Restoring Kirkuk Citadel: Unearthing A Ghost Heritage

Abstract

Historic urban centres are struggling to survive in the rapidly emerging globalization process.
Many significant historical districts were demolished to make ways for modern urban
environments, other significantly dilapidated, such as the case of Kirkuk citadel, due to its
negligence by public authorities. The citadel is being a victim in two ways: firstly, by the past
regime and secondly by the post gulf-war administrative rulers. This paper analyses and
discusses the physical condition of the architectural features and citadel’s urbanism, while
challenging the traditional conservation approach currently employed by Iraqi authorities. The
paper advocated for the adoption of Internationally consolidated approaches and principles in
the field of heritage conservation. Through historical documentation review, field surveys, and
discussions involving parties, this research explores the physical status of the citadel’s
buildings. It further defines six different building typologies on the site with its urban
morphological pattern, delivering an architectural framework to guide future restoration
efforts. The paper reviews previous restoration attempts and proposes a roadmap for the
citadel’s restoration.