Spatial analysis of urban humanization indicators in holy shrine cities using modern technologies " The holy city of Kadhimiya as a Case Study"

Abstract

The research shed light on the humanization of cities in holy threshold cities, as they are destinations visited annually by millions of visitors, in addition to being residential areas with thousands of inhabitants. Humanization is considered one of the latest planning approaches that gives the human dimension a crucial focus in developing the urban environment, improving the quality of life in the city, and advancing its deteriorating conditions. The study area was chosen as the urban area surrounding the shrine of Imam Al-Kadhim (peace be upon him), as the shrine is the primary nucleus for attracting visitors and gathering various urban activities in its vicinity. The research adopted the descriptive-analytical approach, relying on satellite imagery captured through Google Earth Pro and performing mapping operations using ArcGIS 10.8 software to evaluate the indicators of urban humanization in the study area, which included three residential neighborhoods (423, 419, 421) within the boundaries of the Holy Al-Kadhimiya Municipality. The results indicated a weakness in the indicators of urban humanization in the study area due to the lack of pedestrian flow and the absence of urban spaces because of the high density of the urban fabric near the holy shrine. Furthermore, there was no environmental impact, evidenced by the scarcity of green spaces and the failure to capitalize on the presence of the Tigris River near the noble shrine. The research presented a number of recommendations, including opening systematic radial corridors towards the holy shrine and directing efforts to increase open spaces that have a sustainable environmental impact, working to achieve thermal, psychological, and aesthetic comfort for visitors, and also serving as areas for social interaction for visitors and city residents, while preserving the city's heritage and religious identity.