Dealing with Urban Growth in Damascus, Syria: Challenges and Recommendations

Abstract

Damascus has undergone rapid urbanisation in recent decades, driven largely by high population growth and migration. This has resulted in uncontrolled expansion, marked by informal land development and the loss of green spaces due to urban sprawl. The paper analyses aspects of urban governance in Damascus, focusing on the legal and institutional framework and the planning system, and how these contribute to urban growth challenges. It concludes with recommendations for addressing urbanisation issues at national, regional, and local levels.