'Gateways to the World's contributors not only trace the history of port cities in the Gulf, but through expert insights shed new light on the changing and shaping of the human and urban environments of these port metropoles. In this, the contributors also draw attention to the cultural and spatial resources, and demographic consequences of port metropolisation. This work is ... Read moretruly path-breaking...'
Anoush Ehteshami, Nasser al-Sabah Professor of International Relations, author of Dynamics of Change in the Persian Gulf 'Mehran Kamrava has assembled a fascinating array of essays in this important volume. The book makes a unique contribution to the emerging research into port cities in the Persian Gulf and their global significance.'
Arshin Adib-Moghaddam, Professor in Global Thought and Comparative Philosophies, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) 'This excellent book combines on-the-ground research with a review of theories about modernisation, urbanisation and the role of architecture in creating brand awareness. It takes an inclusive view of the Gulf region, with attention to both the Arabian and Iranian shores and the networks that tie them together. A valuable snapshot of the transformation underway there.'
Lawrence G. Potter, Adjunct Associate Professor of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, and editor of Sectarian Politics in the Persian Gulf 'A timely collection. Focusing on ports, the volume successfully captures broader urban trends, particularly those engendered by the new political, global and knowledge economies of city-making that have shaped the region in recent years. Undoubtedly, this is a valuable addition to a growing body of literature on Gulf cities.'
Nelida Fuccaro, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), author of Histories of City and State in the Persian Gulf: Manama since 1800 'This is an impressive, timely and well-constructed book exploring the contradictory nature of port cities in the Persian Gulf region. It brings the historic cites in Iraq and Iran into the critical debate around rapid urbanisation and 'form verses substance' in this highly image- and consumer- driven region.'
Nasser Golzari, practicing architect and co-editor of Architecture and Globalisation in the Persian Gulf Region Show Less