Urban renewal for traditional commercial streets at the historical centers of cities

The historical commercial areas at the historical centers of cities have many historical, urban, architectural, economic and social values. The commercial streets are among the most important components of a cities’ urban heritage because of their continuing and their organic growth. In the light of recent rapid developments nowadays, however, many of them have lost their importance and become subject to many informal uses, losing their historic identity. The historical heart of cities, together with its economic and social role, should be preserved at all costs, whatever the effort. The aim of this research’ is to reveal the importance of conserving the traditional commercial streets because the identity of communities depends on them. It is proposed to devise a methodology which promotes local culture by developing these streets; it will focus on the principles and criteria of heritage preservation, protecting historical areas and ensuring their continuity and benefit, not only to their users but to all citizens. A number of steps are suggested to deal with the traditional commercial streets at cities’ historical centers; besides a set of reliable criteria that preserve the historical identity of these streets through helping to determine the type and pattern of movement in them. Keywords: Cities’ historical centers, Commercial areas, Traditional commercial streets, Urban renewal, Full malls