FROM PRESERVATION TO VALORIZATION, URBAN POLICIES FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION PROCESS FOR DAMASCUS CULTURAL HERITAGE

From Crisis to Resilience: Social Adaptation Strategies in Damascus Damascus, renowned as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, boasts a rich urban history extending over 5000 years. This historical background made Damascus a focal point in urban studies, characterized by a wide range of historical buildings that make up its cultural heritage. However, the ongoing situation in Syria has severely threatened these structures, which lead to great degradation and destruction. The preservation of historical buildings is crucial not only for maintaining the city's architectural legacy but also to support its socio-economic fabric, and to re-use of its places as it was before and in new ways. This research delves into the complexities of urban planning in Damascus and emphasizes the critical need for effective cultural heritage management. It explores the challenges and strategies in preserving and valorizing historical sites, highlighting the importance of integrating these efforts into broader urban development plans. Key objectives include the fact to understand the current urban planning dynamics in Damascus, evaluating the national approach to preserving cultural heritage, and proposing policies to support the city's revival. By addressing questions on the role of urban planning, the effectiveness of preservation versus valorization, and the application of new specialized planning tools, this study aims to provide practical solutions to help Damascus honor its past while fostering future resilience.