Abstract

Problem statement: In the past few years, Qatar has undergone immense changes in its social, economic and physical environment. It has been transformed from a nomadic and subsistence farming economy into a modern urban society. Expatriates with temporary residence status make up about three-fourths of its population and the demographics of the society have become more global and contemporary and have also impacted the Qatari cultural patterns to become increasingly detached from the known traditional trend. Approach: Old Souks of Doha city bear witness to the struggle between culture, history and place making, culminating in the question of a Qatari national identity. This paper studies the idea of rooting the concept of old Souk, a place where major festivals and cultural social activities take place as a way of integrating contemporary and traditional urbanism in the region. A detailed study of Souk Waqif, the most significant old Souk developed in the city of Doha, is to be carried out to emphasize the architectural traditional elements that reflect the culture identity in the old Souk. Results: The paper presents an introductory framework for rooting old Souks in the urban contemporary environment with the support of city image and urban identity. Conclusion: Old Souks can facilitate urban identity for the groups associated with definite urban environments and play an important role in the formation, change, and reproduction of the identity of the place.