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The Urban Joint: Revival of Old Wekalahs’ Commercial Legacy

Part 2 Project 2023
Nada El-Nenaey
Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport - Alexandria Campus | Egypt
The Turkish Town of Alexandria, established in the 16th century, is the oldest remaining settlement in the city. However, it faces several challenges including a lack of urban design standardization, disconnection from the surrounding area and historic preservation, and illegal architectural additions that have impacted its cultural value and identity.

To tackle these issues, the Urban project aims to establish a new commercial hub at the heart of the Turkish Town, revitalizing its key heritage buildings known as the Wekalahs. These buildings include Al-Shorbagy Wekalah, Terbanah Wekalah, Fatma Khatoon Wekalah, AlThum Wekalah, Bitash and Al-Lemon Wekalah. This commercial hub will serve as a link to reconnect the Turkish Town to the surroundings.

The project proposes the creation of a commercial hub that encompasses various important commercial activities and markets such as spices and nuts , fish and vegetable markets, gold and silver , fabric , and children's toys. This area and heritage buildings were strategically chosen to restore the Turkish Town's identity and the city's urban fabric. Additionally, the project aims to rescue neglected and misused heritage buildings and restore the identity of this heritage area.

The project's concept mainly is designing open spaces that facilitate diverse activities and encourage interaction among individuals while respecting the original urban fabric of the heritage site. The Urban project not only contributes to preserving the Wekalahs' heritage and identity but also enhances the economic efficiency of the Turkish Town center.

Nada El-Nenaey

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2023
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