Beyond Culture and Civilization: Community-Based Approaches to Strengthening Architecture and Urban Heritage Conservation in Southern Egypt

Preserving architectural and urban heritage has become a human obligation that contributes to preserving historical landmarks for future generations. Heritage plays a crucial role in shaping nations' collective memory, civilization, and local culture. The preservation of architectural and urban heritage is no longer merely a cultural and civilizing act; it also has economic and social consequences. It is an authentic expression of a society's culture and achievements and one of its pillars. In the face of changing times and globalization, it also serves as a pillar of civilization and identity and supports community values. In addition, it contributes positively to the building and community development movement and the growth of economic dimensions, as this heritage represents a national treasure not only at the local level but also on a global scale. Therefore, preserving and investing in this heritage is regarded as one of the essential economic principles. In an era in which the tourism industry is regarded as one of the critical industries, architectural and urban heritage is regarded as one of the most significant elements of attraction for global and local tourism. This research deals with the experience of preserving the architectural and urban heritage of the West Suhail village as a case study, which is one of the key Nubian civilization and cultural centers in southern Egypt. This research aims primarily to create an integrated framework to maximize the benefits of this civilizational and cultural heritage and not limit the process of preserving the state's role and its various bodies. The research concludes by highlighting the importance of preserving urban heritage and how to utilize it in creating new job opportunities for young people and preserving urban cultural heritage with an emphasis on the role of people's participation in this area.