Sarcouncil Journal of Arts and Literature Aims & Scope

Abstract: This article examines the legal and regulatory framework of urban planning through a historiographical lens, focusing on the evolution of normative approaches to the organization and governance of cities. It analyzes how legal instruments, administrative regulations, and planning doctrines have historically shaped urban development, with particular attention to the classification and functional differentiation of cities. The study explores the urban characteristics of capital cities as distinct political, administrative, and socio-economic centers, highlighting their role in setting planning standards and regulatory models for other urban categories. By comparing capitals with other types of cities, the article identifies key criteria—such as governance status, demographic concentration, spatial structure, and infrastructural functions—that underpin urban categorization in historical and legal discourse. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interaction between law, urban planning, and historiography, offering insights relevant to contemporary debates on urban regulation and sustainable city development.