Mechanisms of safeguarding urban heritage at risk - Mosul Heritage as case study

Abstract

Preservation of the cultural heritage of Mesopotamia civilization and the Iraqi architecture, especially urban heritage, is a national responsibility, and a wealth worthy of protection and attention. This national and international wealth is the responsibility of all organization and specialists in the world, and must be sustained for the future generations. This heritage is exposed to many dangers, and requires quick intervention to save it. So, the research problem appears from un ability of Iraqi decision makers to conserve this traditional heritage, which is under a grave danger, it is a threat throughout Iraqi historical cities by the forces of war, terrorism, globalization, poor knowledge, Uncontrolled investment, weak of experience and modernization on the cultural premises and building development which will eventually leads to blur local identity. So, research aim is to produce working mechanism to preserve the local Iraqi urban heritage, and specially Al Mosul heritage which ruthlessly destroyed, and activate the possibility of benefiting from it, endeavour to stop wasting heritage stocks, distorting its originality, and integrated efforts between all relevant institutions with local and international partnerships in order to conserve it. As well as the benefits from mechanisms of preservation methods which applied in international experience, to be adopted in local experience. In order to reach a roadmap, it will save Iraqi heritage and local identity from extinction.