Papers by Abdul Raqib Ekleel
Padova University, 2024
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have become a defining feature of global humanitarian crises,... more Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have become a defining feature of global humanitarian crises, particularly in Afghanistan where decades of conflict have displaced millions. Despite international attention and aid efforts, the plight of IDPs, especially in urban contexts like Kabul, remains inadequately understood and addressed. This study focuses on elucidating the livelihood strategies and challenges faced by urban IDPs, who often reside in informal settlements and face significant barriers to sustainable living. The research explores the nuanced identities and livelihood realities of IDPs both inside Charahi Qambar camp and dispersed throughout Kabul's 7th district. By employing qualitative methods including in-depth interviews and field surveys conducted intermittently from early 2019 to late 2020, the study investigates how urban IDPs organize their livelihoods, navigate vulnerabilities, and access resources compared to camp-residing IDPs. In urban settings, IDPs encounter multifaceted challenges such as limited access to livelihood assets, exclusion from formal assistance due to lack of registration, and ambiguous legal and policy frameworks. These challenges underscore the need for tailored interventions that acknowledge the diverse strategies IDPs employ to sustain themselves amidst adversity. By shedding light on the experiences and perspectives of urban IDPs, this research aims to inform policy and humanitarian interventions that promote sustainable livelihoods and enhance the resilience of displaced populations in urban Afghanistan. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing targeted strategies that address the unique needs and aspirations of urban IDPs, contributing to broader discussions on displacement, urbanization, and humanitarian assistance. This study contributes to the discourse on IDP livelihoods by providing empirical insights into the daily realities and adaptive strategies of urban IDPs, thereby advocating for policies that foster inclusive development and protect the rights and dignity of all displaced persons in Afghanistan.
Toyohashi University of Technology, 2014
Urbanization has driven a significant influx of people into cities and urban areas, where expecta... more Urbanization has driven a significant influx of people into cities and urban areas, where expectations for enhanced living conditions and amenities continue to grow. This trend has led to rapid expansion of cities like Kabul, necessitating comprehensive development across various sectors including housing, commercial spaces, employment facilities, and essential services such as healthcare and education. However, the rapid growth has often occurred without sufficient management, resulting in sprawling and unsustainable development patterns. Addressing these challenges requires a focus on constructing sustainable homes and creating viable settlements through strategic township planning, design patterns, and urban consolidation. Despite recent attention to these aspects, many townships lack sustainable planning perspectives that consider long-term impacts and future generations. Factors such as township location, planning methodologies, provided amenities, quality of life, and community cohesion are critical in achieving sustainable urban environments. This paper evaluates the evolution of township design characteristics over the past forty years in Kabul City, highlighting both positive advancements and persistent challenges. It explores how townships can foster sustainable behaviors and proposes strategies for enhancing urban planning and management practices. By analyzing township characteristics from the 1980s onwards, the study aims to identify areas for improvement and recommend policy interventions to promote sustainable urban development.
J-GLOBAL, 2014
Since the conclusion of decades of conflict in Afghanistan, Kabul has seen substantial urban
grow... more Since the conclusion of decades of conflict in Afghanistan, Kabul has seen substantial urban
growth due to rapid population increases and an influx of both internal and external migrants.
This population surge has significantly heightened housing demand, which the government has
been unable to meet, resulting in extensive informal urban sprawl. Development and
investment have largely fallen into private hands, including those of certain government
officials who have seized public land through questionable means. These lands are often
subdivided and sold illegally, leading to much of Kabul’s housing stock—estimated at 70%—
being constructed without adherence to urban planning norms, exacerbating issues related to
land use, infrastructure, and services.
The lack of a coherent and systematic urban development plan, combined with corruption and
poor government coordination, has further complicated Kabul's urban landscape. Informal
settlements and substandard construction practices have created significant challenges in land
use, utility supply, environmental protection, health services, transport, cultural integrity, and
security for both citizens and urban planners. Kabul's urban informality appears uncontrollable,
and the city continues to expand spontaneously, creating a "city of many cities."
This paper examines the impact of Kabul's rapid urbanization, utilizing secondary data from
various sources. The findings aim to inform Kabul's town planning department, the Ministry of
Urban Development, researchers, and academics. While Kabul's urbanization reflects global
trends of migration towards cities for better opportunities, it highlights the urgent need for
systematic urban planning to address the resulting socio-economic and environmental
challenges.
Padova University , 2023
The phenomenon of urban internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Afghanistan, especially in cities ... more The phenomenon of urban internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Afghanistan, especially in cities like Kabul, poses a significant and multifaceted challenge. IDPs in these urban areas often reside in informal camps or integrate into host communities, resulting in segregated and densely populated settlements that underscore the harsh realities of displacement. The management of urban IDPs is further complicated by inconsistent definitions and identification criteria used by various agencies and organizations, coupled with Afghanistan's diverse cultural, economic, and political contexts. Despite significant efforts to establish a robust legal and regulatory framework for addressing forced migration, the Afghan government's focus on resettlement strategies has not effectively met the broader needs of urban IDPs or aligned with the objectives of the Framework for Durable Solutions and the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. This study examines the complexities of urban IDPs in Kabul, assessing the historical context and the effectiveness of current policies. It identifies the shortcomings of the resettlementcentric approach, which often fails to address the aspirations of IDPs for local integration and does not adequately reduce their displacement-specific needs over time. Despite the government's strides in clarifying roles and responsibilities among entities dealing with IDPs, and in developing legal instruments, the fragmented approach among humanitarian and development agencies, coupled with limited resources, has hindered the implementation of sustainable, long-term solutions. By analyzing Kabul as a case study, this research provides critical insights into the challenges faced by urban IDPs and the inadequacies of current policies. It highlights the need for a shift towards more inclusive strategies that consider local integration and sustainable livelihoods, aiming to guide policymakers in creating effective, durable solutions for IDPs in Afghanistan's urban settings.
Ministry of urban development and land , 2019
Various styles of architecture and urbanisation have been adapted at different periods of time in... more Various styles of architecture and urbanisation have been adapted at different periods of time in Kabul city.
These styles obtained from elements of classical Roman and Greek architecture which were commonly used in Europe after the Renaissance could be considered as classical architecture styles, were introduced into Kabul in the 19th century, and prior to that Islamic architectural forms and as well as traditional architecture existed, which then were mixed with each other, to be considered that the authenticity of each style was lost in itself and caused false and ambiguous readings and claims in the atmosphere of the cities in Afghanistan.
For example, most of the buildings, such as palaces, temples and minarets of the late 19th century, were built in Kabul in the same style, but later modern urbanization entered in field of Islamic urbanization which by then was influenced by European architectural. In addition to being an unfamiliar and new style to the people of Kabul, modern style had no cultural and social affiliation with geography and was not initially favored and used by the people but later was subdued and exploied by slight changes and slow determinism, this new style created an uneven rhythm in urban space of the cities, expecially in kabul. To the date there has not been a proper blend of the mentioned styles, and in general it can be claimed that Kabul till the year 2001 was considered a product of traditional architecture and artifacts of classical architecture, Islamic architecture and modernism. Each style was at its peak at one time and left their various signs and patterns after their period ended.
Every movement of architecture and urbanization in the world has created a new relationship between citizens and the environment through the different use of symbols, designs, and building materials, therefor the understanding of the heirrachy from the begining till now is a need. Further studies and research in the field can open many nodes and illuminate the public mind.
This research has studied the development of Kabul city since it was finally selected as the capital until year 2001. It also Describes land divisions and land use change during this period.
Thesis Chapters by Abdul Raqib Ekleel
Padova Univeristy, Padova, Italy , 2023
The phenomenon of urban internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Afghanistan, particularly in major... more The phenomenon of urban internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Afghanistan, particularly in major cities like Kabul, presents a complex and multifaceted challenge. In Kabul, IDPs are often settled in informal camps or integrated into host communities, creating segregated and compact settlements that reflect the harsh realities of displacement. Understanding and managing these urban IDPs is complicated by varying definitions and criteria used by different agencies and organizations. This complexity is compounded by Afghanistan's diverse cultural behaviors, economic conditions, and political influences. The lack of clarity and consistency in defining and identifying IDPs hinders effective policy implementation and aid distribution. Despite significant efforts, durable solutions for urban IDPs in Afghanistan remain elusive, partly due to inadequate strategies and the fragmented approach among humanitarian and development agencies. This study delves into the intricate dynamics of urban IDPs in Afghanistan, exploring historical patterns since 1978, the terminologies employed by government and international bodies, and the challenges faced in achieving sustainable solutions. The limited resources concerning the protection of IDPs impact the formation of settlements. The presence of informal settlements in urban contexts and a lack of identification and statistics on IDPs scattered throughout cities are two significant barriers to recognizing IDPs in urban contexts. It is also difficult to distinguish between forced migrants and those who have found a long-term solution (Hynes, 2021). The research attempts to clarify the various definitions of IDPs as well as ways for identifying this group and their livelihoods in urban settings in-depth interviews, and field surveys.
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Papers by Abdul Raqib Ekleel
growth due to rapid population increases and an influx of both internal and external migrants.
This population surge has significantly heightened housing demand, which the government has
been unable to meet, resulting in extensive informal urban sprawl. Development and
investment have largely fallen into private hands, including those of certain government
officials who have seized public land through questionable means. These lands are often
subdivided and sold illegally, leading to much of Kabul’s housing stock—estimated at 70%—
being constructed without adherence to urban planning norms, exacerbating issues related to
land use, infrastructure, and services.
The lack of a coherent and systematic urban development plan, combined with corruption and
poor government coordination, has further complicated Kabul's urban landscape. Informal
settlements and substandard construction practices have created significant challenges in land
use, utility supply, environmental protection, health services, transport, cultural integrity, and
security for both citizens and urban planners. Kabul's urban informality appears uncontrollable,
and the city continues to expand spontaneously, creating a "city of many cities."
This paper examines the impact of Kabul's rapid urbanization, utilizing secondary data from
various sources. The findings aim to inform Kabul's town planning department, the Ministry of
Urban Development, researchers, and academics. While Kabul's urbanization reflects global
trends of migration towards cities for better opportunities, it highlights the urgent need for
systematic urban planning to address the resulting socio-economic and environmental
challenges.
These styles obtained from elements of classical Roman and Greek architecture which were commonly used in Europe after the Renaissance could be considered as classical architecture styles, were introduced into Kabul in the 19th century, and prior to that Islamic architectural forms and as well as traditional architecture existed, which then were mixed with each other, to be considered that the authenticity of each style was lost in itself and caused false and ambiguous readings and claims in the atmosphere of the cities in Afghanistan.
For example, most of the buildings, such as palaces, temples and minarets of the late 19th century, were built in Kabul in the same style, but later modern urbanization entered in field of Islamic urbanization which by then was influenced by European architectural. In addition to being an unfamiliar and new style to the people of Kabul, modern style had no cultural and social affiliation with geography and was not initially favored and used by the people but later was subdued and exploied by slight changes and slow determinism, this new style created an uneven rhythm in urban space of the cities, expecially in kabul. To the date there has not been a proper blend of the mentioned styles, and in general it can be claimed that Kabul till the year 2001 was considered a product of traditional architecture and artifacts of classical architecture, Islamic architecture and modernism. Each style was at its peak at one time and left their various signs and patterns after their period ended.
Every movement of architecture and urbanization in the world has created a new relationship between citizens and the environment through the different use of symbols, designs, and building materials, therefor the understanding of the heirrachy from the begining till now is a need. Further studies and research in the field can open many nodes and illuminate the public mind.
This research has studied the development of Kabul city since it was finally selected as the capital until year 2001. It also Describes land divisions and land use change during this period.
Thesis Chapters by Abdul Raqib Ekleel
growth due to rapid population increases and an influx of both internal and external migrants.
This population surge has significantly heightened housing demand, which the government has
been unable to meet, resulting in extensive informal urban sprawl. Development and
investment have largely fallen into private hands, including those of certain government
officials who have seized public land through questionable means. These lands are often
subdivided and sold illegally, leading to much of Kabul’s housing stock—estimated at 70%—
being constructed without adherence to urban planning norms, exacerbating issues related to
land use, infrastructure, and services.
The lack of a coherent and systematic urban development plan, combined with corruption and
poor government coordination, has further complicated Kabul's urban landscape. Informal
settlements and substandard construction practices have created significant challenges in land
use, utility supply, environmental protection, health services, transport, cultural integrity, and
security for both citizens and urban planners. Kabul's urban informality appears uncontrollable,
and the city continues to expand spontaneously, creating a "city of many cities."
This paper examines the impact of Kabul's rapid urbanization, utilizing secondary data from
various sources. The findings aim to inform Kabul's town planning department, the Ministry of
Urban Development, researchers, and academics. While Kabul's urbanization reflects global
trends of migration towards cities for better opportunities, it highlights the urgent need for
systematic urban planning to address the resulting socio-economic and environmental
challenges.
These styles obtained from elements of classical Roman and Greek architecture which were commonly used in Europe after the Renaissance could be considered as classical architecture styles, were introduced into Kabul in the 19th century, and prior to that Islamic architectural forms and as well as traditional architecture existed, which then were mixed with each other, to be considered that the authenticity of each style was lost in itself and caused false and ambiguous readings and claims in the atmosphere of the cities in Afghanistan.
For example, most of the buildings, such as palaces, temples and minarets of the late 19th century, were built in Kabul in the same style, but later modern urbanization entered in field of Islamic urbanization which by then was influenced by European architectural. In addition to being an unfamiliar and new style to the people of Kabul, modern style had no cultural and social affiliation with geography and was not initially favored and used by the people but later was subdued and exploied by slight changes and slow determinism, this new style created an uneven rhythm in urban space of the cities, expecially in kabul. To the date there has not been a proper blend of the mentioned styles, and in general it can be claimed that Kabul till the year 2001 was considered a product of traditional architecture and artifacts of classical architecture, Islamic architecture and modernism. Each style was at its peak at one time and left their various signs and patterns after their period ended.
Every movement of architecture and urbanization in the world has created a new relationship between citizens and the environment through the different use of symbols, designs, and building materials, therefor the understanding of the heirrachy from the begining till now is a need. Further studies and research in the field can open many nodes and illuminate the public mind.
This research has studied the development of Kabul city since it was finally selected as the capital until year 2001. It also Describes land divisions and land use change during this period.