Architectural and Spatial organization characteristics in historical Grand Bazaars of Kirkuk-IRAQ

Authors

  • Adil Ibrahim Aziz College of Engineering, University of Kirkuk, Iraq
  • Zainab Hussein Ra’ouf Alobaidi Department of Architecture, University of Technology, Iraq
  • Sabeeh Lafta Farhan Department of Architecture Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Wasit, Wasit 52001, Iraq.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22452/

Keywords:

Kirkuk Grand Bazaar, Qirdar Grand Bazaar, Architectural characteristics, spatial organization characteristics, Kirkuk city

Abstract

Historic grand bazaars represent one of the most prominent forms of commercial architecture in historic cities due to their functional, social, and economic roles within the urban fabric. this research aims to analyze the architectural and morphological characteristics and spatial configuration of the kirkuk and qirdar grand bazaars, and to evaluate their impact on sustaining functional continuity within the historic city of kirkuk. the research problem arises from the absence of systematic scientific studies explaining how spatial configuration and architectural characteristics influence the functional continuity of historic grand bazaars. the study adopts a mixed method approach combining descriptive analytical and quantitative methods. the study analyze architectural characteristics through historical sources, drawings, local materials, roof forms, openings, and natural ventilation systems. quantitatively, the space syntax methodology using depthmapx analyzes connectedness, integration, and choice. results show that the kirkuk grand bazaar demonstrates high connectivity and a branching spatial pattern supporting movement distribution and functional hierarchy. in contrast, the qirdar grand bazaar exhibits higher integration and choice values, highlighting the role of a longitudinal spatial axis in enhancing commercial activities. the analysis confirms that spatial form strongly influences functional performance and supports sustainable conservation strategies within historic urban centers worldwide today globally.

Author Biographies

  • Adil Ibrahim Aziz, College of Engineering, University of Kirkuk, Iraq

    holds an M.Sc. in Architectural Design – College Of Architecture and Design from the University of Selcuk, Turkey (2019), and a B.Sc. in Architectural Engineering from the University of Technology(2005). my research interests include the traditional architecture, heritage and Historic architecture, sustainable architecture.

  • Zainab Hussein Ra’ouf Alobaidi, Department of Architecture, University of Technology, Iraq

    Dr. Zainab Hussein Ra’ouf Alobaidi, Lecturer at the Department of Architecture, University of Technology, Iraq, since February 2000, holds a Ph.D. in Islamic Architecture from the University of Baghdad (2017), an M.Sc. in Architectural Design – Islamic Architecture from the University of Baghdad (2003), and a B.Sc. in Architectural Engineering from the University of Baghdad (1998). Her research interests include the theory of architecture, Islamic architecture, traditional architecture, heritage and vernacular architecture, sustainable architecture, architectural design, and Islamic and traditional vocabularies and technologies. Official.

  • Sabeeh Lafta Farhan, Department of Architecture Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Wasit, Wasit 52001, Iraq.

    Dr. Sabeeh Lafta Farhan, Lecturer at the Department of Architecture, University of Wasit, Iraq, and College of Engineering, University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, Karbala, Iraq. holds a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning for Postgraduate Studies from the University of Baghdad (2012), an M.Sc. in Urban and Regional Planning for Postgraduate Studies from the University of Baghdad (2009), and a B.Sc. in Architectural Engineering from the University of Technology (1993). His research interests include the Urban planning, traditional architecture, heritage and vernacular architecture, sustainable architecture, and architectural design.

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Published

2026-04-30

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles

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