The Medina (ePub)

The countries of the southern Mediterranean enjoy a rich and diverse cultural heritage. At the heart of this heritage lie the medinas - the historic city centres, often dating back to medieval times. A source of pride and collective belonging, they have nevertheless been subject to neglect and decay under the combined pressures of demographic growth, urbanization and modernization.

At present, the historic city centres are in danger of being irreversibly marginalized. Even though the cultural heritage value of these historic city centres is now widely recognized, no coherent restoration policy is being implemented - only a number of historic monuments and prestigious building are being restored or converted into expensive hotels and restaurants. The dilemma between preserving the physical fabric of the medinas and protecting the social context remains unresolved.

The Medina brings together a team of experienced professionals, including urban planners, architects, economists, sociologists, financial experts and representatives from international organizations and Mediterranean governments, to address the pressing problem of how to revitalise and restore the medinas in a sustainable way. Arguing for a comprehensive and integrated approach, the authors set out different scenarios for the development of these historic urban centres and strategies for their restoration. The first part of the book provides an introduction to the problems and issues involved in restoration. Importantly it does so against a backdrop of the economic, social and urban development that the countries are predicted to undergo. The second part provides examples of different medinas - including Damascus, Cairo, Meknes, Azzemmour - and presents important material on the financing of such initiatives.

It is expected that by 2030 nearly 80 per cent of the inhabitants of the Mediterranean countries will live in towns. This represents an enormous challenge and suggests that the region's social and economic future will largely depend on management of the urban reality. Controlling the development of the heart of the towns and cities, and in particular the medinas, will play a vital role in preserving the cultural and social capital of the Mediterranean countries whilst retaining their considerable potential as attractions. This important and timely book presents a unique and pioneering contribution to realising that aim.