A Study on the Transformation of Herat Old City

Abstract

Herat is an old city in Western Afghanistan on Silk Road known for its cultural heritages. However, as the urban population increases rapidly, the city is under strong development pressure. This study looks at the extent of physical change as well as changes of residents in the Momandha Quarter in the southwestern part of Herat Old City, where many traditional adobe houses with domed roofs are preserved relatively well until now. Through field survey, it finds that activities of new constructions and repairs using industrialized materials have been accelerated in the last 10 years as new residents are moving into the old neighborhoods attracted by lower property prices. The traditional landscape of the quarter is rapidly changing as a result and conservation means are urgently needed. Afghanistan, Herat Old City, physical change, background of residents, conservation

Analyses and architectural typology of preserved traditional mosques in the old city of Herat in Afghanistan: the case of Quzzat Quarter

“…Herat has a population of 493,600 people, making it Afghanistan's third-largest city (Samimi, Ando, and Kawish 2019;Samimi, Ando, and Kawish 2017;Loda et al 2013b). Located in western Afghanistan, Herat borders Turkmenistan to the north, Iran to the west, and the Ghoar and Farah provinces to the south and the east.…”

“…Herat is located 4 kilometres from the Hari-rud (Hari River), which provides water to canals throughout the city and nearby villages. Although Herat has undergone substantial development, the site has retained its unique character and artifacts, including many valuable Islamic monuments (Samimi, Ando, and Kawish 2019;Samimi, Ando, and Kawish 2017;UNESCO 2021;UNESCO 2004). Herat Old City, with its 830 historic sites, is a unique area where the Citadel, cisterns, mosques, and many other architectural landmarks have survived (Najimi 1988).…”

Physical features and analysis of traditional mosques: the case of Quzzat quarter of Herat Old City, Afghanistan

“…Earthen heritage today is under greater threat of extinction, not only due to man-made factors such as urban pressure, globalisation, and climate change but also due to gentrification and inadequate interventions (Correia and Duarte Carlos 2021). Because of the intensive efforts of UNESCO, supervised by the Afghanistan government, many monuments have been restored, preserved, protected, and safeguarded by AKTC, the residents, and other entities in Herat Old City (Jodidio 2017; Asim and Ando 2020; Samimi, Ando, and Kawish 2017).…”

A Study on Distribution of Houses With Domical Vault Roofs in Herat City - Afghanistan

“…The site is defined as the core zone of Herat by UNESCO and any new construction and repair that may endanger the historic urban fabric of the area is prohibited. However, according to our previous study(Samimi et al 2017a), due to a lack of re-enforcement by the new government of Afghanistan (established in 2001), residents started building flat roof houses with new construction methods and materials, especially after 2005. In the Momandha quarter of the Old City, more than 40% of the buildings have flat roofs with industrialized materials.…”