Preserved built heritage assessment as dead or living: An assessment study regarding built heritage safeguarding approaches in Erbil

Abstract

Erbil city is recognized by its historical monuments. The citadel which is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited civilized settlements was listed on UNESCO’s permanent World Heritage List (2014). A comprehensive preservation plan for the citadel was approved by the local authorities in 2006. This plan included recommendations for what was later called the Citadel's buffer zones. The buffer zone includes the traditional sectors of Erbil. Enormous efforts were done during the last decade by local authorities, UNESCO, NGOs, and local individuals. This study aims to assess and categorize preservation efforts implemented in these areas. The literature review diagnosed three main approaches for preservation that are followed in various parts of the world. These approaches can be categorized into two main approaches (dead and living heritage approaches). The preservation methods followed in the selected maintained structures within Erbil's traditional sectors were assessed by detecting 40 criteria that represent both approaches. The assessment was conducted through fieldwork in which 222 samples (vernacular and traditional buildings) were included. Statistical analysis depicted that the local authorities' approaches can be regarded as a dead heritage approach, while the recommended approach in the approved plan for the revitalization of Erbil Citadel and other traditional sectors can be regarded as a living heritage preservation approach. The paper recommends the living heritage preservation approach as a rescue from the at-risk status of built heritage structures of traditional sectors in Erbil city.