The Role of Ecosystem to Enhance Sustainable Revitalization: Al-Kifl Historic City Center As a Case Study

Historic city centers, particularly Al-Kifl, face mounting sustainability challenges. This study critically examines the limitations of current rehabilitation approaches within the historic center of Al-Kifl. The city center exhibits a significant deficiency in ecological sustainability. The research employed a methodology grounded in theoretical frameworks and incorporated analysis of relevant international case studies. Tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), field surveys, and climate simulations (ENVI-Met) were used to assess the city's current conditions. Key ecological indicators evaluated in the study include natural elements, biodiversity, thermal comfort, energy efficiency, recycling, and modern environmental technologies. The findings revealed several ecological shortcomings, such as a severe shortage of green spaces, neglect of riverbanks, declining biodiversity, elevated heat stress due to traditional construction materials, lack of vegetation cover, dependence on inefficient and limited traditional energy sources, absence of recycling systems, and failure to adopt modern environmental technologies such as green roofs and green walls. The study concluded that there is a need to adopt a comprehensive and integrated revitalization model that incorporates environmental considerations into sustainable urban planning. Key recommendations include enhancing natural elements and biodiversity, improving thermal comfort, transitioning to renewable energy, developing infrastructure for resource management, adopting modern environmental technologies, and revitalizing the essential ecological role of the Euphrates River to ensure the sustainable revitalization of Al-Kifl’s historic center.