Urban Morphology in Transition: A 100-Year Analysis of Tilagor, Sylhet (SPZ 4, 10, 11; Wards 4, 5, 18–24)

Urban morphology offers critical insight into the ways cities evolve over time, reflecting socio-economic, cultural, and environmental forces. This study investigates the morphological transformation of Tilagor, a strategic sector of Sylhet, Bangladesh, spanning 90 years (1934–2023). The research focuses on Strategic Planning Zones (SPZ) 4, 10, and 11, covering Wards 4, 5, and 18–24, representing a microcosm of Sylhet’s broader urban dynamics. Using historical maps, satellite imagery, and spatial analysis, the study traces the city’s growth from a colonial-era settlement to a contemporary urban landscape characterized by densification, altered street networks, and evolving plot patterns. The findings reveal distinct phases of expansion influenced by socio-economic pressures, population growth, and urban planning initiatives. By mapping these transformations, the research highlights how morphological patterns shape urban livability, infrastructure development, and community interactions. The study also emphasizes the importance of understanding long-term urban form evolution in guiding future planning strategies that are both sustainable and context-sensitive. Overall, this paper demonstrates the value of detailed morphological analysis as a tool for informing urban policy and design in rapidly changing cities, offering lessons relevant not only to Sylhet but to secondary cities experiencing similar growth pressures in the Global South.

Hali tarjima qilinmagan