The effect of Syrians’ commercial activities on the livability of urban neighborhood centers-case study 6th of October City, Egypt

ABSTRACT As a result of the conflict in Syria that started in 2011, Egypt welcomed a large number of Syrians Refugees. Most of them settle in Greater Cairo Region especially in the new cities. The integration of refugees in the fabric of Egyptian society has great effect on many aspects of life. From this point, the research highlights on the extent of Syrians’ activities in the prosperity of commercial centers for residential neighborhoods in 6th October city, which consider a specific phenomenon, that affected on livability aspects in these neighborhoods. Accordingly, the main objective of the research is to study the relationship between the presences of Syrians' activities and the livability, then ranked the deduced livability variables by its influence on the livability of urban commercial centers, whereas the “Forced Displaced Syrians” activities one of these variables, and ended by determination of the most important urban factors that could be considered to ensure the success of an urban development. The research uses the triangulated methodology (questionnaires, urban survey, and nonparticipant observation) and the principle component analysis. The research consists of three parts, the first is a background of Syrians’ situation in Egypt, then determine the livability variables in urban areas, second is the methodology, data collection, and choosing case study area, and deduce the livability variables and ranked them by its influence on the livability of urban commercial centers, whereas the presence of Syrians’ activities one of these variables. Finally, the third part is result analysis, conclusions and recommendations.