Infrastructure: Case Studies

Urban space’s physical and environmental characteristics impact urban public safety. Specifically, many areas in the older urban core are morphologically unsafe. The historic city’s resilience to natural disasters and emergency phenomena often surpasses expectations thanks to settlement principles, post-disaster transformations, and redundancies that enhance the performance of the historic built environment. Yet, the necessity to introduce new qualities to reclaim urban heritages scattered throughout the territory, often abandoned or sparsely populated, underscores the need for maintenance and management measures to boost safety and resilience. This study aims to identify technological components in urban space that influence the safety of places and define a design method for safety planning in historic urban settings. Urban safety interventions encompass various technological aspects in conjunction with the widespread distribution of equipment, adaptation of public and private facilities, and networked infrastructure and services. This paper delineates the elements that converge in the technological design of an appropriate historic town center to address potential emergencies. It presents the initial findings of studies conducted on a minor center with a strong historical value. This document aims to be useful for administrations of smaller municipalities, as the proposed method can be replicated in similar contexts.

New Local History projects in the unofficial history of the city: The case of St. Petersburg

The problem of interpreting local history is relevant to St. Petersburg, as to many other major historical cities. This article examines phenomena united by the concepts of local (spatial) myth and urban narrative, which go beyond official discourse. Alternative images of the city, based on its concealed places of interest contrast with one of the most widespread representations of St. Petersburg – its association with the heritage of imperial culture. The selection of memorable places and stories shifts from recognizable city landmarks to other objects that reveal the history and image of particular St. Petersburg sites, people’s daily lives and peripheral issues of urban life. This approach to the exploration of urban space, a phenomenon called New Local History, is presented and explained in the article as the rediscovery of the historical potential of the city. The examples given in the article also show the possible role of New Local History in encouraging residents to develop an interest in their own history, in the problems of modernity and in participating in socially significant projects. Trends in interaction with urban space and memory practices that offer alternative interpretations of the past have been identified in various socio-cultural initiatives. In the context of Russian memory politics, this approach often becomes oppositional.

Dehors and historical city centres. The proposal for a new regulation for the UNESCO site and buffer zone in Naples

Dehors are an integral part of the urban context and image especially in consolidated historical contexts; therefore, their size and functional-spatial design must be regulated, taking into account both technical compliance and the environmental and architectural quality of the interventions in a process that considers the standard as a guiding measure to increase the quality of the interventions protecting public, private and city needs. This paper is developed following a technical-scientific agreement aimed at supporting the City Administration in defining new Regulations for the discipline of public spaces in the UNESCO site and buffer zone of Naples.