Dammam, Saudi Arabia

This chapter explores the notion of urban identity in a specific locality in Iran, especially in regard to the role of sustainable development within current conditions of globalisation. It investigates two settlements: Kangan, a coastal port on the Persian Gulf in south-western Iran, and Banak, a smaller inland town that is almost attached to Kangan. In addressing urban development at the private, public and global scales, the chapter explores themes of cultural identity and climatic comfort as well as economic status in relation to global changes. The climate of the Kangan and Banak area is hot and humid with extreme summers and mild winters. The vast majority of the people in Kangan and Banak are Shi’ite Muslims, and a minority are Sunni Muslims. Urban growth in Kangan and Bandar is now related to new industrial plants as well as more traditional forms of agriculture and port activities, such as fishing and trade between Iran and other Gulf countries.