This study investigates the complex challenges of managing heritage sites in Iraq, focusing on the Prophet Tho Al-Kifl Shrine in Babylon due to its religious, historical, and architectural significance. The site exemplifies critical management issues, including institutional fragmentation, limited technical and financial resources, and insufficient legislative frameworks. Left unaddressed, these challenges threaten the site's material integrity and symbolic identity through uncoordinated interventions and neglect. The research aims to propose a context-sensitive framework for sustainable heritage management by combining theoretical perspectives with practical analysis. Using a case study methodology, the study draws on field observations, historical documentation, and spatial analysis to identify the key threats affecting the shrine. It further assesses their impacts on the site's physical structure and cultural relevance. Findings reveal that the lack of centralized governance and the absence of qualified conservation professionals have led to ineffective restoration practices and the alteration of original site features. The study emphasizes the urgency of legal reform, institutional coordination, and the application of advanced technologies such as GIS and BIM for monitoring and planning. It also highlights the role of community engagement and public-private partnerships in ensuring long-term preservation. The research contributes to bridging the gap between heritage policy and local practice, offering a replicable model for other heritage sites in Iraq and similar post-conflict contexts. Future research is encouraged to test the proposed strategies in diverse cultural and geographical settings to enhance their generalizability and impact. ©2025 The authors.
