Architectural analysis of urban soft power: Spatial and heritage identity in the historical centers of Najaf and Karbala

Abstract

This study explores soft power within the urban engineering context, focusing on the historical centers of Najaf and Karbala, Iraq. It investigates how cultural spaces shape social perception and spatial behavior through attraction rather than coercion. By integrating Joseph Nye’s soft power theory with the semiotic frameworks of Greimas and Yuri Lotman, the research analyzes the symbolic and spatial organization of historic urban landscapes. Utilizing Kevin Lynch’s urban environment model, focusing on identity, structure, and meaning, the paper evaluates religious sites and architectural identity as quantifiable attributes of cultural influence. The methodology employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative cultural analysis with quantitative statistical modeling. A structured questionnaire featuring 53 indicators was administered to 130 respondents to assess five dimensions: text, image, interpretation, affection, and action. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results reveal high positive correlations between visual perception, emotional engagement, and spatial interaction. The findings demonstrate that cultural identity embedded in the built environment is a primary driver of attractiveness and user experience quality in historic urban centers, highlighting the efficacy of urban soft power in shaping human-spatial relationships.