New exhibition highlights best conservation practices projects in the Arab Region

SHARJAH, 10th April, 2016 (WAM) - Sharjah hosted an exhibition that showcases the Arab region’s most significant conservation projects. Inaugurated by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and organised by the ICCROM ATHAR Conservation Centre, the regional office of the Rome based international conservation agency, the event hopes to draw public attention to conservation issues at a time when more and more cultural assets perish in conflict. The exhibition dubbed "Best Conservation Practices in the Arab Region" honours best practices in conservation within the world of museums and built heritage sites in the Arab world, through a selection of images and posters, demonstrating the impact of conservation projects both socially and economically. "We firmly believe that any country’s cultural heritage is part of the world’s cultural heritage and that the loss of any of its components is a loss to all humankind," said Marie Lavandier, who chairs ICCROM’s Executive Council, and who was also representing the Director General of ICCROM, Dr. Stefano De Caro. Ms Lavandier said ICCROM was proud to partner with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and praised Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for his vision and commitment to conservation projects across the Arab world. ICCROM announced that it was planning to establish an ICCROM-Sharjah Award for Best Conservation Practices in another effort to promote best practices in conservation. "This year’s event, will pave the way for launching a biennial prize from Sharjah with His Highness’ guidance and blessings, who has made it possible for this Centre to flourish and achieve its goal in promoting and preserving the rich heritage of this region, for future generations" said Dr. Zaki Aslan, the director of the ICCROM ATHAR Regional Centre. The exhibition showcases thirteen conservation projects: 1. Mr Tamer El Serafi: Rehabilitation of the Old Council Building of Damanhour, Egypt 2. Mr Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Sayed: Al-Muizz li-Deen Illah Street Urban Development, Egypt 3. Dr Monther Jamhawi: Qusayr Amra Conservation Project, Jordan 4. Mr Moustapha Atki: Voloubilis Site Visitors’ Centre, Morocco 5. Ms Shireen Sahouri on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Palestine: Development and Management of Hisham’s Palace, Palestine 6. Dr Abdelrahman Ali: Conservation Plan of Ruined Buildings at the Historic City of Suakin, Sudan 7. Mr Edmond Elejji: Rehabilitation of the Old Citadel of Damascus, Syria 8. Mr Belhassen Kinbi: Rehabilitation of the Old Medina of Tunis, Tunisia 9. Ms Alyaa Ghafli: Restoration of Ad – Dour Temple, Umm Al Qaiwain, United Arab Emirates 10. Ms Mai Al Mazroui: Preservation and Presentation of Bait Al-Ansari, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates Projects that participated in the exhibition but not present at the event yesterday: 11. Baalbak Archaeological Conservation Project, Lebanon 12. Conservation of the Tomb of Tyre in the National Museum of Beirut, Lebanon 13. Innovative Materials to Restore Mosaic Pavements of the Roman Villa of Silin, Libya Dr. Aslan announced that the projects shown in this exhibition, together with a compendium of key published articles, in Arabic, will be part of its new digital platform FASTI-Online Archaeological Conservation. This project will highlight the best conservation practices in the region, while providing a substantial tool for disseminating knowledge and experiences on conservation projects. The event concluded with Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi honouring the best conservation projects by handing out awards to the participants of this exhibition. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395293895554.html