Sustainable urban heritage strategies for Iraq's holy cities: A case study of the Old City of Najaf

Authors

  • Haider Majid Hasan Wasit University, Iraq
  • Husam Sachit Senah Wasit University, Iraq
  • Adil Mahdi Jabbar Wasit University, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37868/sei.v8i1.id777

Abstract

Najaf is a preeminent historical sacred city, hosting millions of secular visitors annually. However, it suffers from chronic heritage management inefficiencies due to the lack of context-sensitive integrated systems. This study innovatively synthesizes the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to redefine urban heritage in Old Najaf as a liveable, adjustable landscape rather than mere historical remnants. By focusing on the historic center, the research presents a framework for landscape-based planning tailored to sacred sites with deep religious and political resonance. Specifically, the study aligns urban interventions with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) to establish a measurable route for integrated heritage plans. Drawing on expert consensus, three sustainable development models were identified, integrating UN Principles, SDG 11 indicators, and UNESCO’s HUL aspects. These models provide a strategic balance between modern social infrastructure needs and the preservation of sacred historical identity, offering a replicable blueprint for similar global sacred contexts.

Published

2026-03-19

How to Cite

[1]
H. M. Hasan, H. S. Senah, and A. M. Jabbar, “Sustainable urban heritage strategies for Iraq’s holy cities: A case study of the Old City of Najaf ”, Sustainable Engineering and Innovation, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 93-108, Mar. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles

Copyright (c) 2026 Haider Majid Hasan, Husam Sachit Senah, Adil Mahdi Jabbar

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