Sustainable conservation of the submerged historic city of Heracleion, Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract EN

The seabed is considered as the biggest museum in the world that is rich with unique shapes of underwater cultural heritage.

Over years, entire cities have been swallowed by the waves in Alexandria.

Heracleion was the main Egyptian trading centre, which was completely submerged 2700 years ago in the western part of Abo Qir bay.

Recently, the quick urban and coastal development in abo Qir raises numerous critical urban issues, which need tending to secure the urban development while ensuring sustainable conservation of the submerged city of Heracleion.

The main objective of the research is to provide long term of the conservation measures for this unique city and its waterfront for future generation.

This study suggests a framework for applying sustainable conservation, by respecting the economic, social, environmental, and urban dimensions of the submerged city and its waterfront.

Furthermore, this study investigates the community perception for the proposed conservation projects in achieving the sustainable development through a questionnaire.