الجغرافيا الاجتماعية للملاعب الرياضية: كيف تعيد الرياضة تشكيل الفضاءات الحضرية والسلوك الاجتماعي (ملعب جذع النخلة نموذجاً)

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role of sports stadiums as active agents in urban and social transformations, focusing on the Palm Trunk International Stadium in Basra as a field case. The study included a conceptual framework that addressed the concepts of social geography, urban space, sports space, and the relationship between sports and social transformations in cities. It also examined the role of stadiums in urban planning and spatial distribution, and their impact on urban, economic, and social development. The study relied on a descriptive-analytical approach supported by fieldwork through direct visits to the stadium and its surrounding areas, and interviews with local residents, visitors, and fans. The results showed that the Palm Trunk International Stadium played a pivotal role in reshaping the land use in its vicinity, transforming the area from agricultural and abandoned lands into an integrated sports city with advanced infrastructure and service and tourism facilities. The study also demonstrated that major sporting events hosted by the stadium, such as the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup, contributed to strengthening national identity and collective belonging, as well as stimulating economic activity and revitalizing local tourism. The research concludes that sports stadiums are not just sports facilities; they are urban, cultural, and social spaces that can contribute to improving the quality of life if properly planned and integrated into the city's urban fabric. The research recommends the development of urban strategies that ensure a balance between the environmental and development dimensions when constructing or developing these facilities.