Sense of place in Middle Eastern refugee camps: The reassembly of cultural identity

This dissertation investigates the existing sense of place within Syria’s urban environment, and the corresponding sense of place that has been physically reassembled within the Zaatari Refugee Camp. The analysis and discussion of both public and private domains highlight that human subjectivity and personal interpretation of cultural identity are key driving forces behind establishing a sense of place. However, there is a particular emphasis on the notion that this reassembly does not have to be manifested in identical forms to maintain meaning and value. It proves the ever-evolving nature of cultural and personal identity and the importance of accepting the new life within Zaatari Refugee Camp as a part of it to create new senses of place.