The spatial structure of the historical center of Damascus: stages of development and key transformations

The spatial organization of historical urban centers is analyzed using the example of Damascus, the capital of Syria. It is emphasized that political transformations have a significant impact on the spatial structure of urban centers of different states. The modern period in the history of Damascus is characterized by radical transformations due to the coming to power of representatives of political radical Islam. In this regard, the study of the historical trajectory of the development of Damascus, which preceded its formation as the oldest continuously inhabited capital, seems relevant. The subject of this study is the stages of evolution and key transformations that determined the existing spatial structure of the historical center of Damascus. The hypothesis of the study is the assumption that there is some kind of “hidden dimension” that ensures the historical continuity and stability of the city. The purpose of the study is to identify and analyze this “hidden dimension” in the spatial structure of Damascus, contributing to its preservation over a long history. To achieve this goal, the following tasks are solved: 1. Study of physical structure dynamics (morphological analysis). 2. Study of the evolution of social structure (sociological analysis). 3. Analysis of the development of spatial identity of structure (phenomenological analysis). 4. Assessment of the impact of key transformations on the spatial organization of the city. The research methodology is based on the application of a theoretical-inductive approach to historical research and analysis of information about Damascus. This allows us to highlight the stages of development and the main transformations in the historical spatial structure from a morphological, sociological and phenomenological point of view. The deductive approach is used to explain and deduce the reasons for the preservation of Damascus as the oldest continuously populated city. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the proposed integrated perspective of considering the mutual influence of space and time in the context of the development of Damascus. It is concluded that the “hidden dimension” of the spatial structure, which ensures the stability of the city in time, is due to the synthesis of a unique physical organization, specific demographic distribution and historically formed identity.