التحديات الحضرية في دول العالم: دراسة حالة لبعض المدن العراقية

Abstract

The importance of studying urban challenges lies in their significant impact on urban sustainability, urban planning, and economic growth in major cities in Iraq, in addition to their direct effects on the social life of citizens. This research aims to study the main factors influencing and causing these challenges, and to identify the most prominent urban problems facing major cities in Iraq, such as unplanned urban expansion, housing crisis, inadequate basic services, and environmental pollution. The research also seeks to provide solutions and strategies to mitigate the effects of these challenges and ensure a balance between population and urban growth.    The study showed that Iraq has undergone a significant transformation from an agricultural society to an urban one, leading to a substantial increase in urbanization rates, particularly in Baghdad and Basra. With rapid population growth, major housing problems have arisen, characterized by increased demand for housing units and weak infrastructure, resulting in the proliferation of informal settlements. The study also indicated that the urban system in Iraq suffers from a lack of balance, as the capital, Baghdad, dominates other cities in terms of urban growth, highlighting challenges in achieving balanced development across different regions.                              To address these issues, planning authorities must adopt comprehensive and sustainable urban planning strategies to ensure a balance between population and urban growth, and increase investment in infrastructure projects to improve the quality of life in less urbanized areas. Decentralized development policies should also be implemented to aim for a fair distribution of resources and services between Baghdad and other regions.