Bam earthquake reconstruction assessment: Fid-Bau Portal

Bam earthquake reconstruction assessment

An interdisciplinary analytical study on the risk preparedness of Bam and its cultural landscape: a World Heritage property in danger

Fallahi, Alireza

Abstract

–

The purpose of this paper is to show that cultural heritage is very important in fostering a quality of life with value and pride in all civilizations. It comes together with an historic message and information that the cultural materials transmit from the past to the present and the future. Therefore, the protection of world cultural heritage from natural and man-made disasters has been a focus both nationally and internationally for the last 50 years. There are a number of examples which indicate the extent of the irreplaceable destruction of heritage by natural disasters, such as Arg-e Bam.

Design/methodology/approach –

Now more than four years after the disaster this paper analyses the extent to which such opportunities were capitalized upon and proposes strategies and recommendations for future risk preparedness planning in Bam. Similar to most disasters, the 2003 Bam earthquake presented windows of opportunity for disaster mitigation, risk preparedness, physical planning, and socio-economic and cultural developments. The earthquake damaged a significant part of the historical areas of the city and created an opportunity for developing a resilient community that could be used as a model city for other parts of the country.

Findings –

The study finds that the earthquake provided an opportunity for further development and growth of the city's unique and internationally known date production through more publicity, renovation of the old irrigation systems, and expansion of its related industries. The Bam disaster created new opportunities for the city's exceptional cultural heritage and further developments in tourism. The city could also use this disaster to reshape its physical planning and development by introducing new planning ideas and innovations.

Originality/value –

The Bam disaster created new opportunities for the city's exceptional cultural heritage and further developments in tourism. The city could also use this disaster to reshape its physical planning and development by introducing new planning ideas and innovations.