Architectural Palimpsest of Peshawar: Engineering, Identity, and Conservation Peshawar
Engineering, Identity, and Conservation Peshawar
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17992479Keywords:
Peshawar, Architectural Heritage, Mughal Architecture, Colonial Era, Urban Modernism, Conservation, Civil Engineering, Islamic ArchitectureAbstract
Peshawar, one of South Asia’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, presents a living architectural palimpsest shaped by centuries of cultural, political, and religious transformations. This study explores the evolution of Peshawar’s architectural heritage through photographic documentation and case studies of key sites, including Mughal mosques, colonial institutions, and contemporary structures. It integrates architectural analysis with civil engineering approaches to assess preservation challenges and propose sustainable conservation strategies.
The research employs a mixed-methods approach, including photographic documentation, structural analysis, and review of urban development policies. It highlights the role of civil engineering in structural retrofitting, digital documentation (e.g., HBIM), and seismic resilience. Findings reveal that modern urbanization, lack of awareness, and insufficient policy frameworks erode the city’s rich built environment.
The paper advocates for an interdisciplinary conservation model, aligning architectural heritage with engineering innovation, urban planning, and community participation. By understanding Peshawar’s layered built history, stakeholders can ensure that modernization complements rather than erases the city’s historic identity.
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