Between urban changes and identity collapse in post-war Iraq: the case of Najaf City Centre

This paper examines the urban heritage transformations in Najaf’s city centre and their impact on the erosion of its architectural and urban identity in post-war Iraq. As a prominent holy city and spiritual hub, Najaf was historically characterised by an organic traditional fabric – historic quarters, narrow alleys, and courtyard houses – that authentically mirrored its deep socio-cultural and religious values. However, post-2003 redevelopment, extensive demolition of heritage structures, and rapid land-use shifts to accommodate massive religious pilgrimages have severely fragmented this inherited spatial order. This research investigates the key drivers of these changes and their consequences on urban identity through a morphological analysis of the historic core, alongside a comparative formal and socio-cultural examination of Bayt Mahdi Salman and Bayt Ruhollah Khomeini in Al-Huwaish Mahalla. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study addresses how recent transformations have reshaped the city’s distinctive character. Findings demonstrate a profound deficiency in contemporary urban interventions to sustain local architectural identity. Ultimately, this paper highlights the critical need for identity-sensitive redevelopment strategies that balance heritage preservation with the pressing functional and spiritual demands of the modern holy city.