Author(s)

S. B. Al Qaisi

Abstract

Walking through the winding roads of the old city of Koya can easily reveal some different historic layers as it is believed that people started living nearby from 2500 BC. Although there are several buildings and monuments that could be considered as good evidence of their eras in that city, unfortunately, their physical condition is getting worse through time due to bad maintenance and uncontrolled urban growth. This problem highlights the importance of studying carefully the challenges that face the urban growth of the city and affect negatively on its heritage. In order to find good solutions that could revive this heritage and make it a vital point to attract and enhance tourism, this paper starts with a historic review that shows the main morphological stages for the city, and states the importance of its heritage. It then refers to the main challenges that face this heritage, and discusses potentials that could protect and enhance the role of Koya’s heritage in attracting tourism. The paper ends with recommendations that could draw a better future aspect for this important but yet unrevealed city. Keywords: urban morphology, conservation, heritage, old city, Koya, Kurdistan.

Keywords

urban morphology, conservation, heritage, old city, Koya, Kurdistan