Social Housing in The Middle East

Social inclusive housing has emerged as a crucial solution to address the housing crisis in Middle Eastern cities, where insufficient government interest and persistent conflict have led to inadequate housing options for low- and middle-income urbanites. This paper delves into the gap in scholarship on housing styles in the region, highlighting contemporary trends such as the rise of informal settlements, self-built homes, and the role of small-scale contractors. Additionally, the persistent conflict has given rise to sprawling refugee camps. In contrast to the large, flashy housing projects targeting the affluent, Social inclusive housing in the Middle East aims to incorporate all these kinds of spaces to provide affordable and sustainable living solutions. This analysis brings together studies of cities in Jordan, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, Israel, Cyprus, and Kuwait, exploring themes such as colonial echoes in older versions of socially inclusive housing and public housing as a means of expressing state legitimacy.

The academic discourse on housing in Middle Eastern cities has long been dominated by studies of high-end, neoliberal housing projects. However, this focus has left a significant gap in understanding the diverse housing styles and needs of the majority of the population. Informal settlements and self-built homes have become common responses to the lack of affordable housing options. These settlements often lack basic infrastructure and are vulnerable to eviction and demolition. Small-scale contractors have also played a significant role in providing housing solutions, albeit often in an unregulated and fragmented manner. The rise of refugee camps due to ongoing conflicts further complicates the housing landscape, creating unique challenges for urban planning and social integration. Link to study on informal settlements

Informal settlements have become a defining feature of urban landscapes in the Middle East. These settlements often emerge in areas where formal housing is unaffordable or unavailable. Residents of these settlements often build their homes using whatever materials are available, leading to a diverse array of architectural styles and structures. While these settlements provide immediate shelter, they also face significant challenges, including lack of access to basic services such as water, electricity, and sanitation. The role of small-scale contractors in these settlements is also noteworthy, as they often provide the labor and materials needed for construction. However, their work is often unregulated, leading to potential safety and quality issues. Link to article on self-built homes.

The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have led to the displacement of millions of people, resulting in the establishment of sprawling refugee camps. These camps are often temporary in nature but can become long-term settlements due to the protracted nature of conflicts. Urban planners face significant challenges in integrating these camps into the broader urban fabric. Issues such as overcrowding, lack of basic services, and social tensions are common. Efforts to provide more permanent housing solutions for refugees are ongoing, but progress is often slow due to political and financial constraints. Link to report on refugee camps

Social housing in the Middle East aims to address the diverse housing needs of low- and middle-income urbanites by incorporating informal settlements, self-built homes, and refugee camps into broader housing strategies. Unlike large, flashy housing projects that target the affluent, Social inclusive housing focuses on affordability, sustainability, and social integration. This approach recognizes the importance of providing housing solutions that are accessible to a wide range of residents, regardless of their economic status. By integrating these diverse housing types, social housing projects can create more inclusive and resilient urban communities. Link to social housing initiatives

In Jordan, Social inclusive housing projects have been implemented to address the housing needs of both local residents and refugees. These projects often involve partnerships between the government, non-governmental organizations, and international aid agencies. The focus is on providing affordable housing options that are integrated into existing urban areas, reducing the need for long commutes and improving access to services. Link to Jordan social housing projects

Iran has a long history of Social inclusive housing initiatives, many of which were developed in response to rapid urbanization and population growth. These projects often involve large-scale construction efforts aimed at providing affordable housing for low- and middle-income families. The government has also implemented policies to encourage private sector participation in Social inclusive housing, leading to a more diverse range of housing options. Link to Iran social housing

In Turkey, Social inclusive housing has played a significant role in addressing the housing needs of urban residents, particularly in the context of rapid urbanization and economic growth. The government has implemented various Social inclusive housing programs, including the construction of large-scale housing complexes and the provision of subsidies for low-income families. Public housing has also been used as a means of expressing the legitimacy of the state and supporting particular branches of politics, such as Islamist political parties. Link to Turkey Social inclusive housing

Egypt has faced significant challenges in providing adequate housing for its growing urban population. Social inclusive housing initiatives in Egypt often focus on the construction of affordable housing units in new urban areas. These projects aim to reduce overcrowding in existing urban centers and provide better living conditions for low- and middle-income families. The government has also implemented policies to encourage private sector investment in Social inclusive housing, leading to a more diverse range of housing options. Link to Egypt social housing

Tunisia has implemented various Social inclusive housing programs aimed at addressing the housing needs of low- and middle-income families. These programs often involve the construction of affordable housing units in both urban and rural areas. The government has also focused on improving the quality of existing housing stock through renovation and upgrading efforts. Social housing in Tunisia has also been used as a means of promoting social cohesion and reducing urban inequalities. Link to Tunisia Social inclusive housing

In Israel, social housing has been used as a means of expressing the legitimacy of the state and supporting particular branches of politics. Public housing projects often involve the construction of large-scale housing complexes in urban areas. These projects aim to provide affordable housing options for low- and middle-income families while also promoting social integration and reducing urban inequalities. The government has also implemented policies to encourage private sector participation in Social inclusive housing, leading to a more diverse range of housing options. Link to Israel social housing

Cyprus has a unique history of Social inclusive housing, with many projects dating back to the post-war period. These projects often involved the construction of affordable housing units in urban areas, aimed at addressing the housing needs of low- and middle-income families. Colonial echoes can still be seen in some of these older housing projects, reflecting the historical context of their development. Modern social housing initiatives in Cyprus continue to focus on providing affordable housing options while also promoting social cohesion and reducing urban inequalities. Link to Cyprus social housing

Kuwait has implemented various Social inclusive housing programs aimed at addressing the housing needs of its citizens. These programs often involve the construction of large-scale housing complexes and the provision of subsidies for low-income families. The government has also focused on improving the quality of existing housing stock through renovation and upgrading efforts. Social housing in Kuwait has been used as a means of promoting social cohesion and reducing urban inequalities. Link to Kuwait social housing

Social inclusive housing in the Middle East represents a crucial solution to the housing crisis facing many urban areas in the region. By incorporating diverse housing types such as informal settlements, self-built homes, and refugee camps, social housing projects can create more inclusive and resilient urban communities. The case studies from across the region demonstrate the importance of tailored approaches that address the specific needs and contexts of each country. As the region continues to face challenges related to urbanization, conflict, and economic growth, Social inclusive housing will remain a vital tool in promoting social cohesion and reducing urban inequalities. Link to comprehensive report on Social inclusive housing.