Advisor: Prof. Kamel Mahadin
Co-advisor: Prof. Ihsan Fathy

Abstract:
This research intends to discuss one of the major problems of our historic towns today, which is the rapid deterioration and change of the urban tissues by different forces. This deterioration is affecting the historic town in many areas such as the quality of life and the town's urban and architectural character.

The research will determine this problem by 7 studying and analyzing the historic urban tissue of the Christian quarter in the old town of Kerak and taking it as a model for the other of the town. This analysis will help to determine the reasons behind the problem of deterioration and change in the urban tissue to ensure positive means of continuous and comprehensive preservation and control of change in the town, these policies and guide lines will be intended to draw hypothetical border lines for any future planning for the town. Preserving an historic urban tissue is -a very important process taking on different aspects as the cultural aspect, the historical importance, the urban and architectural character, economic importance, and physical conditions.

The first chapter of the thesis covers research problem and objective, and overall research of the historic preservation movement in the world and Arab countries including local efforts. chapter two emphasizes the historic, social, and geographical background of Kerak. Also deals with the analysis of the historic urban tissue to its elements from composition to historic layers. Chapter three deals with the forces of change and deterioration that affects the historic urban tissue and evaluates these forces. Chapter four suggests policies with general guidelines for the continuous preservation scheme.