iccrom-athar regional conservation centre newsletter...
TRANSCRIPT
ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah
United Arab Emirates
ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre Newsletter 3Activities and Highlights from 2014 to 2016
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1. Introduction 4
1.1 ICCROM-ATHAR at a glance 4
1.2 Editorial 5
1.3 Sustaining ICCROM’s Centre 6
2. Activities 8
2.1 International Conference on “Lasers in the Conservation of Artworks” 8
2.2 Heritage in Peril: Syria and Iraq 10
2.3 ICCROM-ATHAR Exhibition at the 38th Session of the World Heritage Committee 12
2.4 Symposium on “Conservation of Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis” 13
2.5 Initial impact of the Sharjah Statement 16
2.6 SpecialCoursesonCulturalHeritageProtectioninTimesofConflict 17
2.6.1 First Aid to Cultural Heritage in Syria 17
2.6.2 Workshop on Managing Risks to Cultural Heritage in Case of Emergency 18
2.6.3 Building National Capacities for Libyan Professionals in First Aid and Risk Preparedness for Cultural Heritage 20
2.6.4 Risk Preparedness and Management for Movable and Immovable Cultural Heritage in Libya and Yemen 21
2.6.5 Assessing Risks for Museum Collections, Preparedness, and Establishment of Emergency Contingency Plans for Museums 22
2.6.6 Regional Leadership Course in First Aid and Risk Management for Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis 23
2.6.7 Yemen Online Course 24
2.7 Training of Trainers: Protection of Yemeni Heritage in Times of Crisis 25
2.8 Informed Conservation Series - Short Courses 26
3. Highlights 30
3.1 Inauguration of the new ICCROM-ATHAR premises in Sharjah 30
3.2 Exhibitions at the new ICCROM-ATHAR Premises 32
Contents
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3.3 ICCROM-UNESCO Planning Meeting for Building National Capacities in Libya 33
3.4 SOIMA 2015 International Conference: Unlocking Sound and Image Heritage 34
3.5 Meeting for Arab Directors of Cultures and Antiquities 36
3.6 Workshop on the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis 37
3.7 Honoring Conservation Projects in the Arab World 40
3.8 Expert Meeting on Libyan Cultural Heritage 42
3.9 Accompanied by HH The Ruler of Sharjah, The Prince of Wales visits ICCROM-ATHAR 44
4. National Projects 46
4.1 ICCROM’s Experts Work on Saving an Ancient Temple: Ad-Dour Temple Restoration Project 46
4.2 Workshop on the Protection of the Historic Site of Suakin in Sudan 48
4.3 Drafting the General Guidelines for the Restoration and Conservation of Cultural Heritage in the UAE 50
5. New Publications 52
5.1 “The 1st Series Selected Readings from ICCROM-ATHAR” 52
5.2 “Introducing Young People to the Protection of Heritage Sites and Historic Cities” 52
5.3 Translation into Arabic of the UNESCO-ICCROM-ICOMOS-IUCN “Managing Cultural World Heritage” Manual 53
5.4 Translation into Arabic of the UNESCO-ICCROM-ICOMOS-IUCN “Managing Disaster Risks” Manual 53
5.5 Translation into Arabic of the UNESCO “Manual for Activities directed at Underwater Cultural Heritage” 54
5.6 LACONA X Proceedings 54
5.7 Proceedings of the Seminar on “Urban Conservation and Reconstruction in the Arabian Gulf”, ICCROM-ATHAR and Dubai Municipality 55
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1.1 ICCROM-ATHAR at a glance
ICCROM-ATHAR is a regional conservation office of ICCROM in
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, established in 2012 by ICCROM and the
Government of Sharjah. The decision to establish ICCROM-ATHAR was
made at ICCROM’s 27th General Assembly in November 2011 and was
further endorsed at the 28th General Assembly in November 2013.
The decision to host the Centre in the UAE was taken at the Conference of
the Arab Ministers of Culture in Doha in 2011, when a resolution was made
by the Minsters to support the work of ICCROM’s ATHAR Programme
serving the cultural heritage in the Arab region. Further resolutions in
favour of the establishment of the Centre were made at the following
Conference of Ministers of Culture of the Arab region in Manama, Bahrain
in 2012.
ICCROM-ATHAR focuses on architectural and archaeological tangible
heritage in the Arab region. This includes heritage collections, as well
as rich and varied historic places, sites and monuments. In partnership
with the Arab Member States, ICCROM-ATHAR aspires to protect the
cultural heritage of the Arab region and to broaden access, appreciation
and understanding of its history. It primarily aims to enhance the capacity
of official heritage institutions to manage heritage sites and museum
collections on sustainable basis. This is achieved through a series of local
and regional educational and field activities including:
y Capacity building and training: professional courses leading to the
enhancement of conservation practice, and recognition/ accreditation
of student accomplishments, through affiliation with university
programmes.
y Consultation: support, coordination, facilitation and provision of
technical advice when requested by the Arab states.
y Dissemination of information: sharing the results of the Centre’s
activities including research, experiences, publications from seminars,
teaching kits and training manuals for professionals as well as for
teachers of the young.
y Symposia, workshops, and seminars: exploration of current themes
important in and for the region, in addition to bringing together the best
conservation experts to advance knowledge in the field.
1. Introduction
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1.2 Editorial
It is with great pleasure that we introduce our third newsletter edition of ICCROM’s
Regional Office in Sharjah (ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah,
UAE). Since the inauguration of the new premises of the Centre in December 2014,
graciously made possible with the support of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, Member
of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the Centre has continuously been active
to serve ICCROM’s Member States in the Arab Region.
At this stage, it is worth to reiterate that the rationale for creating this regional office
of ICCROM was a subject of a rigorous feasibility study addressing the main purpose
envisaged since the inception of ICCROM’s ATHAR Programme (Conservation of
Cultural Heritage in the Arab Region) in 2004. The programme that initially served the
“Levant”, with core funding from the Italian government (2004-2008), was formally
extended in 2008 to serve all the Arab Member States with additional financial support
from ALECSO (the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation) and
the Government of the United Arab Emirates, in the person of His Highness the Ruler
of Sharjah. Needless to mention, the latter has been the main reason for the Centre’s
sustained efforts. Since then, several activities were held in the UAE (particularly in
Sharjah) and other Arab Member States whose support was crucial to the success of
various individual programme activities (e.g., Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt).
These have always been implemented in association with UNESCO field offices in the
region, and - at times - with the support of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre.
The feasibility study to establish a regional office, conducted in 2009-2010, paved the
way during the second phase of the programme to achieve the progamme's purpose
and sustain its achievements, by establishing a nucleus for conservation work rooted
in the region. This endeavor was made possible by the full support and consensus
of all ICCROM’s Arab Member States, who requested ICCROM to create a structure
aimed at serving the entire region. Several resolutions were made at Conferences of the
Ministers of Culture of the Arab League and called for the establishment and support
of the regional Centre (in Doha in 2011, and in Manama in 2012). More salient were the
decisions made in favour of establishing a regional office of ICCROM at two consecutive
ICCROM General Assemblies in 2011 and 2013.
The regional entity is now considered essential to serve as a new model for ICCROM’s
growth and informed policies embedded in its mandate to promote conservation best
practices and raising awareness to improve such conditions in various World regions (as
envisaged since its creation by UNESCO in 1956). This is particularly true in the context
of global developments in the field, such as the increasing institutional educational
structures and the widening concepts and notions of cultural heritage conservation,
let alone the scarcity of resources required to safeguard the increasingly threatened
cultural properties of outstanding significance to nations and humanity at large.
Working in this global context, the regional Centre has thrived to achieve ICCROM's
goals in a systematic result-based approach through various programme activities,
whose impact continue to be consolidated on a regional level through active
participation of its professional network. Indeed, as illustrated in this edition, the
network’s concrete achievements on the ground form basis to the effectiveness of the
Centre’s undertakings agreed with the Member States concerned. Thus, in this edition,
the reader will appreciate several success stories achieved by the latest Centre’s
activities and networks. Moreover, now that the educational, laboratory, library, theatre,
exhibition, and office facilities are in place at the Sharjah University City, they will greatly
contribute to a consolidated functioning of the newly established ICCROM antenna.
As a regional office of ICCROM, the Centre has aligned its activities with ICCROM's
strategic directions, yet achieving specific regional needs. Since December 2014, the
Centre’s activities ranged from several policy, outreach, capacity building and field
activities implemented with partners (particularly on the protection of cultural heritage
in times of crisis) to thematic conferences on conservation science and other topics,
short courses, and policy-making encounters in Rome and Sharjah. This is in addition
to the implementation of field conservation projects and to publishing key resources,
didactic material, and translated guidelines (into Arabic) in the various fields related
to the conservation of cultural properties. These outputs, we hope, will reach and
serve our stakeholders in the Member States, with a belief that knowledge and active
complementary partnerships form keys to the future of our shared heritage that is at the
heart of our common responsibility.
Stefano De Caro and Zaki Aslan
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1. Introduction
1.3 Sustaining ICCROM’s Centre
Consolidating the ten years of achievements served to establish foundations
and processes to achieve the mission and vision of the Centre, and with the
official inauguration of the ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre
in Sharjah, UAE (ICCROM-ATHAR), it was deemed necessary to strengthen
the relationship between the Centre, and its host country.
On 11 October 2015, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi,
Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, received at his office
Dr. Stefano De Caro, Director-General of ICCROM (International Centre for
the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property). The
meeting resulted in signing an addendum to the agreement between the
Government of Sharjah and ICCROM to provide support and assistance
to ICCROM-ATHAR. Discussing the ongoing and future plans of the newly
established centre, the meeting ensured the implementation of the Centre’s
five-year strategic plan to conserve and safeguard cultural heritage in the
Arab world.
Also attending the meeting were H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin
Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Fahim
bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations,
Ms. Marie Lavandier, Chairperson of ICCROM’s Council, Dr. Zaki Aslan,
Director of ICCROM-ATHAR, and Ms. Sophy Janowski, ICCROM’s Chief
Management Officer. Council Members from the Arab Member States:
Dr. Gihane Zaki, (Egypt), Dr. Mourad Betrouni, (Algeria), and, Ms. Iglal
Elmalek, (Sudan). Ms. Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums
Department, also attended the meeting.
Following this important renewal of partnership with the Emirate of
Sharjah, the Government of the United Arab Emirates and ICCROM signed
a Headquarters Agreement on 27 October 2015, which lays the foundation
for the establishment and operation of ICCROM-ATHAR.
This agreement confers upon the regional centre its legal status,
enabling it to execute its functions and achieve its objectives as an
intergovernmental institution in the UAE. From its location in Sharjah,
ICCROM-ATHAR will pursue ICCROM’s objectives, essentially including
the conservation of cultural heritage in the Arab region, and the facilitation
of the protection of endangered cultural heritage in the region. Moreover,
the Centre will address through its activities the need to raise awareness of
the importance of cultural heritage in the Arab states. It will also contribute
to the development of national policies with regards to the conservation
and management of cultural heritage, capacity building, outreach, as well
as the dissemination of information relevant to cultural heritage and its role
in socio-economic development. The Centre also focuses efforts on the
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publication of scientific material and technical manuals for professionals
working in the field.
Signing the Agreement from the UAE was Dr. Abdelrahman Al Awadi,
Assistant Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs, and Dr. Stefano De Caro,
Director General of ICCROM. Present at the signing was Mohammed
Khamis Al Muhairi, Director General of the National Council of Tourism
and Antiquities, and Abdulaziz Al Mussalam, Chairman of Sharjah
Institute of Heritage. Also present at the signing were Ms. Ataya, Director
General of Sharjah Museums Department, Dr. Zaki Aslan, Director of
ICCROM-ATHAR, in addition to Sadiq Mohammed Abu Sneineh, Legal
Adviser, and Mr. Issa Saif bin Handal, as representatives from the Office
of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah.
Furthermore, ICCROM-ATHAR has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with UAE’s Federal Government through the National
Council for Tourism and Antiquities in 2011. The long-standing
cooperation between UAE and ICCROM has addressed several fields,
such as the preparation of the tentative list for World Heritage Sites in
the UAE, restoration of archaeological buildings and sites in Sharjah and
Umm Al Quwain, as well as the implementation of training courses in
which professionals from the different Emirates have participated.
From top to bottom:
H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Dr. Stefano De Caro signing the addendum.
Dr. Stefano De Caro and Dr. Abdelrahman Al Awadi signing the Headquarters Agreement.
2.1 International Conference on “Lasers in the Conservation of Artworks”
ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah, UAE (ICCROM-ATHAR), hosted in Sharjah, the International Conference on “Lasers in the
Conservation of Artworks” (LACONA X) from 9 to 13 June 2014.
The biennial LACONA conference gathered researchers, conservators
and conservation scientists, companies, architects, decision-makers and
experts in laser-based techniques for the conservation of cultural heritage to
share their latest projects and experiences.
This conference fell within the mission of ICCROM-ATHAR, as it aimed at
promoting applied research relevant to the use of laser technologies in
conserving cultural heritage for the benefit of professionals in conserving
artworks, and heritage and archaeological works in the Arab world. More
than 180 professionals from all over the world attended the conference.
The significance of this conference is derived from the need to consolidate
the relation between research and practical application in the field of
conservation. The assessment of professional needs in this field lies at the
core of ICCROM’s conservation science policies. The conference discussed
topics related to: conservation projects where laser-based methods have
been used in some aspect of conservation, cleaning, documentation or
analysis, laser-based methods for imaging, 3D documentation and modelling,
as well as documentation and examination of objects and structures; and
laser-based techniques for analysis and monitoring. The conference was an
ideal forum for networking among researchers and communication of new
initiatives and projects, attracting more people involved scientifically in the
field of preservation of cultural heritage to ICCROM. It is worth mentioning
that the conference fees were used to publish its proceedings. Selected
papers from the LACONA X Conference were published after a peer-
reviewing process in a special volume of Studies in Conservation Journal
in 2015.
The conference was organised in partnership with the Arab Institute for
Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC), Bibliotheca Alexandrina,
Faculty of Archaeology, Fayoum University, Egypt, and the American
University of Sharjah (AUS), UAE.
2. Activities
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Participants at the LACONA X Conference.
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2. Activities
Heritage in Peril: Iraq and Syria” held in New York, September 2014.
2.2 Heritage in Peril: Syria and Iraq
In the context of the ongoing upheaval and destruction of cultural heritage in the Arab region, an event titled “Heritage in Peril: Iraq and Syria” was held by
the US State Department and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA, on 22 September 2014.
ICCROM’s Director-General was represented by Dr. Zaki Aslan, Director of
the ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah (ICCROM-
ATHAR). Speaking to an audience that included Mr John F. Kerry, United
States Secretary of State, and Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of
UNESCO, Aslan highlighted how ICCROM and its partners are working to
address feasible immediate and medium-term needs for the protection of
Syrian and Iraqi cultural heritage.
The event’s keynote speeches were delivered by Mr. Kerry and Ms. Bokova,
both calling for an end to the destruction of culture in these countries. Other
heritage organisations were present, namely ICOM-US represented by its
Chair, Ms Elizabeth Duggal; the World Monuments Fund represented by
its President, Ms Bonnie Burnham; and the American Schools of Oriental
Research represented by Professor Michael Danti.
Mr. Kerry stressed the importance of prompt actions to safeguard the
cultural heritage of Syria and Iraq, stating: “We gather in the midst of one of
the most tragic and most outrageous assaults on our shared heritage”. He
continued by underlining that the situation is “not just a tragedy for Syrians
and Iraqis but for all people” and that culture “is the foundation of life”.
UNESCO's Director-General Ms. Bokova stated: “We see today unprecedented
‘cultural cleansing,’ cultural eradication and cultural looting … We are
witnessing the intentional destruction of irreplaceable landmarks”.
Dr. Aslan shared with the event participants ICCROM’s immediate actions,
carried out through the organisation's ATHAR Regional Conservation
Centre in Sharjah. Activities included meetings with the centre's partners at
the UNESCO Offices in Cairo and Beirut to prepare for leadership courses
on first aid to cultural heritage in times of crisis. These courses were
implemented in November and December in Beirut and Cairo in 2014, in
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From top to bottom:
Destruction of The Holy Forty Martyrs Cathedral in Aleppo, Syria.
Destruction of the Mosque and Tomb of Al-Imam Muhsin in Mosul, Iraq.
partnership with UNESCO, ALECSO and the Arab Regional Centre
for World Heritage (ARC-WH), benefiting countries in the region
including Syria and Iraq.
He also presented the role of ICCROM on the subject, stating
that “ICCROM undertook a study which points at the increasing
vulnerability of heritage due to disasters and armed conflicts,
explaining why ICCROM has made disaster risk management a
priority area in its strategic six-year plans”. He also emphasised
ICCROM’s pioneering experiences in developing guidelines for
damage assessments, documentation and the stabilisation of a wide
variety of cultural materials, based on its ATHAR programme and ‘First
Aid’ training activities. Both initiatives have also resulted in a strong
network of professionals and national rescue teams in the region.
Dr. Aslan stressed the need for multi-sectoral and people-centred
approaches, the need to integrate culture into transition and
recovery processes, as well as the need to devise actions that are
led and carefully analysed by communities and local institutions, in
this case by Syrian and Iraqi professionals and people.
The event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art took place in the
splendid hall of the Temple of Dendur, given to the United States by
Egypt after the international campaign to save the Nubian temples.
It was followed by a visit to a significant exhibition titled “Assyria to
Iberia – At the Dawn of the Classical Age”, which featured treasures
from Iraq and Syria.
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2. Activities
2.3 ICCROM-ATHAR Exhibition at the 38th Session of the World Heritage Committee
ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah, UAE (ICCROM-ATHAR), attended, from the 15 to 25 June 2014, the World Heritage Committee
Meeting at its 38th Session in Doha, Qatar. ICCROM-ATHAR held side events highlighting its work, first as a programme and now as a centre, during the last
10 years in the Arab region.
The Centre organised an exhibition in the Qatar National Convention
Centre, and gave a public lecture discussing the current situation and
needs relevant to built and movable cultural heritage in the region, the
role of the centre, in addition to possible actions to be devised to enhance
international cooperation. A high level of interest was shown by Member
States, who visited the exhibition and attended the lecture on ICCROM-
ATHAR’s work in the last 10 years.
The ICCROM delegation held side meetings with H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa
bint Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar, Chairperson for this 38th Session, as well
as a meeting with H.E. Mr. Al Kawari, Minister of Culture, Qatar, and Dr.
Mohammed Sameh Amr, Chairperson of UNESCO Executive Board.
Future collaboration between the ICCROM-ATHAR and the organisations
concerned was explored.
ICCROM-ATHAR's Celebrating A Decade of Achievements Exhibition.
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2.4 Symposium on “Conservation of Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis”
At the event of the inauguration of the ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah, UAE (ICCROM-ATHAR), premises, and in response to
the deteriorating conditions of the cultural heritage in the Arab region caused by the on-going crises and political upheavals, ICCROM-ATHAR organised a
symposium titled “Conservation of Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis” on 15 December 2014.
The symposium brought together international participants and speakers
representing a broad range of cultural and development institutions including
UNESCO, the World Bank, ICCROM, ISESCO, and ALECSO.
The symposium was held within the scope of the “Sharjah Initiative”, a risk
management framework for cultural heritage in the Arab region, introduced
in 2012 by ICCROM-ATHAR. The overall aim of the symposium was to
strengthen the region’s ability in protecting its cultural and religious heritage,
which is particularly threatened by divisive forces currently affecting law and
order in many countries such as Syria, Yemen and Iraq.
Presentations and discussions during the symposium covered the following
topics: challenges to the protection of cultural heritage in the current context
within the Arab region; the socio-cultural and economic dimensions in
the processes of cultural heritage reconstruction and recovery; the legal
frameworks in the processes of cultural heritage mitigation and recovery;
and community participation in mapping cultural crisis.
The one-day Symposium resulted in a unanimous Statement that provided
guidelines for strengthening policy and practice on safeguarding cultural
heritage in times of crisis. It includes a strategic action plan to assist Arab
governments in their efforts to safeguard endangered heritage.
This Symposium, and the Sharjah Statement resulting from it, highlighted
the crucial role of the centre in promoting the field of conservation in the
Arab region and training relevant institutions to optimise their efforts in
managing and preserving their cultural heritage, proving to fill a major gap,
at the regional level, in light of the severe threats to the Arab heritage arising
from the on-going crises in the region.
Co-chairs of a session at the symposium.
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2. Activities
Sharjah Statement: “Conservation of Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis in The Arab World”December 2014, Sharjah, UAE
1 In the framework of the Symposium held in the occasion of inaugurating the ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah, UAE (ICCROM-ATHAR) on the “Conservation of Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis in the Arab World”, the Symposium experts and participants from the Arab states welcomed this impressive achievement, which constitutes a decisive step towards improved protection, management and valorisation of cultural heritage in the Arab world.
ICCROM-ATHAR fills in the existing gap in the field of capacity building and provides a platform for experts, technicians and institutions responsible for the conservation and protection of cultural heritage in the Arab world. It was inaugurated at a time when cultural heritage in several Arab states has been subject to massive destruction and vandalism, targeting historic and religious sites, in addition to large-scale illegal excavations, and illicit trafficking in cultural properties, thus leading to possible eradication of the rich cultural diversity in the Arab world.
This perilous situation induces reflection on the relevance and effectiveness of the current policies in the fields of conservation, management, protection and valorisation of cultural heritage in the Arab states, at national and regional levels.
The inadequacy of the legal and institutional frameworks in addressing the emerging needs of cultural heritage protection is the main cause of the fragility of the current mechanisms of heritage preservation. This situation is not only caused by the current crisis, it is also due to structural reasons.
2 Due to this alarming situation, the Symposium experts and participants from the Arab states recall the statements and recommendations already adopted at national, regional and international levels, including the:
y Doha Statement of the International Symposium of ‘Ulamá on Islam and Cultural Heritage’, 15-16 December 2001
y Cairo Declaration on the Protection of Cultural Property, the International Committee of the Red Cross, 16 February 2004
y Sharjah Initiative on the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis, May 2012
y Meeting of Arab Experts hosted by ALECSO in Bahrain, on devising a new legal and institutional system for the conservation of cultural heritage in this critical period, 15 - 16 November 2014
These initiatives have already provided a complete list of practical and technical measures to be integrated in effective action plans.
3 In the framework of these initiatives, the Symposium experts and participants from the Arab states call for the involvement of Arab States Parties to The Hague Convention of 1954 on the Protection of Cultural Properties in the Event of Armed Conflict, making reference to the Second Protocol which stipulates that: “Being convinced that damage to cultural property belonging to any people whatsoever means damage to the cultural heritage of all mankind, since each people makes its contribution to the culture of the world ”.
4 The Symposium experts and participants from the Arab states strongly condemn the deliberate destructions, and the “cleansings” of and attacks to cultural heritage in the Arab states. This behaviour is contrary to humane and civilised conduct, which, in turn, calls for tolerance and respect of others’ religion and culture.
5 The Symposium experts and participants from the Arab states invite the Arab and international communities to demonstrate their solidarity and to activate the necessary human and financial resources in order to put an end to these threats and to preserve the diversity and richness of the cultural heritage in the Arab world. This is in accordance with Article 9 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention, which obliges the States Parties to assist Member States whose cultural heritage is threatened.
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6 The Symposium experts and participants from the Arab states confirm the importance of respecting the safety of cultural heritage as per the Article 15 of the United Nations Pact on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Pact 1 of UN). This article secures the right of access to this heritage as an integral part of Human Rights.
7 The Symposium experts and participants from the Arab states emphasise the necessity to put an end to the impunity of the multiple attacks to cultural heritage in the Arab states by enhancing the judicial cooperation on regional level and improving the national criminal proceedings, according to international laws and jurisprudence.
8 With reference to the abovementioned, the Symposium experts and participants from the Arab
states call for: y Establishing an intervention mechanism for the protection and management of cultural heritage threatened by destruction and disappearance in times of crisis.
y Establishing an Arab structure for intervention with the responsibility, in such extreme emergency, to ensure the protection and the safeguarding of historic and archaeological sites.
9 The Symposium experts and participants from the Arab states invite the decision makers of competent authorities to:
y Reform the institutional and legal frameworks regarding the protection, management and valorisation of cultural heritage in times of peace, crises and disasters, as well as to hold regional
and national meetings relevant to this context, under the auspices of ALECSO.
y Review, in medium short-term, the national policies of protection, management and raising awareness of cultural heritage in the Arab states.
y Encourage exchange of information and technical assistance between the Arab states.
y Provide financial and logistic support for ICCROM-ATHAR as a capacity building institution aiming for the conservation and protection of the cultural heritage in the Arab region.
10 The Symposium experts and participants from the Arab states insist on the important role of regional and international organisations (ALECSO and UNESCO and its bodies) in coordinating and monitoring the urgent measures for the preservation of cultural heritage in the Arab state.*
* The Arabic version of this Statement is the original, according to which the translation has been carried out.
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2. Activities
2.5 Initial impact of the Sharjah Statement
A month after the opening ceremony of the ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah, UAE (ICCROM-ATHAR), the 19th Session of the
Conference of Ministers Responsible for Cultural Affairs in the Arab World, a two-day event titled “Arabic Language: A Platform for Cultural and Humanitarian
Integration” took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The conference, which opened under the Patronage of the Custodian of the
Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, was organised
jointly by ALECSO and the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information, and
discussed a number of vital issues related to the cultural field, including the
creation of a Council of Arab Ministers of Culture and an Arab Charter to
preserve architectural heritage in Arab countries.
Several of the resolutions by the Ministers at this conference were in
response to the deteriorating conditions of the cultural heritage in the
Arab region caused by the on-going crises and political situation, and in
observance of the Sharjah Statement.
In reference to the Sharjah Statement, the Ministers requested the Arab
states to submit information and studies on the on-going crises and
violations endangering their cultural heritage (Resolution 22). Emphasis
was given to the importance of promoting cooperation among the Arab
states and regional organisations in charge of addressing the challenges
arising from the on-going conflict, as well as to review current policies
relevant to heritage management and protection (Resolution 23).
The Resolutions by the Ministers also called for the implementation of
training courses to improve capacities of Arab professionals in the fields
of conservation, management and promotion of tangible and intangible
heritage, and to provide periodical reports on this issue. It was stressed
that this outcome is to be achieved in cooperation with Member States
and with relevant regional and international organisations, particularly the
ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre (Resolution 29).
Group photo of Arab Minsters of Culture at the conference.
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2.6 SpecialCoursesonCulturalHeritageProtectioninTimesofConflict
Over a couple of years, with the support and cooperation of its Arab Member States, ICCROM-ATHAR has remained active working towards the advancement
of cultural heritage policies and their coordination in the Arab region. Adamant to address priority and current needs of the region, the centre invested
endless efforts to strengthen the programmes and courses in place while introducing new initiatives. To this end, due to the recent political upheaval in the
region and the imminent need for emergency preparedness to respond to these emerging needs, ICCROM-ATHAR focused on addressing the issue of the
preservation of cultural heritage in times of crisis by implementing specialised training courses for cultural heritage professionals relevant to preventive and
first aid interventions in times of crises. Specific topics were selected based on the regional needs and interests.
2.6.1 First Aid to Cultural Heritage in SyriaA two-week course on “First Aid to Cultural Heritage in Syria” was held in
Beirut, Lebanon, from 24 November 2014 to 6 December 2014. Twenty-two
professionals from the fields of conservation, engineering and architecture
coming from Syria (Aleppo, Damascus, Daraa and Homs) participated in
this intensive course. Participants benefited from the expertise of various
professionals who had been involved in several projects relevant to the
fields of risk assessment, damage assessment, debris management,
first aid to cultural heritage, and emergency consolidation of damaged
monuments and sites.
While this course was held in partnership with UNESCO and the Arab
Regional Centre for World Heritage in Bahrain (ARC-WH) in the framework
of an EU-funded project, ICCROM-ATHAR led the scientific sessions of this
training activity. Visits to several archaeological sites and historic buildings
were part of this activity, giving participants the opportunity to put into
practice what was taught throughout the course.
Participants engaging in field work.
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Visits included the World Heritage Site of Byblos, where structural
analysis and condition assessment of selected heritage structures
were conducted. Practical exercises relevant to documentation and risk
assessment were also implemented during visits to the National Museum
in Beirut. Participants also visited the village of Abey, where they practiced
emergency consolidation and applied first aid measures to built heritage,
as well as the village of Sima’aniye for a final simulation of risk assessment
documentation and salvage of objects. A final exercise was held on
community engagement in times of emergency.
At the end of the course, participants had a final session dedicated to
devising coordinated follow-up strategies for the participants to execute
upon their return to Syria. Participants also discussed the pressing needs
of Syrian cultural heritage in order to seek the best possible means for
rescuing endangered cultural heritage in their country, and guide them in
leading reconstruction works in times of recovery. In the framework of the
“Emergency Safeguarding of the Syrian Cultural Heritage Programme”, a
ten-day follow-up course on the abovementioned activity was held in Beirut,
Lebanon from 1 to 10 June 2015.
Twenty-three professionals from the fields of conservation, engineering and
architecture coming from Aleppo, Damascus, Daraa, Idleb, Deir Al-Zor and
Homs participated in this intensive course. Participants discussed several
aspects relevant to the fields of: risk assessment, damage assessment, first
aid to cultural heritage, rapid documentation, community engagement and
emergency consolidation of damaged monuments and sites. The course
also consisted of practical exercises that included rapid documentation of
historic buildings.
The follow-up course was held in partnership with UNESCO, the ARC-WH,
and ICCROM-ATHAR.
2.6.2 Workshop on Managing Risks to Cultural Heritage in Case of Emergency
A two-week specialist workshop on “Building National Capacities
for Managing Risks to Cultural Heritage in Case of Emergency” was
implemented in Cairo, Egypt, from 18 to 29 January 2015. The workshop
was co-organised in partnership with the UNESCO Office in Cairo, and the
Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO),
in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and Ministry of
2. Activities
Risk preparedness exercise.
19
Culture, and with the support of the Government of Sharjah, UAE, and the
US Secretary of State.
Nominated by their governments, the 26 participants experienced in cultural
heritage in the fields of heritage conservation and management represented
the countries of Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Palestine, Sudan and Yemen.
This workshop, based on ICCROM’s five-year experience in this field, aimed
at creating effective nationally and regionally recognised emergency task
forces for managing risks to cultural heritage. It consisted of interactive
participatory sessions, both theoretical and practical, and included study
visits to several monuments located in Historic Cairo and Saqqara. These
study visits helped to improve the participants’ learning experience by giving
them the opportunity to put into practice the theory learnt throughout the
workshop. Emphasis was given to the understanding of international and
national legislation that can be applied to cultural heritage protection during
crisis situations, in order to advocate for better enforcement of legislation for
the protection of cultural heritage during times of peace and crisis.
The workshop also focused on developing skills in risk management planning
(risk assessment, preparedness, mitigation and response), documentation,
rescue measures and security procedures for heritage protection. The
involvement of local communities, mediation and negotiation skills, raising
awareness in times of emergency, as well as project planning for recovery
after crises, were tackled in theoretical and practical sessions. The multi-
disciplinary and international teaching team included professionals who
have been working in emergency situations for protecting cultural heritage
and providing humanitarian assistance.
An additional long-term objective of this workshop was to create an
observatory for cultural heritage in the Arab region. This would be
achieved through national teams working on projects in their home
From left to right:
Destruction of Islamic Art Museum in Cairo, Egypt.
Participants during an exercise on documentation.
20
countries, implemented with the support of organising institutions
through ICCROM-ATHAR.
2.6.3 Building National Capacities for Libyan Professionals in First Aid and Risk Preparedness for Cultural Heritage
ICCROM-ATHAR in cooperation with UNESCO-Cairo, held a training
course on “Building National Capacities for Libyan Professionals in First
Aid and Risk Preparedness for Cultural Heritage” in Djerba, Tunis from
12 to 15 June 2015. The aim of this course was to train cultural heritage
professionals in Libya to undertake preventive and first aid interventions in
times of crisis for risk reduction and protection of cultural heritage.
The course included twenty-two participants from different professional
backgrounds, including archaeologists, engineers and curators, coming
from different Libyan cities such as: Tripoli, Labdah, Cyrene, Benghazi,
Fezzan, and Sabrathah.
Participants presented case studies of endangered cultural heritage by
human threats such as armed conflict, cultural and social problems and
negligence. The presentations emphasised the significance of Libyan
cultural heritage and its need for protection and maintenance.
The participants also addressed the need for emergency preparedness
and the lack of trained heritage professionals in Libya. Following the
needs discussed by the participants, the course included sessions on first
aid to historic structures, as well as museum collections, both explored
through theoretical lectures in class and practical exercises.
From top to bottom:
Field work to train participants on implementing documentation for objects.
First aid to cultural heritage in Libya, Djerba, Tunis.
21
2.6.4 Risk Preparedness and Management for Movable and Immovable Cultural Heritage in Libya and Yemen
In collaboration with UNESCO Cairo Office and the Institute National du
Patrimoine in Tunisia, an activity titled “Training of Trainers: Preventive
Conservation and Risk Preparedness for Movable and Immovable Cultural
Heritage” was implemented by ICCROM-ATHAR. This course took place in
Tunis, Tunisia, from 29 October to 5 November 2015.
Building on ICCROM’s previous experience in providing capacity building
in the area of preventive conservation, risk mitigation, documentation
and first aid to cultural heritage, especially in emergency situations,
this course aimed at enhancing professionals’ ability in dealing with
emergencies by effectively managing threats to cultural heritage. This was
a follow-up activity to the ICCROM-ATHAR "Building Risk Preparedness
and Management of National Capacities for Libyan Professionals" course
which took place in Djerba, Tunisia, from 9 to 15 June 2015.
The course explored the latest rapid documentation techniques,
preventive measures for cultural heritage protection, principles of in situ
conservation for immovable and movable cultural heritage, as well as
disaster and risk preparedness/management. Study visits and applied
work at selected archaeological sites, such as disaster simulation
exercises, complemented the work carried out in the classroom. Through
these exercises, participants prepared rapid condition assessment
forms, effectively managed risks and museum security issues, learnt how
to collaborate with other sectors and volunteers, and worked on raising
awareness of the general public.
Thirty Libyan professionals from the Libyan Department of Antiquities,
Historic Cities Authority, NGOs and Civil Defense participated in this
course, together with two professionals from Yemen who were invited to
participate in response to the increased threats to cultural heritage in their
country. Upon the completion of this course, participants became qualified
to disseminate the acquired knowledge, while positively managing risks
and threats to cultural heritage in their home countries.
Training during the course. Tunis, Tunis.
22
Dr. Stefano De Caro, Director General of ICCROM, attended the course
closing in which participants received certificates of participation. Also
present at the event were Dr. Zaki Aslan, Director of ICCROM-ATHAR, Dr.
Nabil Kallala, Director General of the National Heritage Institute, Tunisia, as
well as Ms. Rajaa al-Abbasi, UNESCO-Tripoli Office.
2.6.5 Assessing Risks for Museum Collections, Preparedness, and Establishment of Emergency Contingency Plans for Museums
ICCROM’s Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah, UAE (ICCROM-
ATHAR) strongly supports museums, collection houses, libraries and
storages of archaeological objects, as they are crucial components of
cultural heritage, valuable sources of human pride, and significant factors
in cultural and identity formation.
Therefore, the Centre designed a course to equip professionals working
in the field of cultural heritage conservation, particularly in museums,
with the capacity and knowledge required for the protection of cultural
heritage. The Centre introduced participants to the concepts and tools
relevant to the risk assessment methodology. Moreover, they were trained
to devise preparedness and response plans that are to be implemented
in emergency settings, as these measures aim to mitigate risks faced by
museum collections in times of crisis.
This timely course addressed the current crises befalling various museums
throughout the Arab world in the form of deliberate human destruction,
natural disasters, negligence and deficient management.
There were two parts to this course, one for Emiratis and Syrians from 2
to 6 October, and another for Iraqis from 9 to 13 October. The Iraqi course
was held in cooperation with the Iraq UNESCO Office, while the earlier
course was solely organised by ICCROM-ATHAR.
2. Activities
23
2.6.6 Regional Leadership Course in First Aid and Risk Management for Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis
On October 4, 2016, ICCROM-ATHAR launched the Regional Leadership
Course in First Aid and Risk Management for Cultural Heritage in Times of
Crisis, which ended on October 31, 2016.
The month-long course addressed the pressing needs of the Middle East
and North Africa, a region currently going through tumultuous times, and
while one realises the humanitarian impact the region’s events are having
on communities, we tend to overlook one major aspect of our society
that is under attack: cultural heritage.
The course therefore was in line with the Centre’s commitment to support
capacity building of ICCROM’s Member States by providing a professional
leadership programme to 33 professionals from throughout the Arab region,
aimed at enhancing conservation practices. Many of them came from war-
stricken countries such as Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Yemen, where cultural
heritage has been experiencing an unprecedented wave of destruction.
International experts provided potential leaders key capacity-building skills
to prepare them to be the first line of defence needed to strengthen first aid
towards cultural heritage, and managing the risks they experience during
conflicts.
The course addressed:
y Understanding Risks – Sustainable Development and Humanitarian
Action, Condition Assessment
y Initial Damage Assessment, Identifying Priorities, and Emergency
Stabilisation Methods for Built Heritage
y Identifying Priorities, Emergency Evacuation, Storage and Stabilisation
Methods for Collections, Legal Framework, Conflict Analysis,
Community-based approach
y Communication, Team Building, Leadership skills and Introduction to
Recovery & Rehabilitation
y Building National Emergency Response teams back home
24
As part of the course, participants will work on projects back home
where ICCROM-ATHAR will assist them in their huge task to safeguard
cultural heritage in the Arab region together with its partners, including
UNESCO and other institutions working in this field at this crucial time.
2.6.7 Yemen Online CourseICCROM-ATHAR worked on the development of pre-recorded online
teaching and training for heritage professionals living in conflict-affected
countries in the MENA region, in order to provide them with the best
tools that would support first aid interventions and protection of cultural
heritage in times of crisis. In this context, a first course was devised and
implemented for Yemeni professionals in partnership with UNESCO.
The main objective of this training course was to build capacity for
conservation in Yemen by introducing participants to the key issues and
diverse measures that serve the preservation of cultural heritage and risk
preparedness, more specifically by:
y introducing participants to the theories, principles, and concepts
relevant to the conservation of World Heritage sites and sites of national
importance;
y familiarising participants with risk preparedness tools to identify and
prioritise risks and risk management measures;
y introducing participants to rapid documentation techniques, including
the development of survey forms, and;
y introducing participants to the notion of complex emergency and the
basic measures of heritage management in times of crisis.
This training course included live online lectures (where possible) and
pre-recorded video presentations translated to Arabic with subtitles
(where needed), over a period of three days with a duration of 4
hours per day. The lectures covered topics of: rapid documentation
techniques, condition assessment: structural and materials assessment,
implementation of appropriate remedial or preventive interventions, and
managing risks at heritage sites.
2. Activities
Documentation of objects during the final simulation of the course.
25
2.7 Training of Trainers: Protection of Yemeni Heritage in Times of Crisis
ICCROM, through its ICCROM-ATHAR, and in cooperation with the
UNESCO Office in Doha, held a meeting on “Training of Trainers” in
Amman, Jordan from 21 to 23 December 2015. Participating in this meeting
were Yemeni professionals from the General Organization of Antiquities
and Museums, General Organization for the Preservation of Historic Cities
in Yemen (GOPHCY), and the Social Development Fund (SDF).
The meeting sessions focused on the process of transferring expertise with
the aim of creating a national team which will contribute to the protection
of heritage in Yemen. This is to be accomplished through conducting
training courses in different parts of Yemen, establishing a network of
professionals working in different sectors relevant to protecting museums
and heritage and archaeological sites, implementing risk assessment, as
well as performing preventive and rapid measures to respond to emerging
heritage risks and disasters.
After the Yemeni team presented the current condition of cultural
heritage being destroyed in Yemen, discussing the local efforts invested
in supporting, restoring and rehabilitating the affected buildings, the
ICCROM-ATHAR team delivered theoretical presentations and conducted
field training relevant to the methodologies of risk management and
rapid assessment (inventories, photographic surveying, modelling, and
archiving) for the protection of sites and museum collections. ICCROM-
ATHAR provided the Yemeni delegation with several learning tools on risk
assessment for heritage in times of crisis, including recorded tutorials,
PowerPoint presentations, publications, readings and programmes.
These learning tools will serve as key sources and references for trainers
in Yemen.
Old city of Sana'a, Yemen.
26
2.8 Informed Conservation Series - Short Courses
Under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and following a planning
meeting that took place from 1 - 2 June 2014, with the aim of further consolidating the partnership between UCL – Qatar and ICCROM-ATHAR based on an
agreement devised in 2012, the two parties promoted their collaboration by developing a series of short courses titled “Informed Conservation Series”. The
2015 - 2016 short one-week training courses, held at ICCROM-ATHAR in Sharjah, UAE, addressed the following areas:
2.8.1 Preventive Conservation for Museum Collections and Preparation of Risk Plans
An introductory training course on “Preventive Conservation for Museum
Collections and Preparation of Risk Plans”, which took place from 18 - 22
October 2015. This course aimed to introduce participants to principles
of preventive conservation practices in museums by investigating
the theoretical, methodological and practical aspects of collections
management. The course also aimed to strengthen the capacity of
participants in risk measures to plan and safeguard culture heritage
collections.
The course included 19 participants with varied professional
backgrounds, who came from Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Oman and UAE.
The varied teaching approaches allowed participants to benefit from the
experts’ knowledge and expertise through theoretical lectures, as well
as to apply the acquired knowledge by engaging in practical exercises
through field visits to the Sharjah Archaeology Museum. Participants in
the course were exposed to a range of issues that affect the preservation
of cultural heritage by focusing on:
y evaluation of agents of damage affecting museum collections, as well
as appropriate treatments for their preservation;
y preventative risk management procedures that avoid damage to
collections in both storage and exhibition areas inside museums;
y natural and human risks that threaten collections, such as fire, floods,
theft and vandalism, and practical tools for monitoring and preventing
damage;
y practical measures for mitigation, emergency preparedness, response
and recovery; and,
y disaster management plans that can be applied to a variety of collections
in order to achieve adequate preservation.
By the end of this course, participants were able to identify and assess
disaster risks treatments of museum buildings and collections affected by
natural and/or human hazards. They also acquired skills which will allow
them to apply latest preventive conservation measures for the safeguard of
collections within their environment, and were able to undertake practical
measures for emergency response in museums.
2. Activities
2.8.2 Oral History for Cultural Heritage Preservation An introductory training course which took place from 24 - 28 May 2015.
The main aim of the course was to build the capacity of conservation
professionals in the Arab region in the field of oral history, in order to
examine the role of this specialised field as evidence of cultural heritage.
The course explored the “how” and “why” personal narratives of the past are
constructed, as well as demonstrated how interviews are to be conducted
and analysed to help inform decisions for cultural heritage preservation. The
fourteen participants that took part in the course included site managers,
archaeologists, architects, museum specialists and collections curators.
The course presented the storyteller’s role in safeguarding elements of
intangible cultural heritage and in developing current techniques for
collecting data through oral history practices, demonstrating how traditions
can be passed through conservation work to future generations. The
course consisted of interactive, participatory sessions, both theoretical
and practical, and included study visits and applied work which helped
participants develop their research methodologies and enhance their
skills in identifying and collecting data from accurate, reliable sources.
Participants were exposed to a range of issues including:
y definition of oral history and how it is different from written history and
other research methods for conservation;
y relationship between oral history and the oral traditions;
y subjectivity and objectivity in oral history;
y learning how to make oral history interviews as effective as possible;
y practical demonstration and trial use of recording equipment; and,
y analysis and discussion of demonstration interviews.
Dr. Stefano De Caro, Director General ICCROM, welcomed the
participants at the beginning of the course, expressing the importance
of oral history and how documenting it promotes national identity.
The course ended with a closing session where participants received
certificates of participation. By the end of the course, participants were
able to apply with confidence knowledge relevant to the field of oral
history to their heritage conservation work.
27
Participants learning how to use voice recorders for oral history documentation.
28
2. Activities
2.8.3 Integrating Documentation in Heritage Management: An Introduction to the Use of GIS
The 3rd of March 2016 saw a gathering of 15 professional representatives
from Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates
for a training course at ICCROM-ATHAR premises, in partnership with
the National Council for Tourism, University College London, and in
cooperation with the Sharjah Heritage Institute.
This intensive short training course participants to the use of Geographic
Information Systems (GIS), and was led by ICCROM experts who came
from Italy, Spain, USA, and the UK.
The participants were introduced to the basic concepts of GIS and how
it can be used as a management tool to acquire, analyse and display
cultural heritage data. Furthermore, the course demonstrates how GIS can
manage cultural heritage by being used to conduct risk assessment and
monitoring, as well as compile inventories.
The course was divided into themes to familiarise participants with various
aspects of GIS by providing practical case studies.
The short-course series entitled “Informed Conservation” was specifically
aimed at professionals who are looking to expand their working knowledge
and experience in the field of cultural heritage conservation.
GIS can be a powerful tool for inventory purposes, as well as for assessing,
examining, conserving, and protecting cultural heritage. It can assist
heritage managers in preventing and reducing damage to cultural heritage
buildings affected by current crises in the region, such as looting, illicit
trafficking, environmental degradation, and illegal building activities.
The course also included field exercises of GPS data gathering at the site
of Ad-Dour, where ICCROM-ATHAR has managed a conservation project to
stabilise the deterioration of a 1st century temple in cooperation with NCTA,
UAE’s Ministry of Infrastructure and the Government of Umm Al Quwain.
Participants during a GPS data collection exercise in the field.
29
3.1 Inauguration of the new ICCROM-ATHAR premises in Sharjah
The Sharjah Institute for Heritage, and the ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah, UAE (ICCROM-ATHAR), were inaugurated on 14
December 2014 by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. This new building houses both the
new centre and our partner institution, the Heritage Department of the Government of Sharjah, whose work primarily addresses intangible heritage.
The new building provides the latest conservation training facilities
utilised by the students and participants of the ICCROM-ATHAR courses
held at the centre. Our spacious training room, benefiting from a built-
in translation booth, accommodates most of the classroom teaching /
learning activities of the centre. The two smaller training rooms are used
when simultaneous sessions for working groups are held. These rooms
also serve as a computer lab for Geographic Information Systems (GIS),
and a space dedicated for researchers.
Whereas the laboratory facilities of our partner institution, the University
of Sharjah, are used for specialised training on laboratory analysis, our
conservation laboratories in the new building are equipped with facilities
needed for general laboratory training, sampling, and basic conservation
work. Scholars and researchers also benefit from our library, whose books
have been generously donated by our Member States. ICCROM-ATHAR’s
library also features conservation and history literature of the region. The
library will gradually grow with Arabic readings of key references, based on
a translation plan that will extend in the future.
The Centre's auditorium, equipped with a sound system and a translation
booth, is utilised for formal meetings such as course openings and
closings, symposia, workshops and lectures.
The building’s most lively feature is its Central Exhibition Hall. The inner
corridors of the building are used for exhibition space, where on periodic
rotation, different exhibitions including that of our participants’ projects
will update the visitors on the work of the Centre through participants
projects.
3. Highlights
30
The premises of the ICCROM-ATHAR Centre.
31
From top to bottom:
Group picture of His Highness with the opening attendees from ICCROM's Member States.
H.H. Ruler of Sharjah and ICCROM's DG inaugurating the new premises of ICCROM-ATHAR in Sharjah.
32
3.2 Exhibitions at the new ICCROM-ATHAR Premises
Coinciding with the Opening Ceremony of the ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah, UAE (ICCROM-ATHAR) was the inauguration of
the premises' Central Exhibition Hall with an exhibition which depicts the richness and diversity of cultural heritage in the Arab world. This exhibition, which
was held throughout 2015, presented a variety of archaeological sites, historical monuments and traditional handicrafts.
The walls of the exhibition hall displayed a timeline that incorporates the
most prominent historical monuments and periods in the Gulf, Levant,
Mesopotamia, Al-Maghreb, the African Horn, and The Nile Valley, along
with videos highlighting the history and culture of the relevant regions.
The centre of the hall was dedicated to exhibiting selections from the
heritage of the United Arab Emirates in the form of archaeological objects,
architectural models and other traditional heritage.
During the inauguration of the new premises, ICCROM-ATHAR also
held three other exhibitions on the subject of cultural heritage. The first
exhibition was a photographic exhibition of World Heritage sites in the Arab
region, donated by ALECSO.
The second exhibition hosted the artworks of students, between the
ages of 9 -12, in local schools who took part in a competition, called for
by ICCROM-ATHAR, in which they depicted what cultural heritage meant
to them. The last exhibition consisted of posters produced by university
students depicting the different fields in which the Islamic world has
contributed to history.
3. Highlights
"Highlights from the Cultural Heritage in the Arab World" Exhibition.
33
3.3 ICCROM-UNESCO Planning Meeting for Building National Capacities in Libya
In the context of the political upheaval in the Arab countries causing major risks to their cultural heritage, and with the aim of equipping Libyan staff working
in the field of cultural heritage with the necessary protection skills and procedures to manage heritage in times of crises, UNESCO and ICCROM, through its
Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah, UAE ICCROM-ATHAR, held a planning meeting with heritage directors and specialists from Libya.
At this meeting, which took place in Tunisia from 27 to 30 April 2015,
Libyan participants presented case studies of endangered cultural
heritage in Libya, with special focus on eminent risks. Their presentations
also emphasised the pressing need to address potential risks to cultural
heritage, namely, the need to promote protection of cultural heritage in
times of crisis.
Representing ICCROM were Dr. Zaki Aslan, Director of ICCROM-ATHAR,
and Anwar Sabik, ICCROM-ATHAR, in addition to colleagues from
UNESCO: Chiara Bardeschi, UNESCO-Cairo, Mr. Karim Hendili, Project
Specialist at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, and Dr. Adalberto
Biasotti, expert at UNESCO. The Libyan participants included Dr. Ahmed
Hussein Yunis, Director of Libyan Antiquities Department, Dr. Saleh Agab,
Director of Antiquities, as well as other heritage experts and officials from
Libya.
The meeting resulted in a decision to hold a six-day training course for
cultural heritage professionals in Libya, to cover the following topics: risk
preparedness, assessment and rapid documentation, and preventive
conservation. This course was accordingly held as a collaborative effort
between ICCROM, through its ICCROM-ATHAR Centre, and UNESCO.
Group photo for the course participants.
34
3.4 SOIMA 2015 International Conference: Unlocking Sound and Image Heritage
Today’s knowledge on the preservation and access of audio-visual
heritage is fragmented, often trapped in separate areas of expertise,
thus presenting a huge challenge to those who wish to preserve and
collect such material. ICCROM’s Sound Image Collections Conservation
programme (SOIMA) has been actively engaged in developing a response
to this global challenge for the past eight years.
SOIMA’s 2015 International Conference on ensuring a safe and creative
future for sound and image heritage took place in Belgium at the Royal
Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts, from 3 to 4
September 2015. This event, supported by twelve national and international
cultural institutions working with such recordings, brought together over
200 creators, collectors, cultural heritage practitioners, policy makers,
innovators and business leaders from over 40 countries. This international
conference titled “Unlocking Sound and Image Heritage” made a call for
fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange, to
ensure that this heritage is available in the future.
Although over the last decade ICCROM-ATHAR, has focused on the
management and conservation of historic buildings, ensembles and more
recently on museum collections, following the request of several Arab
Member States, the Centre took part in this conference highlighting, through
a presentation and exhibition, the need to address challenges related to the
state of conservation and management of audio-visual cultural heritage in
the Arab region.
With the urgent need to raise awareness nationally and regionally in
order to address current needs and challenges in this area of study for
the Arab region, the experiences gained throughout the past seven years
of SOIMA have become extremely important for the Arab region. While
several initiatives have been made in the region, these have not adequately
addressed the continuously growing needs in an overall holistic approach.
Such an approach also influences relevant policies, techniques and
methods to be introduced at local levels.
Through its participation in this conference, ICCROM-ATHAR highlighted
a fundamental need to manage, digitise, and conserve manuscripts,
images, archives, videos, and microfilms that collectively form the basis
of the national memory of the Arab culture. These facets necessitate the
provision of means, structures, policies and technology to protect this
cultural heritage and make it known to future generations to learn from,
and to enhance dialogue and cultural understanding inter-regionally and
internationally.
The need to protect cultural heritage in the Gulf region is directly associated
with keeping records of the memory of the people living in the Gulf area
through oral history and discontinuing traditions. This topic was addressed
in the Centre’s latest short course on “Oral History” that was implemented
in Spring 2015. It proved useful to participating institutions as it not only
discussed how oral history can be documented for future generations, but
has also informed our future work in this area, particularly through a SOIMA
3. Highlights
35
global approach based on a community-based and holistic framework. A
planned action and training course are envisaged to take place in 2017
for the benefit of institutions holding historic still and moving images with
sound, pertaining to the collective memory of our cultural heritage in the
Arab region.
To this end, ICCROM-ATHAR seeks partnerships with institutions that have
developed new approaches, lessons, and actions on this subject. Through
the next SOIMA conference, the Centre wishes to put forward strategic
directions to safeguard the memory, especially of displaced peoples and
present societies in the region.
From top to bottom:
SOIMA organisers and participants.
Conference participants during a voting session.
36
3.5 Meeting for Arab Directors of Culture and Antiquities
As part of the 29th session of ICCROM’s General Assembly, ICCROM-
ATHAR organised a strategic meeting for the Directors of Antiquities,
Heritage and Culture coming from ICCROM’s Arab Member States on 17
November 2015 in Rome, Italy.
The meeting aimed to present ICCROM-ATHAR’s strategies and activities
to be implemented in 2016-2017, in order to promote coordination and
cooperation between ICCROM-ATHAR and the Directorates of Heritage
in the Arab countries. Representatives from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt,
Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen attended the meeting. Also present
at the meeting were Dr. Stefano De Caro, Director General of ICCROM,
Dr. Abdullah Mhareb, Director General of the Arab League Educational,
Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), Dr. Zaki Aslan, Regional
Representative of ICCROM and Director of ICCROM-ATHAR, in addition
to a representative from the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (ISESCO). The meeting explored several themes, such as the
legal context and policies relevant to antiquities and heritage, dissemination
and facilitation of information, raising awareness and outreach, capacity
building, support of the centre, as well as special projects requested by
Member States. The participants of the meeting agreed on a series of
measures that aim to address the needs of Member States to be achieved
by ICCROM-ATHAR in 2016-2017, in cooperation with Member States and
partners agreed on by the meeting participants.
3. Highlights
Arab Directors of Culture and Antiquities.
37
3.6 Workshop on the Protection of Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis
Under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi,
Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, ICCROM-ATHAR
organised a regional workshop on the “Protection of Cultural Heritage in
Times of Crisis”.
This workshop, which was held at the ICCROM-ATHAR premises in the
period between 15 – 17 December 2015, was attended by a number of
representatives from the Arab states: Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon,
Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, UAE, and
Yemen.
The workshop experts gave brief presentations on the general conditions
of cultural heritage in their respective countries, shedding light on the
destruction and theft suffered by their countries’ cultural properties. The
workshop participants denounced the current conservation state of built
heritage in Jerusalem, as well as the continuous attempts to displace the
local communities of the city. They also expressed their complete support
for the efforts invested by conservation professionals in Yemen, Iraq, Syria,
Palestine, Libya, and Egypt for the protection and preservation of cultural
heritage amid the ongoing crises.
After reviewing the results of the capacity building courses implemented
with the aim of forming multidisciplinary national teams responsible for
the protection and salvage of cultural heritage, and in view of the Sharjah
Initiative 2012 and the Sharjah Statement 2014, which jointly laid the
foundation for guidelines to be followed by the Arab states in the protection
of their heritage, in addition to the resolutions of the latest conference of
Arab Ministers of Culture which was held last January in Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia, and the meeting attended by the participating organisations
held last year in Bahrain with regards to the legal frameworks relevant to
cultural heritage protection, participants of the workshop agreed to adopt
an action plan to be executed in coordination with ICCROM-ATHAR and
in close cooperation with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and
Scientific Organization (ALECSO), and the Islamic Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) in 2016. The action plan comprises
the below-mentioned strategic projects.
The workshop participants also agreed to devise a mechanism that
facilitates the continuity of this meeting’s results, in addition to a mechanism
for review and assessment through:
y identifying focal points in each country to oversee and organise the
execution of the abovementioned measures (partners: ICCROM-ATHAR,
partner organisations, and the Arab Member States), and;
y creating an executive committee to follow-up execution, where the
committee convenes periodically in the last month of each year to
review accomplished work, as well as to modify the work plan in view
of the emerging needs in the field of cultural heritage conservation in
times of crisis (partners: ICCROM-ATHAR, ALECSO, ISESCO, and Arab
Member States).
38
3. Highlights
Recommended Action Plan for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Arab Region15-17 December 2015, Sharjah, UAE
1- Capacity building for the preparation of cultural heritage protection before, during and after crisis:The workshop participants concurred the importance of training multidisciplinary
national teams in the Arab states to be adequately equipped for the protection
and conservation of cultural heritage in times of crisis.
2- Information management and documentation, and databases relevant to movable and immovable cultural heritage records in the Arab states:The workshop participants agreed on the necessity of creating an electronic
gateway (E-gate) which consists of a database comprising the different inventories
and archives of cultural properties in the Arab states. This database, which will be
made available for all Member States, will provide information on cultural heritage
present in the Arab states, rendering it as a key resource in times of crisis as well
as for research purposes.
3- Technical and financial support for the conservation of cultural heritage in times of crisis:The workshop participants agreed to dedicate exerted efforts for the creation
of an emergency fund for cultural heritage salvage in the Arab region, to be
achieved under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed
Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The fund shall
mobilise Arab and international contributions and efforts to provide technical and
financial support for the Arab countries whose cultural heritage faces destruction
during crisis. This will allow affected countries to perform first aid interventions for
cultural heritage in times of crisis. A study will be conducted to explore the nature
of this fund and to devise an outreach mechanism which aims to raise awareness
through media of risks affecting cultural heritage in several Arab states.
4- Adhere to existing legislation and update of legal frameworks:The workshop participants agreed to support the work of Arab states implemented
for the development of their local laws in conformity with international agreements
and approaches. They also agreed to provide technical support for the Arab
states in the preparation of recovery files of illegally exported archaeological
objects, as well as to optimise benefit from the international laws and legislations
in the field of cultural heritage conservation.
39
Workshop participants exploring measures to be taken for the protection of cultural heritage in the region.
40
3.7 Honoring Conservation Projects in the Arab World
Under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi,
Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, ICCROM-ATHAR,
presented best conservation projects in the Arab world and announced
next year’s ICCROM-ATHAR Award.
H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme
Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated an exhibition highlighting
the most prominent heritage conservation projects in the Arab world.
ICCROM-ATHAR hosted an opening ceremony in the presence and under
the Patronage of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah, alongside an exhibition aiming
to draw public attention to issues relevant to heritage conservation. This
event came at a time of escalating destruction to cultural properties due
to ongoing crises.
The project exhibition was held at the Heart of Sharjah as part of the
Sharjah Heritage Days activities. Titled “Best Conservation Practices in
the Arab World,” this exhibition brought to the forefront conservation work
accomplished in the fields of museums and urban heritage sites in the
Arab region. In the exhibition, selected photos and posters presented the
impact of conservation projects both socially and economically. Another
exhibition titled “Highlights from Cultural Heritage in the Arab World”
showcased the collections granted to the Centre by its Arab Member
States. These two exhibitions were held in partnership with Sharjah
Heritage Institution.
ICCROM, for its part, announced the launch of the annual ICCROM-ATHAR
Award for best conservation practices. This effort falls within the organisation’s
dedication to promote the field of cultural heritage conservation. Ms. Marie
Lavandier, President of the ICCROM Council, representing Dr. Stefano
De Caro, Director-General of ICCROM, emphasised ICCROM’s pride in
its partnership with the Government of Sharjah, praising the vision of His
Highness as well as his commitment to achieving conservation projects in
the Arab region.
3. Highlights
"Best Conservation Practices in the Arab World" Exhibition.
41
The exhibition presented 14 projects:
y Rehabilitation of the Old City Council Building in Damanhur, Egypt
y Urban Development of Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah Al-Fatimi Street in Cairo, Egypt
y Conservation of Amra Palace Site, Jordan
y Conservation of Baalbek Archaeological Site, Lebanon
y Conservation of Tyre Tomb at the National Museum in Beirut, Lebanon
y Innovative Materials for the Restoration of Mosaic Floors at the
Silene Roman Palace, Libya
y Visitors Centre at Volubilis Archaeological Site, Morocco
y Development and Management of Hisham’s Palace, Jericho, Palestine
y Conservation Plan for the destroyed buildings in Historical Suakin, Sudan
y Rehabilitation of the Old Citadel in Damascus, Syria
y Inventory as tool for the rehabilitation of the Old City in Tunis, Tunisia
y Restoration and Revival of Ad-Dour temple in Umm Al-Quwain,
United Arab Emirates
y Restoration and Development of Bait Al-Ansari in Sharjah,
United Arab Emirates
y Restoration and reconstruction of the buildings located in
Al Qasimi district in Sana’a, Yemen
During this event, ICCROM-ATHAR announced that the participating
projects, together with a compendium of key published articles in Arabic,
will be part of the new digital platform FASTI Online Archaeological
Conservation. The platform will highlight best practice projects in the
region, while providing a tool for disseminating knowledge and experiences
on conservation projects in accordance with international standards.
At the closing session, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi
honoured the best conservation projects, and awarded trophies to the
exhibition participants.
H.H. awarding trophies to exhibition participants.
42
3. Highlights
3.8 Expert Meeting on Libyan Cultural Heritage
The International Expert Meeting on the Safeguard of Libyan Cultural
Heritage took place in Tunis, Tunisia from 9 to 11 May 2016. The three-
day workshop sought to identify practical actions to engage civil society,
customs and security services in protecting Libya’s numerous cultural
heritage sites and in combating illicit trafficking through projects designed
to safeguard the country’s shared cultural assets.
The meeting was organised by the Libyan Department of Antiquities, the
International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of
Cultural Property ICCROM-ATHAR, Rome, Italy, and the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), with the
support of the United States Embassy to Libya in Tunis.
Experts during the meeting of the safeguard of Libyan Cultural Heritage.
43
Mr Martin Kobler, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) during an interview at the closing of the Expert Meeting.
Various local and international experts, representing a broad range of
backgrounds and experiences, participated in the discussions. The
gathering included over 30 Libyan stakeholders representing heritage
sites, historic cities and civil society, along with several scientific missions
in Libya and a number of international organisations.
The list of speakers at the closing session included Dr. Stefano de Caro,
Director-General of ICCROM; Mrs. Helen LaFave, Chargé d’Affaires at the
U.S. Embassy to Libya; Mr. Mohamed Ould Khattar, Representative of the
Assistant Director-General for Culture at UNESCO; Mr. Nasser Al-Deissy,
Representative of the Ministry of Culture, Information and Antiquities,
Government of Libya; and Dr. Zaki Aslan, Director of the ICCROM-ATHAR
Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah, UAE (ICCROM-ATHAR).
The priority action plan devised by the participants addressed four main
areas: archaeological sites, museum collections and archives, historic
cities, and intangible heritage. Elements of the plan include:
y the enhancement of data and inventory management to include damage
and risk assessment, using up-to-date technology and standards;
y institutional capacity building and the improvement of governance
for heritage protection, through enhanced legal provisions and
their enforcement, and training of stakeholders (such as the police,
customs officials and managers of sites and museums);
y the development of security and protection methods and systems
for collections, archives, archaeological sites and historic buildings,
including building of security fencing and equipment and measures
against intentional damage, as well as involvement of local
communities, municipalities and government partners, and;
y the design and implementation of advocacy and outreach activities
aimed specifically at engaging civil society institutions, schools and
the media.
44
3.9 Accompanied by HH The Ruler of Sharjah, The Prince of Wales visits ICCROM-ATHAR
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall undertook multiple
engagements during their official visit to the United Arab Emirates.
Their Royal Highnesses’ visit was devised in order to promote the U.K.’s
partnership in the region in key areas, including that regarding the
preservation of cultural heritage. To this end, on 08 November 2016 in
Sharjah, UAE, the Prince of Wales, was greeted by His Highness Sheikh
Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and
Ruler of Sharjah, at ICCROM’s Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah,
UAE (ICCROM-ATHAR).
Dr Zaki Aslan, Regional Representative of ICCROM and Director
of ICCROM-ATHAR, presented the Centre’s work dedicated to the
safeguarding of cultural heritage in the Arab region for the benefit of local
societies, individual countries and the region as a whole, through the
dissemination of best practices in heritage protection and management,
for education of professionals, and for raising awareness of the public.
Following this initial introduction, the Prince of Wales and HH Sheikh
Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and
Ruler of Sharjah viewed an exhibition on “Best Conservation Practices
in the Arab World”, held earlier this year, in which selected projects
were presented as examples of best conservation work accomplished
in the fields of museums and urban heritage sites in the Arab region,
and the impact of these conservation projects both socially and
economically.
After viewing this exhibition, the Prince of Wales and HH Sheikh Dr Sultan
bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of
Sharjah, were introduced to first aid techniques used for the stabilisation
of objects during an emergency. This was done through a series of
3. Highlights
44
45
table –top exercises in which ICCROM-ATHAR staff demonstrated first
aid techniques for the conservation of objects, discussing stages of a
first aid plan in times of crisis, namely: salvage, stabilisation, packing
and storage. Exercises like these are used in ICCROM-ATHAR’s course
simulations, as it forces participants to use all their skills acquired
throughout a course, for assessing and responding during complex
emergency situations.
The Prince of Wales and HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi,
Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, then
The visit of the Prince of Wales and HH Sheikh Dr Al Qasimi, Member of
Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, concluded with them meeitng with
some of the participants of ICCROM-ATHAR’s latest Regional Leadership
Course on First Aid and Risk Management of Cultural Heritage in Times of
Crisis, which took place in Sharjah from 4 – 31 October 2016. This course
offered hands-on training aimed at preparing proactive cultural first-aiders,
by exploring the tools and abilities needed to assess risks to cultural
heritage and reduce the impact of such crises. Participants discussed
what they learnt during the course and how they would implement the
knowledge acquired upon their return to their home countries.
The Prince of Wales and HH Sheikh Dr. Al Qasimi during a simulation of first aid preservation techniques for paper.
45
4. National Projects
46
Urgent consolidation for the northern wall of the temple.
4.1 ICCROM’s Experts Work on Saving an Ancient Temple: Ad-Dour Temple Restoration Project
Conservators, architects, scientists and archaeologists joined forces
during March and April 2016 to restore an ancient temple dating roughly
two millennia, from complete destruction. The Ad-Dour Temple, discovered
by archaeologists in the desert sands of Umm Al-Quwain in the 1980s,
underwent a unique conservation project that broke boundaries not only in
the UAE, but in the region as well.
With the keen aim to conserve the United Arab Emirate’s identity and
heritage, a basis of cooperation was established between the National
Council for Tourism and Antiquities (NCTA), Ministry of Infrastructure
Development, Umm Al-Quwain’s Department of Antiquities and Heritage,
and ICCROM, through its Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah,
ICCROM-ATHAR. Sharjah’s Institute for Heritage supported the project as
well, with much needed materials.
The project initiated its first phase in November 2013, when two ICCROM
experts assessed the condition of the building materials of the temple, and
selected samples from the stone, plaster and mortar materials to be analysed
for their chemical composition. The analyses of the chemical composition
of the selected samples took place in the Central Laboratories Unit in the
University of Sharjah through: X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron
microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS),
47
From top to bottom:
Reintegration of original plaster fragments after recovery.
Fine restoration wall pointing with traditional and hydraulic lime.
thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS).
In light of the results obtained from the scientific study, the second phase
of the project commenced on 1 February 2016, in which ICCROM-ATHAR
was responsible for the supervision and execution of the restoration works,
utilising the longstanding expertise of its experts in the field.
The international experts employed state-of-the-art nanotechnology in their
race against time to help restore this precious piece of history, manifested in a
beautiful square-shaped structure dedicated to the Semitic sun god Shamash.
Local professionals were engaged in the restoration works, which allowed
them to train and acquire skills relevant to archaeological restoration. This
served as an opportunity to promote and increase local skills and expertise
working in the field of restoration in the country.
The deterioration of the Ad-Dour temple over the past years, referring to
factors such as natural erosion caused by wind and rain has led to the
collapse of some of the temple’s walls and the decay of its plaster. This
condition called for immediate intervention for restoration and preservation,
especially given the prior enlisting of this temple on UAE’s Tentative World
Heritage List in 2012.
48
4. National Projects
4.2 Workshop on the Protection of the Historic Site of Suakin in Sudan
Following the directives of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi,
Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, ICCROM-ATHAR held
a workshop on the protection of the historic site of Suakin in Sudan on 4
April 2016.
The site of Suakin bears an outstanding heritage significance as a passage
for human activity from Africa to the Arabic Peninsula. It also represents
the pilgrimage path from West Africa to Jerusalem. This site witnessed
a meeting point for cultures from Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and
Europe, creating a cultural diversity embodied by the city’s architectural
diversity, which became known as the Red Sea architecture. Suakin is
distinguished by its traditional crafts and the rich culture of its inhabitants.
The workshop aimed to devise a plan that would guide Sharjah’s
contribution to the efforts invested in conserving and reviving the historic
site in compliance with the site’s state of conservation and the heritage
value it bears. The participants of the workshop explored relevant available
studies and met with officials responsible for managing the site to discuss
future interventions. The meetings also addressed devising a work plan
for the restoration and conservation of the site with its buildings to be
executed according to an appropriate strategy.
The workshop brought together ICCROM-ATHAR experts specialised in
the fields of urban and architectural conservation, a team of professionals
from the Directorate General for Antiquities and Museums in Sudan, in
addition to a team of experts from the British mission working at the site.
In this context, ICCROM-ATHAR conducted a four-day official scientific
mission to the site in which they met with officials managing the site.
The visit allowed the ICCROM-ATHAR mission to explore the site and the
available local expertise.
The mission prominently included a meeting with Dr. Ali Mohammed
Al Hamiya Building, Suakin, Sudan.
49
Hamed, the wali (governor) of the Red Sea Governorate, and Mr.
Mohammed Abu Zaid Mustafa, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and
Antiquities. The delegation also met with the Director General of Sea Ports,
commissioner of the city of Suakin. Accompanying the ICCROM delegation
were Dr. Abdulrahman Ali, Director General of the National Cooperation
for Antiquities ant Museums (NCAM), Dr. Eglal El Malik, Director of the
Conservation at NCAM, Sudan, and ICCROM Council Member, alongside
a number of Sudanese heritage experts.
Several meetings were also held with stakeholders, historic buildings
owners and representatives from the local community. The experts
conducted field visits to the island and the surrounding historical areas,
and discussed actions for the rehabilitation of the city, local community
development and the promotion of cultural and natural tourism. Also
discussed were the measures to be taken by the Sudanese official bodies
for the facilitation of conservation and rehabilitation works.
To this end, an action plan was devised comprising the following:
y Implementation of conservation work of the pilgrimage route including
the city’s gate and wall, Al Hamiya building, Masjid Al Majidi, the State
School and the Sufi corner, in addition to the main gate of the island and
several of its buildings.
y Zoning of the heritage area and setting guidelines for the conservation
and restoration of the historic buildings, in order to guarantee the quality
of interventions in compliance with international charters, and to support
the World Heritage nomination file of the site.
y Cooperation with the Sea Ports Corporation for the protection of the
site’s surroundings and marine life, taking into account the impact of the
development of the port.
y In the occasion of celebrating Sennar as Capital for Islamic Heritage
in 2017, the recently restored customs buildings will be utilised as a
museum and interpretation for the city’s history and pop culture, while
exhibiting the city’s rehabilitation project.
y Consolidation of some collapsed buildings in order to prevent further
deterioration.
y National institutional capacity building to be implemented through
ICCROM-ATHAR programmes and courses.
This contribution, which was led by ICCROM-ATHAR, is part of the efforts
and initiatives invested under the patronage of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah
for the conservation of cultural heritage in the Arab region, as well as the
promotion of the local heritage and the Arab Islamic identity.
Group photo at the Gate of Suakin.
50
4.3 Drafting General Guidelines for the Restoration and Conservation
of Cultural Heritage in the UAE
After organising a workshop with the participation of representatives
from all the Emirates of the UAE, the National Council of Tourism and
Antiquities (NCTA) agreed on researching general guidelines for the
restoration and conservation of cultural heritage in the UAE.
ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre (ICCROM-ATHAR) is
responsible, in cooperation with the NCTA, for drafting the guidelines.
These guidelines will be the first stage of this project. More detailed
instructions for the restoration, rehabilitation and conservation of cultural
heritage properties in the UAE will be devised in the following year.
4. National Projects
From left to right:
General Guidelines for the Restoration and Conservation of Cultural Heritage in the UAE Manual.
Replacing gypsum mortar with lime mortar between joints.
51
52
During the last couple of years, ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah, UAE (ICCROM-ATHAR), has dedicated its efforts and resources to key
publications targeted for an Arabic readership. It has actively been working on sharing the outcome of the centre’s experience and activities including research and
publications, as well as training manuals for professionals and school teachers, such as the following:
Reprint
5.1 Re-print of Selected Readings from ICCROM-ATHAR - Vol I
Conservation of Cultural Heritage in the Arab Region
Issues in the Conservation and Management of Heritage Sites
SELECTED READINGS FROM ATHAR
Following several ATHAR Programme’s
foundation courses, it was deemed necessary
to put some of the experiences learned in the
hands of a wider audience beyond the direct
benefit of course participants. This book is a
result of valuable contributions from instructors
who took part in ICCROM-ATHAR Courses. and
who were invited to submit scientific material
relevant to the topics they covered during the
courses.
The subjects included in this first series
range from theoretical approaches, to the
conservation of cultural heritage sites, to the
implementation of techniques and management
approaches for the safeguard of immovable heritage for future generations.
5.2 Re-print of “Introducing Young People to the Protection of Heritage Sites and Historic Cities”
Introducing Young People to the Protection of Heritage Sites and Historic Cities
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS IN THE ARAB REGION
This manual is a publication intended for primary
school teachers to raise awareness in the
conservation of cultural heritage in the Arab
region, making young people sensitive to the
importance of heritage situated in their region
thus involving them in its protection and care.
It is a guide that offers principal notions on
conservation practices and management of
historical sites and cities, and underlines the
threats facing cultural heritage today. It contains
information, ideas and practical activities to help
teachers introduce this theme in schools and
school curricula. Schoolteachers may adapt it
for various age groups as necessary, although
it was specifically developed for pupils of an age group that ranges between nine
and twelve years old.
5. New Publications
Translation into Arabic
5.3 UNESCO-ICCROM-ICOMOS-IUCN Manual on “Managing Cultural World Heritage”
يلم
عا ال
ياف
ثق ال
ثترا
الرة
داإ
1
إدارة التـــراث الثقافـــي العالمـــي
يمـــ
عال ال
ثـرا
تــ ال
ردوا
مــل
ــــلي
د
WorldHeritageConvention
United NationsEducational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization
• WO
RLD
HERITAGE • PATRIMOIN
E M
ON
DIA
L •
PATR
IMONIO MUNDIAL
The concept of ‘management’ emerged
comparatively late in the forty-year history of the
World Heritage Convention. The requirement to
achieve the outputs and outcomes of successful
management – identification, protection,
conservation, presentation and transmission to
future generations of heritage of Outstanding
Universal Value has become more complex
because of the increasing pressures of the
modern world. This publication comprises a
practical guide to heritage managers worldwide.
53
5.4 UNESCO-ICCROM-ICOMOS-IUCN Manual on “Managing Disaster Risks”
consejo internacional de monumentos y sitios
إدارة مخاطـــر الكـــوارث
للتــــراث العالمــــي
يمـــ
عال ال
ثـرا
تــ ال
د
ارمو
ل يـــ
دل
WorldHeritageConvention
United NationsEducational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization
• WO
RLD
HERITAGE • PATRIMOIN
E M
ON
DIA
L •
PATR
IMONIO MUNDIAL
The manual focuses on one approach to the
principles, methodology and process for
managing disaster risks at cultural and natural
World Heritage properties. It is primarily aimed
for site managers, management teams and the
agencies and organisations that have a direct
stake in the management of a heritage
property. It can also be adapted and applied
by other stakeholders, depending on their
mandate and responsibilities.
54
Proceedings
5.6 LACONA X Proceedings, Maney Publications (English)
This issue features a selection of
research work presented at the
LACONA X Conference held in
Sharjah, June 2014. It explores
key work and information to the
continued development, as well
as adoption, of laser-based
methods in conservation and
documentation of historic
artwork. It is our hope that this
“Special Issue” will be useful for
conservators and scientists.
The publication is freely available
online, in open access format, in a dedicated Special Issue of Studies in
Conservation, the premier journal of the International Institute of Conservation
of Artistic and Historic Works (IIC): http://www.maneyonline.com/toc/sic/60/S1.
5.5 UNESCO “Manual for Activities Directed at Underwater Cultural Heritage”
)القواعد وعنوانه 2001 اتفاقية ملحق في والثالثين الست القواعد الدليل هذا يوضح المتعلقة باألنشطة الموجهة إلى التراث الثقافي المغمور بالمياه(. تمثل القواعد خطة عملية إلجراءات التدخل تحت سطح الماء قابلة للتطبيق تطبيقاً مباشراً. وأصبحت هذه القواعد
على مر السنين مرجعاً في مجال علم اآلثار المغمورة بالمياه.
يلي: تصميم بما تتعلق إرشادات الدليل يقدم األخالقية، المبادئ إلى توضيح باإلضافة المشروع، والمنهج والتقنيات، وجمع أهداف التمهيدية، وصياغة المشروع، واألعمال الموقع على والحفاظ والمؤهالت، والكفاءة المشروع، وجدولة وإدارتها، األموال التقارير، البيئية، وإعداد السالمة، واالعتبارات التوثيق، ومعايير وإدارته، وإجراءات
وأرشيف محفوظات المشروع ورعايته، واإلعالم والنشر.
بشأن 2001 عام التفاقية والتقنية العلمية االستشارية الهيئة الدليل هذا على صادقت حماية التراث الثقافي المغمور بالمياه.
For more information on UNESCO’s work in the field of underwater archaeology see www.unesco.org/en/underwater-cultural-heritage
9 7 8 9 2 3 0 0 1 1 2 2 2
ISBN: 978-92-3-001122-2
دليـــل األعمال الموجهة للتـراث الثقافـــي المغمـور بالميـاه
إرشــادات لملحــق اتفاقيــة اليونسكـو لعام 2001
اهميـ
الر ب
ـــومـ
غلم
ي افــــ
قالث
ث ارا
تــــلل
ة ه
جمو
الل
ماألع
ل ايــــ
دل
إعداد ثَيس مارليفيلد و أولريكة غويرن و باربرا أيغر
إشراف الترجمة )النسخة العربية(: د. زكي أصالن
This Manual explains the thirty-six Rules of the
Annex to the 2001 Convention titled “Rules
concerning activities directed at underwater
cultural heritage”. These Rules present a directly
applicable operation scheme for underwater
interventions. Over the years, they have become
a reference in the field of underwater
archaeology.
In addition to elaborating on the ethical
principles, the Manual offers a series of
guidelines concerning: project design;
preliminary work; the formulation of project
objectives, methodologies and techniques; fund
raising and management; project scheduling;
competence and qualification requirements; conservation and site management;
documentation procedures; safety standards; environmental considerations;
reporting; curation of project archives; and dissemination.
This Manual is endorsed by the Scientific and Technical Advisory Body of the
2001 Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage.
6. New Publications
5.7 Proceedings of the Seminar on “Urban Conservation and Reconstruction in the Arabian Gulf”, ICCROM-ATHAR and Dubai Municipality (English)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates25-26 March 2015
Urban Conservation and Reconstruction in the Arabian Gulf – Seminar Proceedings
Throughout history, many historical cities and
sites have been burned down, looted and
demolished due to natural and human disasters.
Cities in the Gulf, after the discovery of oil in
particular, went through a very rapid development
which led to a boom in both construction and
population. With no legislation to protect their
historic areas, many historic buildings were
demolished either because they were dilapidated
or because of the new town planning.
This publications aims to explore and
discuss important recommendations
concerning the evolving concept of
authenticity and reconstruction in the Gulf
region in order to protect its history and legacy.
55
STAFF• Zaki ASLAN, Director
• Amgad El-ATROZY, Operations Officer
• Abdullah HALAWA, Project Specialist, Built Heritage and Education
• Yasmin HASHEM, Project Specialist, Information and Training
• Anwar SABIK, Project Specialist, Field Projects
• Sherin SAHOURI, Project Specialist, Thematic and Policy Studies
• Shahul Hameed NALAKATH, Chauffeur and Messenger
MAIN PARTNERS AND SPONSORS(for events / activities covered in this edition of the newsletter)
• The Government of Sharjah, UAE
- Department of Culture and Information
- Sharjah Museums Department
- American University of Sharjah
- University of Sharjah
- Sharjah Institute for Heritage
• Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO)
• Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH) - Bahrain
• Department of State, USA Government
• Dubai Municipality
• Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO)
• Ministry of Antiquities, Egypt
• Ministry of Culture, Egypt
• Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, UAE
• National Council for Tourism and Antiquities (NCTA), UAE
• Umm Al Quwain
• University College London - Qatar
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
ICCROM is an intergovernmental organization founded by UNESCO in 1956 with headquarters in Rome, Italy. ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre (ICCROM-ATHAR) was established by ICCROM and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following decisions made at ICCROM’s 27th General Assembly in November 2011. The Centre represents ICCROM for the service of its Arab member states. Its legal status in the United Arab Emirates has been based on a decision made by the Council of Ministers of the UAE in March, 2015, and a Headquarters Agreement signed between ICCROM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE in October 2015. ICCROM-ATHAR serves to protect the cultural heritage of the Arab region and to broaden access, appreciation and understanding of its history. This includes heritage collections, rich and varied historic places, sites and monuments. It aims primarily to enhance the capacity of official heritage institutions to manage and conserve heritage sites and museum collections on a sustainable basis.
Knowledge ... the future of our heritage
With the support of:
© ICCROM-ATHAR, 2016
www.facebook.com/iccrom@ICCROM
ICCROM-ATHAR Regional Conservation Centre in Sharjah
PO Box: 48777, Sharjah, U.A.E.E-mail: [email protected]/athar
ICCROM-ATHAR NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2016
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