AMMAN CITY CENTER - THE HISTORIC IDENTITY AND THE DEMANDS FOR DEVELOPMENT

Amman's city centre is the cradle in which most of the city's history was born. This vital area, which has also become the commercial and business heart of the city is now the scene of major efforts to address severe environmental, aesthetic and transport problems which are fast eroding the quality and vitality of the area. Amid all this there is a real danger that the area's many historic sites and remains could be swept aside and eroded to make way for new developments. This paper attempts to highlight those dangers and calls for a more balanced and conscious policy for urban conservation. -Author