Revitalization of the Historic Urban Quarters and Upgrading Tourism Economy in the Walled City of Diu, India (HISTORIC CITIES: TRANSFORMATION OF HISTORIC CITIES) Kaur Harsimran 1 , Ahuja Rita 2 , Praharaj Sarbeswar 3 1 Majoring in Architecture, Department of Architecture and Planning, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee – 247667 2 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Planning, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India – 247667 3 Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Urban Planning, Lovely Professional University, Punjab – 144411 1 simran1601@yahoo.com (+91-7417039305), 2 anglefap@iitr.ac.in (01332-285129), 3 sarbeswar.praharaj0905@gmail.com (+91-8283006880) Key words: Revitalization, Historic Urban Quarters, Tourism, Walled city of Diu Abstract Historic Indian cities have unique built and cultural heritage which has always attracted millions of tourists and has also been one of the prime sources of economic activities. But the condition of historic core city areas and heritage precincts over the years has been degrading consistently. Not only are the conditions of heritage structures deteriorating but the quality of living environment and infrastructures in the core districts have been degrading. Today, cities have a major challenge of building sustainable development practices that integrates their cultural heritage and future aspirations. It is imperative to link cultural heritage, city development planning and local economy development together for inclusive development. The historic walled city of Diu, located at the eastern end of the Union territory of Diu in western India, documenting continuity of settlements and culture since 1500 BCE. It is one of the most unique destinations showing exemplary natural, architectural expressions of colonial and traditional Indian culture blended with magnificent structures, spaces and people. But uncontrolled growth and lack of awareness has resulted in utter neglect and degradation of the historic sites and core city. Deteriorating neighborhoods and lack of economic opportunities has made a shift of residential preference from the Diu town to other parts of the state, country and world. This paper aims to analyze the existing urban fabric in the Diu walled city, and assess impact of development trends on the historic sites and monuments and explore the linkage between cultural heritage and local economy. Historical development in different periods and evolution of cultural heritage in region will be mapped through field investigation whereas secondary literature and statistics will be analyzed to understand economic development trends. Based on findings and observations strategies will be drawn up that could salvage local economy through revitalization of the historic quarters of the town.