Introduction

Abstract

Beyond the nostalgic admiration of physical urban heritage, such as bazaars and souks, maze-like neighbourhoods and sensational architectural styles of historic cities, there are many challenges that urban governance systems, practitioners and residents of those cities and neighbourhoods face on linking urban heritage, design, planning and development within urban transformation processes. Geographically central to this region, which is geopolitically referred to as the Middle East, is the home to many ancient settlements and early human endeavours that formed these cities.