SUAKIN ISLAND REIMAGINED: A STRATEGY PROPOSAL GUIDED BY HISTORICAL INTEGRITY

Abstract

The historical and architectural importance of Suakin Island, a once-thriving Red Sea maritime hub, is examined in this thesis. The study examines the environmental, political, and social elements that contributed to Suakin's collapse by delving deeply into its transformation from a thriving trade hub to a dilapidated historical monument. Using case studies from Lamu Island, Stone Town, and Jeddah Al-Balad, the research finds sustainable preservation strategies that strike a compromise between the demands of modern development and historical purity. The suggested approach places a strong emphasis on community engagement, adaptive reuse, and the utilization of both contemporary conservation science and traditional building methods. The framework seeks to reinvigorate Suakin's cultural history by encouraging responsible tourism, encouraging local involvement, and guaranteeing long-term heritage maintenance. The significance of combining historical authenticity and environmental resilience in heritage protection is highlighted by this study. The strategy's ultimate goal is to make Suakin Island a sustainable preservation model that will guarantee the continuation of its historical story for the next generations.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Islamic Studies