עיור (Urbanization) והתעיירות (Urbanism) ביישובים הערבים בישראל: Urbanization and urbanism of Arab localities in Israel

The process of urbanization is generally characterized by demographic, structural, economic and socio-cultural changes. The Arab population in Israel has been undergoing such a process, yet beside the particular structural and socio-cultural characteristics of Arab communities, the urbanization process in this sector is also affected by geo-political events and spatial policies of the central government.. These circumstances have created a different pattern of urbanization among the Arabs in Israel. This paper discusses the phenomenon of urbanism which has been taking place in Arab localities versus the world-wide process of urbanization, and describes the makings of the so-called "village-town" which has evolved in the Arab sector. The development of this unique type of locality, which combines both rural and urban characteristics, has occurred in a "bottom-up" manner, in contradiction to the "top down" planning policies and limitations imposed by the central government through local authorities.