CV


FA
aboozar vafaei

aboozar vafaei

Assistant Professor

Full-Time Faculty Member

vafaei@kashanu.ac.ir

College: Faculty of Natural Resrources and Earth Sciences

Department: Geography and Tourism

Degree: Ph.D

CV
FA
aboozar vafaei

Assistant Professor aboozar vafaei

Full-Time Faculty Member vafaei@kashanu.ac.ir
College: Faculty of Natural Resrources and Earth Sciences - Department: Geography and Tourism Degree: Ph.D |
Last Update At : 10 September 2026

Analysis and investigation of the spatial effects of uncontrolled urban expansion in the city of Helleh

Authors:
Defend Location: University of Kashan
Degree: MS.
Role: Supervisor
Keywords: Urban expansion, horizontal growth, physical development, sustainability, Helleh city

Abstract:

The present study aims to analyze and investigate the spatial effects of urban sprawl in the city of Hilla in Iraq. This research is of an applied type with a descriptive-analytical approach and its data were collected in the field and through a questionnaire. The statistical population includes all residents of the city of Hilla. The sample size was determined using the Cochran formula to be 405 people and the data were collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using statistical tests including the one-sample t-test. The findings of the study showed that urban sprawl in Hilla has a significant impact on the structure and function of Hilla, and in all dimensions, the situation has been assessed as undesirable from the respondents' perspective. In the physical and land use dimension, the average of 3.9723 indicates a disruption in the balance of land uses, increased urban sprawl, and reduced efficiency of infrastructure. In the environmental dimension, the average of 3.8190 indicates a decrease in green spaces, increased pollution, and pressure on natural resources. In the spatial justice dimension, the average of 3.7842 indicates the existence of inequality in the distribution of services and an exacerbation of the gap between urban neighborhoods. Also, in the management dimension, the average of 4.04 indicates weak planning, ineffective policymaking, weak supervision, and lack of institutional coordination in urban development management. Therefore, the results of the research show that excessive urban expansion in the city of Hillah has led to a series of negative physical, environmental, social, and managerial consequences, and if this trend continues, urban sustainability in various dimensions will face serious challenges. Therefore, it seems necessary to review urban development policies, strengthen the integrated urban management system, and move towards sustainable and balanced urban development.