Abstract
The “Ahwar” of southern Iraq (the marshland) has been listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO as a refuge of biodiversity and the relict of Mesopotamian cities. This is where UR, Uruk, Eridu, and Sumerian settlements developed in the area of the wetland in the southern part of Iraq between 4000–3000 years BCE. The international recognition for its outstanding universal value emphasized its historical, environmental, and cultural significance. The paper proposes a vision for development through drawing attention to the place and providing knowledge through research. A revival of the cultural environment to maintain and save the natural environment as a gateway to the marshland and a link between the two rivers, Tigris and Euphrates, and the translation into a planning proposal for development with an architectural vision reflects the local identity. The research adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing literature, secondary data of both qualitative and quantitative value, in addition to the design layout proposal for the site. This paper provides an important perspective into how design can provide solutions in natural heritage locations; it offers important contribution to the debates on how heritage can support sustainable development in a post-war context.
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Merza, H., Muneam, Z.A. (2022). The Iraqi Marshland and the Quest of Tourism and Development. In: AlDajani, I.M., Leiner, M. (eds) Reconciliation, Heritage and Social Inclusion in the Middle East and North Africa. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08713-4_18
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