Assessing the level of sustainability of urban neighborhoods in the city of Karbala
Volume 6, Issue 2, Summer 2025, Pages 412-428
Mohammadhasn yazdani, Abolaleheh jabarolvan, Maryam jamiodluo, Rasoul Abbasi Taqi Dizj
Abstract Background and Objective: Sustainable urban development is based on the principle that the space of a city is formed within neighborhoods and continues accordingly. Therefore, neighborhood development is considered a fundamental measure in achieving sustainable development. Therefore, the present study was developed with the aim of assessing the level of sustainability of urban neighborhoods in the city of Karbala.
Methodology: The research method is applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature and method. The information required in this study was collected through field and documentary methods. The statistical population of the study consists of 6 neighborhoods located in the surrounding areas. In order to analyze the data and achieve the research goal and measure and evaluate the sustainability of the dimensions (social-cultural, economic, environmental and physical), the sustainability barometer model has been used.
Results and Findings: According to the indicators used in the research and the results of the sustainability barometer model in the present study, in terms of overall sustainability, the Abbasiyyah East neighborhood scored (0.90) at the sustainable level, the Abbasiyyah East neighborhood scored (0.82) at the potential sustainability level, the Abbasiyyah West and Al-Jamiyyah neighborhoods scored (0.53) and (0.54) at the average level, the Al-Hussein neighborhood scored (0.30) at the potential instability level, and the Al-Mukhaim neighborhood scored (0.04) at the unstable level. The average level of sustainability in terms of ecosystem welfare in the studied neighborhoods is 0.54 and human welfare is 0.50, indicating an average sustainability status for both. According to the results of the present study, the average of the studied neighborhoods in terms of overall sustainability is 0.52 and is at the average level. Given that the sustainability levels of the studied neighborhoods vary, development plans tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of each neighborhood and based on the sustainability levels of each of them are necessary.