Urban Modernization and its Relationship to some Social Changes A practical study in modern residential areas in the centre of Erbil city

Abstract

          This study intends to identify the role of urban modernization represented by vertical housing (apartments) and villas on the nature of social relations in terms of cooperation and a sense of pleasure and safety among the residents of those modern neighbourhoods. Fifty families from four neighbourhoods participated and were asked to fill out questionnaires for this purpose. The results showed that 86% of the respondents reported that the social relationship between the population ranges from reasonable to good while a significant number of participants mentioned that regular visits occur among them as well.

The current research examines the role of urban modernization (high-rise housing) in shaping the relationships among residents of these modern neighborhoods within the city of Erbil. This is particularly relevant given the new experience families are having of living in these high-rise buildings. The construction of these types of housing (apartments and villas) has flourished as a form of urban modernization in the region's cities since 2003, driven by the provision of security and public services, as well as the resulting high demand for these residences. These housing developments necessitate a different set of relationships and a different approach to navigating the complexities of life within these modern neighborhoods. Therefore, it is essential to examine the nature of these social relationships from multiple perspectives using a scientific methodology, which is the objective of this study.