Impact of the Syrian crisis on the socio-spatial transformation of Eastern Amman, Jordan

Abstract

Amman, the capital of Jordan, has been subjected to incremental spatial transformation under the pressure of the emerging migration of various refugees since the beginning of the Syrian conflict (2011–present). Only 17% of the Syrian refugee influx to Jordan resides in camps. Amman hosts 28% of non-camp refugees (NCRs) who are living in urban areas and creating multiple forms of urban settlements. Diverse forms of NCR settlements are emerging extensively in Eastern Amman districts. These settlements are contributing to new morphological structures and leading to a gradual spatial change—socially and physically. This research intends to contribute to the increasing amount of available data by improving the understanding of the socio-spatial patterns of Syrian NCR settlements and providing insights, forecasts, and recommendations regarding this pressing issue on the basis of overall trends. Comprehensively contextualized areas in Amman were mapped, and after considering specific site-selection criteria, Jubilee Neighborhood was selected. Jubilee was built by the government in 1985 for low-income Jordanian families. This study aims to unravel one layer of the complex multilayered Amman City. It intends to explore and describe the urban forms of NCR settlements in Jubilee Neighborhood as a case study by interrelating spatial, social, and physical concepts. In addition, this study extensively uses rigorous qualitative and traditional methods. The outcome of this study is a comprehensive and descriptive spatial analysis that can provide socio-spatial interpretations and recommend urban response policies to cope with the future spatial transformation of urban forms. Keywords: Urban form, Spatial analysis, Non-camp refugees, Urban drivers, Amman, Jubilee neighborhood, Syrian conflict