Japanese Cooperation for Urban Planning in the Old Capital of Damascus: A Case Study of “Restoration-Type” Façade Improvement

Abstract

Historic cities represent cultural achievements developed over centuries, with conservation increasingly recognised in developed countries as a method of community development that does not rely on large-scale exploitation. In many developing countries, however, limited measures have been taken, as local stakeholders often prioritise development over conservation. While international cooperation has supported monument protection and isolated heritage projects, conservation of inhabited historic areas remains rare. This paper examines a project by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Damascus, Syria, focusing on the “Qanawat South” district, which dates back to the Roman era but lies outside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old city. The area has suffered from inconsistent planning and conflicting conservation laws, with stakeholders divided over its historical value and their role in preserving it. Using Qasr al-Hajjaj Street as a case study, the paper analyses the “restoration-type” façade improvement approach introduced by JICA, aimed not only at maintaining the street’s appearance but also at revitalising the daily lives of its residents.