The Effect of Urban Extention on Cultural Homogeneity أثر التوسع العمراني على التجانس الثقافي في المجتمعات المحلیة

Abstract

Abstract : This study aimed to analyze the impact of urban expansion on cultural homogeneity in the city of Ghardaia, which experienced a significant geographic expansion undisciplined in the traditional manner, as a result of “the urban model’s containing” most of the lifestyles in the traditional areas. To test the presented perception, we chose a typical sample of a local community with a traditional character, which are in process of shifting from housing in the old Casbah to its surrounding urban areas. We specifically selected for this study Ighoza neighborhood and its environ, which is an extension of the traditional style of housing. In the old Kasbah of Ghardaia. So what are the signs of the disintegration of traditional cultural homogeneity in the neighborhood of Ighoza and its environ? Our methodology was based on a monographical study of the area using the qualitative method and observation as the main tool for data collection, through analyzing the semiotics of shops, and the discourse with the merchants, as well as the semiotics of the public dress. Finally, the results showed signs of the new culture between homogeneity and cultural heterogeneity, despite the emergence of strong indications of the transition of the local culture to a state of heterogeneity, it still retains in its depth a hidden homogeneity that we assume is based on “physiological homogeneity” -occurred by internal amalgamation- that ensures the continuity of cultural homogeneity.