The Urban Rehabilitation of Medinas: The World Bank Experience in the Middle East and North Africa By Anthony G. Bigio and Guido Licciardi Book Review

Abstract

This paper offers a critical review of The Urban Rehabilitation of Medinas: The World Bank Experience in the Middle East and North Africa (2010) by Anthony G. Bigio and Guido Licciardi, a publication that explores the intersection of heritage conservation, urban development, and socio-economic equity in historic urban centers across the MENA region. The book presents a comprehensive framework for Medina rehabilitation grounded in a triple-bottom-line approach—cultural heritage preservation, local economic development, and social equity—supported by case studies from Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, and Jordan. This review critically examines the authors’ theoretical and methodological contributions, particularly the Medina Tourism Potential Index (MTPI), while highlighting the strengths of their integrated planning model and institutional case studies. At the same time, it identifies key limitations, including an overemphasis on tourism-driven regeneration, insufficient attention to political economy dynamics, and the exclusion of medinas in conflict-affected contexts such as Syria and Yemen. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research directions, advocating for broader geographic inclusion, diversified economic models, and deeper engagement with governance and power structures. Ultimately, this review underscores the importance of inclusive, context-sensitive, and sustainable approaches to medina rehabilitation in contemporary urban policy.