The Impact of Modernism on Contemporary Erbil Architecture

This study focuses on the impact of Modernism on contemporary architecture in Erbil, a city with a history dating back to the fifth millennium B.C. Emphasizing the historical significance of the central ancient citadel and its ties to the third family of the Sumerian empire and transformative Assyrian conquests, the research intricately navigates the discourse surrounding modernist architecture and its effects on Erbil's identity. Using an evaluative lens, it discerns how contemporary architectural trends have influenced the city's historical buildings, urban planning, and local environment. Through a descriptive and interpretive methodology, the study unveils the intricacies of Erbil's architectural transition, drawing insights from diverse sources such as maps, visuals, and legislative texts. This paper makes a significant contribution to the ongoing dialogue about the evolution of contemporary architecture in Erbil, illustrating vividly how modern architecture, characterized by its departure from tradition, gradually replaced conventional building practices from the early 20th century until the 1980s, leaving a lasting imprint on Erbil's traditional organizational planning identity.