Heritage Conservation in the Middle East College of Design, University of Dammam Thursday, 10 April 2014
Heritage Conservation in the Middle East College of Design, University of Dammam
Thursday, 10 April 2014 Al Othman Hall, University of Dammam
CONTENTS
Seminar Brief........................................................................................................................i Schedule of Events...............................................................................................................ii Message from the Dean College of Design............................................................................v Message from the Head Department of Interior Design........................................................ vii Message from the Convener, Organizing Committee Chair.................................................... ix BIOGRAPHY AND PAPER Dr. Salma Samar Damluji, Professor Chair, Islamic Architecture, Department of Architecture, American University of Beirut............................................... 2 Architect Cansen Kiliççöte, Secretary General, Conservation and Restoration Experts Association, Turkey.......................................................................................................... 3 Dr. Shadia Touqan, Director, Old City of Jerusalem Revitalization Programme (OCJRP), Welfare Association, Jerusalem and London..................................................................... 9 Dr. Soheir Zaki Hawas, Professor of Architecture & Urban Design, Architecture Department, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University...................................17 Dr. Arch. Iman Duman and MsC Arch. Naila Khan............................................................... 19 Sumayyah A. Alshraim and Amani A. Al-Amoudi................................................................. 23 Architect Fida Touma, Director, RIWAQ Center for Architectural Conservation...................... 33 Princess Nouf Bint Mohammed Bin Fahd Al-Saud, PhD in Urban Conservation................... 37 Acknowledgements........................................................................................................... 51
Heritage Conservation in the Middle East Rich in heritage, the Middle-East has been active in conservation projects for the past few decades. The architectural heritage of the Middle East is unique, and it shows glimpses of life, culture and artistic expressions of this region. Yemen, Morocco, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Tunisia are among the countries that have led the way of heritage conservation, which has inspired other countries to care for their heritage. Along with cultural and social advantages, the economic gain from heritage is an important factor for its conservation. The archaeologists, architects, engineers, museum specialists, tourism consultants and landmark experts of the Middle Eastern region are working to synthesize the conservation of the heritage with the social, cultural and economic needs of today. UNESCO, ICCROM, ICOMOS, MEGA (Middle East Geo-database for Antiquities), SBAH (Iraq State Board of Antiquities and Heritage), DOA (The Jordanian Department of Antiquities), GCI-WMF (Getty Conservation Institute and the World Monuments Fund) are among the organizations which have been active in supporting and preserving the heritage of this region. The seminar titled ‘Heritage Conservation in the Middle East’, to be held on 10 April, 2014 organized by the College of Design, University of Dammam will bring together the experts in heritage conservation from the Middle East region. The day-long seminar will feature a series of sessions focusing on the conservation work supervised by the speakers. They will share their experiences with the faculty and students of the college. This seminar aims at raising awareness and inspiring the students and faculty to care for the heritage of the Middle East and to take part in such conservation endeavors today, and in the future.
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PROGRAM
Heritage Conservation in the Middle East Program will be divided into two parts. The first part will have the presentations from the guest speakers. The second part will have two parallel sessions – (A) In-house speakers from UOD and (B) Session of roundtable discussions conducted by the guest speakers. Part 1
9am: 9:06am: 9:12am: 9:19am: 9:37am: 10:02am: 10:20am: 10:43am: 11:08am: 11:26am: 11:51am: 12:06pm: 12:19pm: 12:44pm: 1:00pm:
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Welcome Address & Recitation from the Quran Address by Dr. Zainab Faruqui Ali, Convener, Organizing Committee & Professor, College of Design Address by Dr. Hind Al Gahtani Head, Department of Interior Design Crest and Certificate distribution ‘Conservation in Yemen’ Dr. Salma Samar Damluji Q&A Tea Break ‘Architectural Heritage Restoration in Turkey: Case studies’, Architect Cansen Kiliççöte Q&A ‘My Home is a World Heritage Site’, Dr. Shadia Touqan Q&A Prayer Break ‘Khedivian Cairo-Identification and Documentation of UrbanArchitecture in Downtown Cairo’, Dr. Soheir Zaki Hawas. Q&A Lunch Break
Part 2
Session (a) 2:03pm: ‘Conservation through Participation: Project Harat Al - Darb Al - Asfar, Al - Jamalia in Cairo, Egypt’, Dr. Iman Duman, Architect Naila Khan 2:28pm: Q&A 2:46pm: ‘A Critical View of the Conservation Action in the Gulf Countries’, Amani Al-Amoudi, Sumayyah A. Al-Shraim, Graduate students, University of Dammam 3:11pm: Q&A 3:29pm: Tea & Prayer Break 3:52pm: ‘Social Awareness and Urban Conservation’, Princess Nouf Bint Mohammed Bin Fahd Al-Saud, PhD in Urban Conservation 4:17pm:
Q&A
Session (b) 2:00pm: Organization of groups 2:10pm: Roundtable Discussions on selected topics by 4 groups of students and teachers, to be conducted by the Guest Speakers. 3:29pm: Tea and Prayer Break 4:00pm: Compilation of the Conclusions of the Roundtable Discussions
Part 3
Concluding Session 4:35pm: Concluding Remarks on the Seminar by Dr. Zainab Faruqui Ali 4:45pm: Vote of Thanks by Dr. Hind Al Gahtani Head, Department of Interior Design
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Message from the Dean of the College of Design Conservation efforts have been noteworthy in the countries of the MiddleEast. Like it’s neighbors both government and public sectors in Saudi Arabia are now actively involved in conservation projects. There have been many publications of journals and books on the heritage conservation of these places. Professionals as well as educators are constantly turning to tradition - for preserving the heritage, for inspiration and also for learning from the traditional wisdom. Our heritage, our past, our roots are preserved through conservation of early developments in the arts and sciences. Architecture, urban design and interior design constitute the largest part of this heritage. Taking pride in our own heritage allows us to build our future on strong foundations. The endeavors such as the seminar on ‘Heritage Conservation in the Middle East’ organized by the College of Design lets us learn from the great examples of history. The students, teachers and invited guests will get an idea of what are the important elements of the heritage of different countries, and what binds us together in the Middle-East. I would like to thank the members of the organizing team and all the people and organizations involved in this effort.
Regards Dr. Saeed Al-Awais Dean, College of Design University of Dammam
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Message from Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Head of the Interior Design Department Heritage links our present to the past, and gives us strength to leap forward in the future. We are proud of our heritage – architectural, urban and cultural. Saving our heritage – in any way we can, is a must for all. The first step towards this mission is awareness. The seminar ‘Heritage Conservation in the Middle East’ is such an endeavor of the College of Design to raise awareness about our rich heritage among our students and faculty. We have invited, along with in-house members of the faculty, some special experts from the region to enrich the day-long seminar by sharing their experiences of working in the fields of restoration and conservation. I thank all the special guests for accepting our invitation. I thank the members of the faculty for working hard to make it a success. I thank the university authority for extending its helping hand. And I welcome you all to this great occasion. Regards
Dr. Hind Al Gahtani Vice Dean for Academic Affairs Head, Department of Interior Design College of Design, University of Dammam
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Message from Convener, Organizing Committee Heritage points to the roots. Heritage makes us know ourselves fully. One has to be abreast and proud of one’s heritage if one wants to progress. Heritage provides healthy beginning for a better future. If we are knowledgeable of our heritage, we will not be afraid to open our doors to the west, to the unknown. Only then we will be able to preserve our heritage by keeping the essence of the tradition in the new, and not by making mere copies of the old. Wonderful works have been done in the region on conservation of heritage. We are happy to have with us today some of the participants of these great works. This seminar might be an eye opener to some, or provide new knowledge to some enthusiasts, but I am positive that this seminar will inspire all to contribute to the conservation efforts of various places of the region, especially Saudi Arabia. Thank you
Dr. Zainab Faruqui Ali Professor, Department of Interior Design College of Design, University of Dammam
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BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Salma Samar Damluji AA Dipl. PhD(RCA) Salma Samar Damliju is a Professor of Mu‘allim Mohammad Binladen Chair for Architecture in the Islamic World, Department of Architecture and Design, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut. She is the Chief Architect & Founder of Daw‘an Mud Brick Architecture Foundation. Her awards include ‘The Global Award For Sustainable Architecture 2012’, Paris, ‘The Locus Foundation’, Clinton Global Initiative (GCI), New York, 2012 & 2013. Dr. Damliju graduated from the Architectural Association School of Architecture, London (1977) and obtained her PhD from the Royal College of Art (RCA), London (1987). She worked for several years with the Egyptian Architect Hassan Fathy in Cairo. She was a Lecturer at Beirut University College and the Lebanese University in Islamic Arts & Architecture. Dr Damliju worked as a Human Settlement Officer for UN Economic Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). She was a Research Fellow at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London from 1987 to1989. As a Tutor at VITA (Visual Islamic and Traditional Arts) at the RCA from (1989 to1994), she worked with Keith Critchlow and post-graduate students
specializing in Islamic geometry, traditional and vernacular architecture and cities. Dr. Salma was a Senior Tutor at The Architectural Association School of Architecture, Housing & Urbanism, Graduate School from 1989 to1997. Dr Damliju was Coordinator of the RCA Morocco Asilah Studios. Her expertize include working as the Director, The Technical Office of the Chairman of The Works Department in Abu Dhabi. From 2005 to present, Dr Damliju has been supervising the Architectural rehabilitation sites in Hadramut, Yemen. As the Chief Architect and founding member of The Daw‘an Mud Brick Architecture Foundation established in 2008 and based in Mukalla, Yemen. She is dedicated to developing and working with vernacular and sustainable architecture. A good number of projects were implemented, in partnership with the Prince Claus Fund, Cultural Emergency Response; Masna‘t Daw‘an (2007), Sah & ‘Aynat (2008-2010), and currently (2013-) in Shibam and Qarn Majid, in Hadramut. Her ongoing research project include The Architecture of the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, India.
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BIOGRAPHY
N. Cansen Kiliççöte Cansen Kiliççöte obtained a Bachelor of Architecture from Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, METU, and a Master of Science in Restoration from the Department of Restoration, METU, Turkey. Currently Ms. Kiliccote’s professional responsibilities include: • Secretary General, Conservation and Restoration Experts Association, Turkey • Expert for The Prime Ministry, Board of Auditors • Dissertation judiciary member in Restoration Department of Architecture, METU • Instructor, University of Aksaray Vocational School of Güzelyurt Restoration Programme • Consultant for the cultural heritage issues for Greater Municipality of Gaziantep • Technical Coordinator of the RestorationRehabilitation Projects in Cultural Heritage Development Programme of the GAP Region (11 restoration and renovation works realized by EU Grant Scheme Programme) • Project Manager, Restoration Controller and Specialist Advisor since 1999, at General Directorate of Pious Foundations,
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in projects about monuments and complexes carried out in Adana, Ankara, Ağrı, Amasya, Bayburt, Bitlis, Çorum, Diyarbakır, Edirne, Erzincan, Erzurum, Kırklareli, Konya, Manisa, Mardin, Ordu, Samsun, Sinop, Sivas, Tokat, Urfa and Yozgat • General Directorate of Pious Foundations representative in the Commission for the Preservation of Cultural and Natural Assets • Special consultant in the Turkish Parliament’s research commission named “Determining the necessary precautions for economic and social development of Bitlis-Ahlat province through research on its history, culture and tourism” • Architectural services for the international teams in the excavations carried out in Troia, Arykanda and Ani archeological sites Ms. Kiliccote has worked as a Consultant in World Heritage Sites of Turkey, Turkish National Committee of UNESCO. She has been an active member of Chamber of Architects since 1987 and Society of Preservation Specialists since 1999. Ms. Kiliccote has participations in various national and international symposiums, seminars and meetings regarding restoration and conservation issues. She has published numerous papers and in 2012, has co-authored a book titled ‘Kültürel Miras Mevzuatı’ published by Eskişehir Anadolu University.
PAPER ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE RESTORATION IN TURKEY, TWO CASE STUDIES N. Cansen Kiliççöte, Architect Restorer
Cultural heritage is the evidence for the existence, identity and the continuity of the human being, community and the cultural groups forming the community. Turkey is a very rich country in terms of the cultural heritage values in the universal level. We are trying to transfer the tangible and intangible cultural heritage values of Turkey to the next generations. Architectural heritage can be defined as the buildings or building groups which are accepted as the common goods of the humanity and should be transferred to the future with all of the values, and to be protected according to the principles of the integrated conservation. this paper presents two samples of architectural heritage conservation work that the author executed as architect restorer and the supervisor. A Vineyard House in Ankara The Old Ankara was surrounded by vineyards each having a traditional dwelling unit. People were living in these houses in summer time until Ankara became the capital city of Turkey. By this time, the social and economic conditions were changed, population increased and correspondingly, the increase of constructions caused the vineyards to be transformed into the building lots. Today, we have a small number of vineyard houses which are still standing among the new buildings in Ankara. This building was expropriated by the government and used as a lodge for the personnel since 1996. The building was unused for 3 years and the government decided to restore and rent the building. The author have prepared the required project briefs and was a consultant on the restoration process of the building
Vineyard House: Drawings in 1999-2011. The aim of the works was to eliminate the physical problems of the building and to bring back the building to Ankara life. To summarize, the whole process consisted of 6 steps: 1. Documentation: The information about the original and existing properties of the building, 2. Historical research and restitution project: The information about the historical values and the intervention periods of the building,
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Vineyard House before and during restoration
3. Evaluation: The information about the values, problems and potentials of the building, 4. Decisions: The decisions on the conservation and restoration of the building, 5. Re-functioning: The project for the new function, 6. Construction: Implementation of the project. Documentation The measured drawings and analysis of the building were prepared for the documentation of the building. The location of the building in the city and the close surroundings of the building were measured for the site plan. For the architectural drawings, the building with its open and closed spaces was measured by using conventional and optic techniques. The plans (floor, ceiling, flat and roof), sections, elevations and details of the architectural elements (stairs, doors, windows, etc.) were measured at site. 1/500, 1/50, 1/10 and 1/1 scaled drawings were made to obtain the measured drawings of the building. Together with the drawings, a detailed report which contains the definitions of
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the spaces, architectural elements and a photo album were also prepared. Thus, the current state of the building and nearby surroundings were documented. The building was also analyzed with regard to the material use, construction technique, deformations and deteriorations. This information was defined on the measured drawings by graphical methods and a report was prepared. Historical research and restitution project After the documentation, the historical information (deed records, registration documents, official documents, development plans, etc.) of the building was gathered by searching the archives. The comparative study about the architectural properties of the other vineyard houses in Ankara was the other source for the restitution drawings. A set of reliability drawings was also prepared to support the restitution project which was to be used for setting the principles of the interventions.
Vineyard House after restoration
Evaluation The building was evaluated in two scales; environmental and building scale. The location of the building within the whole city, its relationship with the city centers, service availabilities, etc. were searched in detail to evaluate the problems and potentials in environmental scale. The material deterioration, structural deformations and the problems caused by the previous interventions are accepted as the physical problems of the building. The aim was to get a conservation-use balance to overcome these problems by the restoration project. Decisions Information gathered from documentation, historical research, restitution project and evaluation of the building were used to set the principles of the restoration of the building. These are; • The previous interventions which are harmful for the building should be taken out to show the building in its original design. • The previous interventions which are integrated perfectly with the building should be preserved.
• The structural elements of the building should be rehabilitated. • The original properties of the architectural elements should be kept and the renovation of them should be done with respect to their original properties in material use and construction technique. • All the interventions should be done to satisfy the contemporary needs. • The new elements and spaces which are necessary for the new function should be done with contemporary materials and techniques without disturbing the originality of the building. Re-functioning The owner of the building set the new function as restaurant. The plan scheme and the potentials of the courtyard were appropriate for this function. The only problem was that the sanitary and service needs for this function would cause harm for the building. Therefore, a new space which was in harmony with the main building at the back side of the garden was designed.
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Deveci House: Plans
Deveci Han in Edirne Deveci Han is dated to the first half of 15 th or 16 th Century according to different sources. It was the subject of a master’s thesis for the Restoration Program of METU Faculty of Architecture Department of Architecture in 1989. Deveci Han is a unique example of city inns with regard of its ground floor plan without portico and partition walls, and is the earliest inn which is still in-situ, in Edirne. The aim of the study was to prepare a restoration project for the building with regard to the restoration criteria, potentials of the building and the evaluation of the information gathered. The organization scheme used in the thesis project was obtained from The Cultural Directorate of Edirne and the building was given for their use during the study.
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The project was approved by Edirne Council for Preservation of Cultural and Natural Properties in 1992. The demolition of the harmful additions and alterations, the preservation of qualified additions, the reconstruction of the collapsed parts which gave all the information of the original, the preservation of the traces of the collapsed parts which could not give all the information of the original, the construction of the new interventions required by the new function with contemporary materials and construction techniques were the criteria for the restoration works. These implementations were completed in 2000 and the building is in use by The Cultural Directorate of Edirne now. Conclusion Architectural heritage is one of the most impor tant
Deveci side façade before and after
Deveci courtyard before and after
components of the cultural heritage. It is very important to integrate the architectural heritage with the contemporary life styles to provide the cultural continuity of the communities. The aim of the conserving the architectural heritage is to reveal the aesthetic and cultural values without disturbing the original qualities of the heritage.
component. But architectural heritage should not be seen just as a commodity but a cultural value that all values must be dealt with.
Within the framework of the sustainable development of the architectural heritage, re-functioning is an important
Restoration projects must be prepared by interdisciplinary work and implementations must be performed by persons with sufficient knowledge and experience.
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Dr Shadia has been active as an Expert on cultural heritage preservation and revitalization of historic cities, with a number of International organizations including World Bank and UNESCO. She is the Member of UNESCO’s Committee of Experts for the Old City of Jerusalem.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Shadia Yousef Touqan Dr. Shadia Yousef Touqan obtained her BSC Architecture, in 1969 from Cairo University, MA Urban Design from, Manchester University in 1981, Diploma in Professional Practice from South Bank University, London in 1991, and PhD in Urban Development and Planning from Development Planning Uni t(DPU)/ Bartlette School of Architecture, UCL, University of London in 1995. Her PhD thesis was based on the Urban Development of Palestinian Towns under Occupation. Dr Shadia is a Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), a Member the British Architects Registration Board (ARB), and a Member of Jordan Engineers Association. Dr Shadia has been working as a senior architect on number of projects in UK, Jordan, UAE and other Arab countries. She is regarded as one of the Experts on urban development of Palestinian towns with a number of international agencies. She is the Chief Technical Advisor for UNESCO, Yemen, and Expert on cultural heritage with UNESCO team for the preparation of Bethlehem 2000 Rehabilitation Plan for Historic Centers.
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Dr Shadia is the Director of the Old City of Jerusalem Revitalization Programme, Welfare Association since November 1997. The responsibilities include implementation of the programme components in the Old City of Jerusalem including the restoration and rehabilitation of major historic monuments and buildings in the Old City and housing; renewal of residential areas and houses; documentation and publications; community outreach programmes; and training of professionals in the field of conservation. The programme has now expanded its activities to the Old City of Nablus in the West Bank of Palestine. Dr Shadia is the Project Manager since 2007, Institute for Architectural Heritage Preservation in Jerusalem, in partnership with UNESCO and funded by the EU. The Phase (I) of the project was completed in 2011. Implementation of Phase (II) started in 2012, and the Institute will be established by 2015. Dr. Shadia has published a number of papers and articles on cultural heritage preservation, housing renewal and revitalization of historic cities. She has led specialized technical teams for the preparation and publication of two books titled ‘Revitalisation Plan for the Old City of Jerusalem’ and ‘ Revitalisation of the Old City of Nablus\. Dr Shadia is the recipient of the prestigious ‘Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2004’ (9th cycle) for her contribution in the Old City of Jerusalem Programme.
PAPER My Home is a World Heritage Site Dr. Shadia Yousef Touqan
Introduction The paper discusses the importance of approaching the historic cities from a developmental angle and looking into the economic and social conditions before making plans for their revitalization to ensure that balance is achieved between providing for the changing and increasing needs or the community and the need to protect the architectural and cultural heritage of the historic place. While regeneration of historic cores and revitalisation of the historic cities is gradually becoming an integral part of the development programmes in cities and urban centres in many countries, however, many of historic centres in the Middle East are still suffering from neglect, damage resulting from misuse of buildings and monuments and loss of major valuable monuments due to lack of cultural heritage policies that could protect them for future generations . The paper presents a case study for the revitalization of the Old City of Jerusalem based on a dynamic approach to protect the exceptional architectural heritage of this Holy City while improving the living conditions for its inhabitants. General Overview Current Practices in Preservation of Historic Cities Professionals trying to interpret the composition and structure of historic cities in order to find the best way to deal with it often put forward laws and regulations, master plans and action plans to protect their cultural and architectural heritage. Invariably they arrive at what is called a “conservation plan” based on what has been identified as valuable monuments and historic buildings. According to International laws, charters and conventions, there are definitions and descriptions of what could be classified as monument or historic “enough” building which is worth preserving Generally, these conventions and laws are simple and straight
forward and can be easily followed and implemented. However, many professionals chose to interpret these laws differently either because they don’t believe in them or because they wrongly believe that they are flexible and can be changed (and in certain cases ignored) during implementation. It is often the lack of supervision and/or awareness among the official bodies that allow such actions to go ahead unchecked. While there has been a positive change in the attitude of a number of international organizations recently towards dealing with historic cities as special containers of valuable monuments that must be preserved, to looking at them as living cities. Nevertheless, the approach of the majority of organizations involved in cultural heritage preservation remains incremental, one sided and static. Often, the community and residents living in historic areas of the city are viewed with hostility from investors and officials alike. At best they are completely ignored and excluded from their plans, and the effect of their projects on the livelihood of the community is usually cast aside. At worst they are considered obstacles to development and to implementation of their plans and projects. In general, what seems to be lacking in any formal or informal interventions to safeguard cultural heritage, is a clear understanding of what the historic city needs beyond the physical improvement of its built environment. Dealing with Historic Cities There are usually two types of intervention in historic cities in general and historic buildings and monuments in particular; “the formal and the informal”. The formal intervention is usually based on decisions made by government bodies and carried out by official agencies and authorities and/or under their supervision. It usually follows the government strategies and policies regarding preservation of historic sites. The informal intervention is carried out by users/owners of historic buildings either aided by some professional input or without any technical assistance or guidance and without notifying the authorities. Within the informal practice there are also market-led ventures that can be described as the “in between” approach (or the semi-formal) which mainly include intervention by the private sector as an investment to
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increase the value of the building or to use it for a profitable activity. In this case, the user/investor usually obtains the necessary approvals from the authorities. Physically and professionally, the outcome of the formal intervention by the authorities and semi-formal restoration/ rehabilitation carried out by the private sector is far more superior to the informal (at least visually). In many cases, international standards are followed, in various degrees, during the restoration work. Unfortunately, in many cases the end result is an empty or lifeless albeit beautiful monument The Formal Approach: The attitudes of formal agencies and authorities dealing with historic areas within their jurisdiction vary between two equally damaging extremes; total neglect (exclusion) or total control (exclusivity). 1) The first kind is expressed in the authority’s lack of interest in the historic cores/sites and the welfare of their communities. The area and its people are almost excluded from the national development plans. While the relevant bodies within the government recognize the need to protect the historic buildings and sites. However, they do not allocate the needed budgets to restore and rehabilitate these sites nor do they consider the special socio-economic needs of the community living in these historic areas. 2) The second extreme is manifested in the authority’s treatment of historic centres/ cores as up-market exclusive areas. This is often followed by a jump in property value and higher rents. This approach makes the newly revamped city an alien island, out of bounds for low income groups particularly the original residents of these cities. The Informal Approach: The informal approach is probably the only approach that has a direct developmental outcome as it fulfills the wishes of the users and provides them with their required accommodation even if the technical implementation is not carried out in the appropriate way. It is evident that many inner city areas including historic cores, where the poorest groups live, the users carry out the construction of extensions and additions to their homes and
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connection to main service networks by themselves and as the need arises without any help or guidance from professionals. When the family grows and need for extra space increases, or when there is need for a toilet or a kitchen, the residents usually rely on their own limited financial and technical resources to obtain the additional facility. The neglect of the authorities of their needs forces them to fend for themselves and rely on their own devices. Deciphering Historic Cities The original composition of the Arab/Islamic historic city included the residential areas (palaces, houses, housing complexes), the commercial streets (bazaars, khans, suqs), the schools (madrasas), places of worships, places of recreational and cultural activities. The city provided for shelter, education, commerce, religious, social and cultural activities and held a social economic mix of the population. That is why historic cities still have small simple houses, medium size houses, residential complexes and palaces which were built to satisfy the needs of and accommodate various income groups. The communities living in neighborhoods in historic Islamic cities were socially mixed and in the absence of municipal/ local authority in charge of these neighborhoods, they were self reliant. Commercial activities were carried out in markets, known as suqs, bazaars, or khans and were organized strictly by categories of business (specialized products such as spices, cotton, leather, etc). Traders were the link between the community and the world. Over the centuries, functions moved and altered within buildings according to need, financial resources and changed social habits and trends. The notion of adaptive reuse came naturally and was implemented with care and without fear of damage to the buildings. The use of similar traditional materials and techniques helped in maintaining the original structure and enhancing its architectural value. Looking at historic cities in the Middle East such as Cairo, Sanaa’, Aleppo, Fez, Tunis, Jerusalem, Nablus, we can still find similar features, characteristics and problems. They still provide shelter, education, business, cultural activities and
places of worship with varying degrees of socio-economic problems and different levels of maintenance, preservation and general upkeep. Nevertheless, although functions changed over time as well as the population demographic characteristics, physically the overall original forms of historic cities and their main components did not change significantly.
buildings, its palaces, madrasas, mausoleums, khans and traditional markets, as well as historic residential areas, have developed over centuries and demonstrate the confluence of architectural styles over its civilisational history.
However, most of historic centers in the Middle East suffer from dereliction, overcrowding, over-loaded infrastructure, shortage of social services such as schools, clinics, youth centers and economic decline. Furthermore, over the years and after the onslaught of modernization many historic centers lost part of their heritage to private investors who were ready with government blessing to pull down valuable historic buildings and monuments to build modern blocks or construct highways. Palestinian historic cities were spared, to a certain extent, such damaging practices due to the economic stagnation and lack of investment under the long years of occupation. However, in recent years cities such as Nablus and Hebron suffered from different but more brutal actions carried out during the military incursions of these cities when many buildings were demolished and bombarded with tragic consequences. Meanwhile, the Old City of Jerusalem lost over 12% of its urban historic fabric at the beginning of the occupation in 1967. The Israeli bulldozers destroyed and completely erased Al Magharbeh, AlSharaf and Al Maydan quarters to create what is now called the “Jewish Quarter” on the ruins of historic houses and monuments and the lives of their inhabitants. Nevertheless, the rest of the historic urban fabric in the Old City of Jerusalem remained intact. Treasured and Troubled: The unique case of the Old City of Jerusalem. The designation of the Old City of Jerusalem as a World Heritage Site in 1981 and its listing as “World Heritage Site in Danger” in 1982, recognizes that the city is home to some of the most important religious shrines in the world, including al-Aqsa Mosque. Dome of the Rock and the Church of the holy Sepulcher, and also that its distinctive urban structure is underpinned by a rich variety of Mamluk and Ottoman
Israel occupied the eastern part of Jerusalem in 1967 including the Old City and unilaterally annexed it in contravention of international law, the Palestinian population has become a minority population in East Jerusalem. Israeli government and municipality regulations restrict new housing construction for Palestinians, have shrunk the Palestinian-populated municipal areas and made rigid regulations affecting Jerusalem residency rights for Palestinians. Consequently, as the Palestinian population sought shelter in the Old City before and throughout the Intifada, the vitality of the Old City of Jerusalem has been adversely affected in many ways: • by Jerusalem family members residing in outlying suburbs being threatened with loss of their residency rights in the city, the West Bank and Gaza residents being denied access to the city for religious, social, political or economic activities, • by the shrinking of the traditional client base and the resulting economic losses of Jerusalem businesses and services due to the closure of the city;
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• and by increased Israeli control over daily life and imposition of taxes for Palestinian residents and businesses. This situation was aggravated during the past ten years and especially after the construction of the Separation Wall. Furthermore, there is a systematic and organised campaign by some Israeli extreme groups for ethnic replacement of the Palestinian population by Jewish settlers. In addition to the political implication of these attempts, such actions are directly and indirectly threatening the cultural identity and architectural characteristics of the Old City and its cultural heritage. Therefore, fearing the loss of their identity and ability to live in Jerusalem, thousands of Jerusalem ID holders are seeking shelter in the Old City where they can stay with relatives, rent cheaply or even live as squatters in empty or abandoned historic buildings and monuments within the Old City walls. Such a trend is affecting the physical shape and condition of the buildings and in many cases inflicting irreparable damage on the historic and cultural ‘value’ of their new homes. The Old City of Jerusalem is less than one-square kilometer walled area in East Jerusalem. The estimated Palestinian population in the Old City is 38-40.000 ( an increase of 3-5.000 in the last 3 years) while the Jewish extremists residing in the so-called newly constructed settlements are approx. 2300. Before 1967, Palestinian Arabs, both Moslem
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and Christian, and Palestinian Armenians comprised virtually all of its population. Today while roughly 90% of the Old City remains populated by Palestinians in neighborhoods, they have not benefited from the same level of municipal services as the rebuilt and expanded “Jewish Quarter”. In East Jerusalem which was occupied in 1967, an estimated one-third of Jerusalem ID card holders (estimated 310,000) live outside Jerusalem’s newly defined municipal borders, due to the housing shortage in the city. They are threatened not only with the permanent loss of their residency rights unless they are able to register a domicile in Jerusalem, but even the right to visit the city will be denied. As a result, there has been an influx of Palestinian Jerusalemites moving back into the Old City to retain their residency rights despite the poor conditions. This trend aggravated the housing overcrowding conditions and further overloaded the services. There is increased need for community services and creation of sufficient recreational space. The Old City of Jerusalem is a unique case where a population is seeking “shelter” in a historic city for different and unusual reasons. A shelter that will provide them with a home, keep their identity while protecting their national right to exist on their land in a place that holds all the symbols and manifestations of their identity and heritage. After centuries of foreign occupation, long decades of political conflict, and the absence of a national authority that serves
the interests of residents, the Old City of Jerusalem has accumulated problems from age, neglect and environmental pollution, and many buildings have fallen into disrepair. While still providing residents with shelter, employment commercial, social and religious functions, albeit in need of rehabilitation and modernization, the Old City of Jerusalem and in spite of all the difficulties, also provides an excellent examples of a living city.
The Old City of Jerusalem Revitalisation Programme Realising the universal value of the Old City of Jerusalem and recognising the need to have a special programme to cater for the need to preserve its cultural heritage and to improve the living conditions of its inhabitants, the Welfare Association (WA) established a Technical Office in 1995 to implement a comprehensive programme for the revitalisation of the Old City of Jerusalem. The original programme had five main components: emergency restoration of houses and monuments under physical and/ or political threat; total restoration, which includes housing renewal and adaptive reuse; a revitalisation plan for the Old City based on extensive surveys and comprehensive sectoral studies which created a data base for the Old City; a training programme for professionals and craftsmen; and a community outreach programme establishing a much-needed link connecting the technical team with the end user, local institutions, and grass-roots organisations in the Old City of Jerusalem. The Technical Office approach involves all issues related to preservation and revitalisation, including restoration, of individual buildings, housing renewal and adaptive reuse of historic buildings for priority areas, focusing on social and economic regeneration to improve living conditions and standards. The multi disciplinary team of the Technical Office (OCJRP) is comprised of architects, urban planners, engineers, historians and community experts. The revitalisation plan which was prepared by OCJRP over a 3 year period is based on extensive surveys and research and multi sector studies in every development field. In the meantime, a comprehensive historic recording survey of every single building, and monument was carried out by a team of researchers and entered on a GIS system to create a data base for the Old City. The plan outlined the development strategy and its recommendations provided the guidelines for the revitalisation process. Projects vary from restoration of small housing units to renewal of whole residential complexes. The team works with local institutions and community leaders to determine priorities and needs. The community outreach programme
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is now inseparable from restoration efforts of OCJRP in the Old City. In addition to working with youth groups, schools and women, housing projects are now implemented with full residents participation in the process. The team of OCJRP also coordinate with local institution to learn about the community social needs. The understanding of these needs helps the team to carry out careful restoration and adaptive reuse of the buildings and monuments occupied by these institutions to provide them with the modern facilities and technology. This also helps build their capacity and improves their services to the community while protecting the cultural heritage value of the properties they use. The team also coordinates with various agencies working outside the walls to encourage them to move some of their activities to the Old City. Through the knowledge obtained from the data base and networks, abandoned or underutilised historic buildings are converted to modern uses to offer space for much needed services to the community. The OCJRP team believe that the mission to preserve historic buildings and the mission to serve the community are not necessarily in conflict. The team work on the basis that the two are enviably and paradoxically entwined. The challenge is to achieve both without comprising either of them. Conclusions and Recommendations The regeneration of inner cities and the revitalisation of historic centres recently became part of the overall urban development programme for towns, cities and urban centres. To achieve sustainability, planners should take into consideration, the long term prospects and potential of the city and that includes all its assets and cultural resources. To enable the inclusion of urban renewal within the urban planning of a city, special attention should be given to investigate, diagnose and analyse these areas before integrating them in the overall development plans for the ‘modern’ city. To succeed in affecting a positive change in the life of residents in the Old City of Jerusalem while protecting its outstanding architectural heritage, a dynamic and flexible approach based on diverse and multi-disciplinary skills is required. An integrated development of community framework
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for the Old City should balance the needs of the building users with the requirements for preservation of the historic architectural heritage of this unique Old City. Today in Jerusalem as well as in other historic cities, professionals face an incredible challenge to fulfil their obligation to protect the cultural heritage of a historic city while meeting the increased demand for housing, improved living conditions and better social services for the community that lives in and uses this special place and calls it home. Nevertheless accepting the fact that the only thing that endures in cities is change itself, conservation specialists must continuously adapt their skills to endorse the changing needs of the communities living within an historic context. The Welfare Association, through its “Old City of Jerusalem Revitalisation Programme”, is hoping to meet this challenge by continuously developing its programme and activities to respond to the urgent and growing needs of the city and its residents. Its mission in the Old City of Jerusalem with all its complexities is to preserve the monuments while protecting the human dignity of its residents and to revitalise this most valuable World Heritage City while restoring hope and faith to its community.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Soheir Zaki Hawas Dr. Soheir Zaki Hawas is currently working as a Professor of Architecture & Urban Design, Architectural Department, Faculty of Engineering at Cairo University. She was the Chair of the Research, Studies & Policies Department at the National Organization of Urban Harmony – NOUH, Ministry of Culture (Sep.2004 – April2013) Egypt. She has been the Consultant at the National Organization of Urban Harmony since 2013. Dr Soheir graduated from the Architecture Department in 1977, and obtained Master Degree in Architecture in 1984 from the Architecture Department, Cairo University. Her PhD in Architecture & Urban Design is also from the same university.
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Dr. Hawas authored the book titled ‘Khedivian Cairo-Identification and Documentation of UrbanArchitecture in Downtown Cairo’ in 2002. She is also the author of the book: “Urban Conservation – Regeneration of Heritage Areas in Egypt (Aga Khan Darb Al-Ahmar Project Model)” published by Aga Khan Cultural Services, Egypt 2013 (www.akdn.org). She has attended numerous conferences, seminars and workshops and has published papers in journals and books. Among Dr. Soheir’s awards are the ‘Ahram award for best publications of year 2003’ and and 2nd prize in ‘Organization of Islamic Capital Cities’, in 2003.
ABSTRACT Identification and documentation of Urban Architecture in Cairo: The story of ‘Khedivian Cairo’ Dr. Soheir Zaki Hawas
The presentation is based on my book ‘Khedivian Cairo’. The lecture will cover the heritage values which should be taken into consideration by identification and documentation of the heritage buildings and areas. The lecture points out the aspects that were applied to Cairo downtown “Ismailia” area. This area is listed as the ‘Khedivian Cairo’ according to law no.119 in 2008, and protected by special regulations of the country. The presentation also covers the various problems facing heritage conservation projects today in Egypt. It also states the reasons for heritage buildings and areas that are being neglected at the present time. These buildings and areas are in great need of preservation. At the end it answers the important question, ‘Why do we conserve heritage cities?’
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BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Arch. Iman Duman
Architect Naila Khan
Dr. Arch. Iman Duman is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the College of Design, University of Dammam. She obtained her Bachelor and Master Degree from the Department of Architecture at Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. He r PhD research was in Conservation and Re-habilitation of oOld Buildings in Cairo under a joint scholarship between Ains Shams University in Egypt and Kaiserslautern University in Germany.
Naila Khan is a registered architect working as Lecturer in Interior Design Department, College of Design University of Dammam since 2001. During these years she had the opportunity to teach many interesting subjects mainly, Graduation Thesis Research, History of Architecture, Landscape Design, Furniture and Interior Design Studios at various levels.
Dr. Duman is a member of the German Architektenkammer NRW (Architects Syndicate, Germany). She worked as senior architect at “Plaza2” Architects and Planners in Wuppertal, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Dr. Duman has specialization in renovation and rehabilitation of old and historic buildings.
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Ms. Naila completed her Bachelor of Architecture from National College of Arts Pakistan and practiced in private and public offices. She has been thus exposed to a variety of projects in residential, commercial, institutional, landscape and urban sectors giving her full coverage in the field. Later, Ms. Naila traveled to UK to enhance her academic skills and completed a master’s degree from DPU Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London. She also spent some time working in the Heritage and Conservation Cell of the Public Works Department in Sydney Australia on the renovation and upgrading of Sydney Railway Station. Ms. Naila enjoys working and learning in most aspects of the profession, and her main interests now includes interior design, theory of design, landscape and education.
PAPER Conservation through Participation: Conservation and Development Project Harat Al–Darb Al–Asfar, A–Jamalia Cairo-Egypt Dr. Arch. Iman Duman and MsC Arch. Naila Khan Photos: MsC Eng. Wael Samy
Cairo, capital of Egypt and leading metropolitan city with a population of 90 million has a rich historical background that spans over history of three thousand years. The city has assets in the form of its architectural heritage from its rich cultural development. The various government agencies in Cairo, have been working jointly in preservation efforts to sustain this rich asset in the face of rapid growth and development to accommodate new levels of population and services.
Historic Importance of Haret Al- Darb Al- Asfar The Darb lies in the Fatimid Cairo joining the two main Fatimid city spine; Al-Muez Street and Al- Jamalia Street. The Darb includes three historic houses which represent the evolution of Egyptian houses between the 16th and the 20th Centuries, and a Sabil from the Turkish decade. Project Background The project was undertaken as a renovation exercise directed to one historical building: Bait Al- Suhaimi, being the most significant building in the Darb and dates back to 17th century.
The Egyptian Cultural Ministry during the first decade of 2000 formed a strategy to maintain the Cairean architectural heritage. The project goal was to develop an action plan supported by policies to identify such districts and parts in Cairo that needed attention. Upgrading and Developing of Haret Al- Darb Al- Asfar , Al- Nahaseen Al – Jamalia is one such outstanding example of a site that was identified.
Darb al asfar from Al Muiz street.
Darb al asfar from Jamalia street
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Since the Darb had other historical houses like Bait AlKhurazati and Bait Mustafa Jaa’far, the Supreme Council for Antiquities (SCA) decided to include these in the renovation project. These three houses cover about 40% of the total area of the Darb. Another significant building that was added later was Qitas Pasha Sabil (built in 1630). Project Goal and Objectives Participatory Approach: Social integration and Economic uplift was the main objectives of the project. In order to assure the success of the project, the Darb residents had to be involved
were documented in detail; as a result the deterioration of structure and ornamentation were all identified for repairs. Action taken after documentation process: • Treatment of Cracks: Cracks were discovered. Timber beams were supported and emphasized. The main dome was repaired. • Repairing space alterations: Due to misuse of the old residents, some historic spaces were changed to suit present needs. These were repaired and returned to the original function and character. • Repairing Motifs: All art work inside and outside the historic buildings were repaired and emphasized (Mashrabias, wooden ceilings, decoration patterns, etc).
in every stepthroughout the preservation work time of the project. Project Implementation The project was divided into many phases that constituted of: 1. Documentation of existing stock (social, built, infrastructure) 2. Diversion of traffic in the area 3. Rehabilitation of evacuees to other sites and financial compensation (facts and figures and explain briefly) 4. Up-gradation Plan of the existing building substance (plans – drawings- surveys) 5. Renewal of Infrastructure 6. Revival of traditional handicrafts (like rugs, copper, silver or wooden products) 1. Documentation of Existing building substance • All the buildings (historic and old buildings) in Darb
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• Up-grading the infra-structure: The infrastructure of Darb was suffering from a high deterioration during the last decades. 2. Diversion of traffic in area: Darb was converted to a pedestrian and traffic was reoriented around the historic area. Later on also Muiz Street was closed for vehicles. 3. Participation as a tool of re-habilitation: a. Al Darb Committee: A local committee was established called Maintaining Committee, the members were the Darb residents headed by one person. The main role of this committee was to participate in making decisions about all the changes during the project implementation and completion. One floor of Bait Mustafa Jaafar was rented for housing the Training Center. b. Revival of Traditional Handicrafts: The Cultural Ministry had strong views about providing support for traditional handicrafts of the region- it created an ‘action plan’ for achieving this goal. They targeted the youth and offered training courses in learning the handicrafts famous in this region (like silver accessories, copper articles, wool and silk
rugs. etc.), covering methods, materials and skills. Conclusion: The project was the first of its type in the conservation projects in Egypt. It is an integrated interacted project. It was the first project to consider the conservation task not as a renovation and repair, but as a part of an overall development plan in its place and surrounding. References:
مرشوع الاحياء العمراين للقاهرة التارخيية 2102 يونية-0102 تقرير �أعامل يوليه AFESD (1997), Arab Fund for Economic and Social. Bayt Al Suhaymi: Documentation, restoration and conservation project. Cairo: AFESD Publications http://www.arabfund.org/suhaymi/renovate.htm
Bait Al- Khurazati
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BIOGRAPHY
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Sumayyah A. Alshraim
Amani A. Al-Amoudi
Sumayyah A. Alshraim is a graduate student in the Department of Architecture and Planning, University of Dammam. Her research interest is in Histor y and Theor y of Architecture. She obtained her Bachelor degree in Interior Architecture from King Faisal University, Dammam in 2009. Ms. Alshraim worked for a year full time at Arabian Architecture Interiors as an interior designer. She is currently a Teaching Assistant at the College of Design, University of Dammam. She has been a co-teacher in various courses including Design Studio, and 3D max. She has served as member of various organizing committees of the Department of Interior Design, College of Design, University of Dammam.
Amani A. Alamoudi is a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Interior Design at the University of Dammam. Her teaching experience includes subjects such as Design Studios, and other practical classes such as Freehand Sketching, Textiles and Printing. She is a graduate of Interior Design from the Department of Interior Design, University of Dammam. Ms. Alamoudi is currently a graduate student at the Department of Architecture and Planning, University of Dammam. Her research interests are in sustainable design projects and working at field study. She enjoys taking students on field trips and working in organizing committees. Ms. Amani is a mother of a two year old son.
PAPER A Critical View of the Conservation Action in the Gulf Countries: A comparative analysis of the conservation methods and philosophies between Bur Dubai district in United Arab Emirates, Muharraq in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the buildings in Alhassa in Saudi Arabia Sumayyah A. Alshraim and Amani A. Al-Amoudi
ABSTRACT The rapid transformation of the built environment, due to the aggressive and imposed urbanization upon the Arabs societies, as well as the global impact to be modernized, affected severely both cultural and socio-economic conditions in the Gulf Countries. These profound changes caused a fadedness of the unique architectural characteristics and values. As a result of the demand upon the Gulf societies to compete with the global cities around the world to be modernized and highly developed, a great shift has occurred in the way these societies identify with the city. They favored the sprawled cities with high-rise buildings, infrastructure developments and shopping malls. As a result, there is a deep loss of heritage, identity and culture. They are facing various challenges, and the city centers where the most significant traditional urban forms are located, are left to die. Therefore a lot of attempts has been made by architects, urbanites and culture advocates encouraging adaptive reuse and conservation methods in such areas. Conservation action is the answer to sustain identity of a place, and thus keeping the cities alive. This article views the historical buildings images after the conservation actions, to understand what is sustained of the traditional and original image, and also, importantly, what is the philosophy behind the conservation work. 1. INTRODUCTION The Gulf Countries have emerged in the last quarter of the last century in the heritage conservation phenomenon, through the adoption of the public sector and restoration of some of
the old areas. They are mainly used for tourism purposes. This phenomenon took another turn in the last ten years, when the some of the private sector as well as the governments of Gulf Countries adopted the restoration of some old buildings within the urban system. The objectives of the rehabilitation projects were not only to preserve the memory of the place, but also to promote various socio-cultural dimensions, entertainment activities, economical dimension. It also aided in the historical studies of these areas for educational purposes. These small homogeneous communities, which the old area provided, were embodied form of the traditional activities and rituals, old economical values, local’s beliefs, and values of the culture. And so holding on to it, in its old image was a must to keep the local communities attached to their roots and history. Therefore the conservation work was a realization of the concerns of the Arab citizens, to enhance their awareness and understanding of their heritage. This action resulted in making the citizens of the country proud of their own past, and understanding where their present was rooted in. In the case study of all the three selected areas, it was revealed that the courtyard houses and houses with wind towers form the main characteristics of the traditional houses. A wind-tower is a device that utilizes the cooling potential of any available breeze. Since the conservation action in the Gulf Countries is relatively new compared to other parts of the world such as Europe,
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major questions must be addressed of how the conservation will be made and managed. What are the techniques that are made to integrate the new building systems with the old ones - such as air conditioning, security systems, plumbing and electricity systems? Furthermore are the materials used in the conservation the local and natural as in the traditional architecture, or new materials? What are the constructions methods- traditional constructions methods, or new and updated methods? These questions must be addressed if an authentic traditional image is what the responsible parties seek. This article presents that the conservation actions in the Gulf Countries, although differ in their methods and philosophies, are providing both traditional and modernized images. The issue lies in the policies and methods, which are followed in conserving the traditional and historic areas or buildings. Comparisons are made in the paper of the way of applying the new systems, and integrating it within the old structure. The paper also answers the question is the conservation method in Gulf Countries materially or culturally based? The material issue in this research deals with the compatibility of modern requirements and traditional materials and the harmony in applying modern techniques in restoring architectural heritage. The cultural issues are reflected in the attitude towards the traditional roots; in the ideologies in overcoming the major obstacles of conserving the traditional architecture; in deciding when to favor demolishing old for new ones, and when to preserve the old ones. 2. CASE STUDIES: Study, analysis and findings The conservation action faced key challenges that affected it tremendously. The challenges such as rapid transformation under global pressures, intense demand to provide housing solutions, the need for large urban settlements have stressed the idea of a building as a commodity that generates money, and so any built form should give the maximum economic benefits to the owner. As a result the owners of these buildings are encourag to use the building for trade purposes. Table.1 Comparison between Alhassa, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Bahrain projects on following pages: 26-30.
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Saudi Arabia, Alhassa
United Arab Emirates, Dubai Figure 2: Located on Dubai Creek, in Bur Dubai district.The area is well known for its wind tower houses.
Kingdom of Bahrain, Muharraq Figure 3: Located on the pearling trail road in Muharraq. The "Pearling Trail" is the Second Bahraini Landmark on UNESCO World Heritage List.
What has been changed?
Location
Figure 1: In the center of Alhafouf in Alahsaa, built during the Ottoman rule in Al-Hofuf city. It is unique in terms of it’s construction and style.
Figure 4: No continuity, but sudden changes with no regards to the social and sustainable aspects.
Figure 5: before and after the urban fabric changes
Figure 7 and 8: The conservation preserved the same traditional image in this private house; however it is built in a fast pace using modern materials. Figure 6: The conservation action preserved the authentic image.
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Saudi Arabia, Alhassa
Kingdom of Bahrain, Muharraq
What has been changed?
Figures 13: The image is refined and enhanced, and some new materials were used, to be compatible.
Figure 17 and 18: The building after the restoration has polished façade; also it takes away some years from its true age.
Figure 14 There is no rusting on the window iron
Figures 9, 10, 11, 12: The image after the conservation is very polished and smooth, where the original forms had many varieties of textures within the same façade
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United Arab Emirates, Dubai
Figures 15 and 16: Very polished floor. Ramp and stairs.
What has been changed?
Saudi Arabia, Alhassa
United Arab Emirates, Dubai
Figures 23, 24, 25: Used authentic materials, and the traditional way of constructions, with the use of some supporting frames from the new methods. Understood the cultural aspects, Identified the material used in traditional architecture, used both new and old method.
Kingdom of Bahrain, Muharraq
Figures 26, 27: The material is used are authentic as in the danchel roofing which is used in very limited way, only to the important parts that are worthy of preservation. Figure 28: A combination between traditional and new construction methods is used to restore this area, which led to authentic restoration.
Figures 19, 20, 21, 22 Plastic water proofing curtains. Original drainage spout is represented along the extending wooden beams structures. Using concrete and steel as restoring materials does not relate to the original character. It gives a fabricated image, but not of authentic material or authentic constructions methods
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Saudi Arabia, Alhassa
Kingdom of Bahrain, Muharraq
• A cultural biased rehabilitation; • More successful than the conservation in Saudi Arabia. However, it still has a new polished image. • These images do not reflect the true age of the buildings.
• The project has been divided into two different methods, some buildings still appear as the original way even with the addition of new materials, which can be acknowledge as good restoration, such as Qesarya Soq and few other buildings as the Bu Zaboon house, where the techniques and materials depended on structural conditions and architectural quality of the different parts in the building.
Findings
• A Material biased restoration • Not authentic, and no honesty in the restoration. • No regards to the cultural and traditional values • The new materials such as steel and wire-mesh are not compatible with the traditional material.
United Arab Emirates, Dubai
Figure 33: Front shop from Alqesarya Soq
Figure 29: It is an imitation of its old forms in new materials, and consequently is responsible for the destruction of the unique, authentic work as built by the original craftsmen, through the time and history.
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Figures 30, 31, 32: Dubai Comprehensive program for rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the wind tower courthouses is successful in accomplishing its objectives, and it is done in a way that unified the appearance of all the conserved buildings
Figure 34: Bu Zaboon house exterior wall. • The others have been mixed with contemporary building design and materials that clashes with the traditional image. These can be identified as not good restorations. Screen walls and vertical gardens added to some building gave a sense of contrast which is unconnected to the elements of the existing traditional buildings.
What has been changed?
Saudi Arabia, Alhassa
United Arab Emirates, Dubai
Kingdom of Bahrain, Muharraq
Figure 35: The smooth and polished interior of Ibrahim palece in Alhassa
Figures 36,37,38,39,40: The clash of images in some of the buildings in Bur Dubai, and clash of materials.
Figures 41,42,43,44,45: The conict with the traditional image in some part of the buildings is seen in Muharraq by addeing new and contemporary elements to the traditional buildings.
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3. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion it is observed that the philosophy of the conservation actions in Gulf Countries, manifests in dealing with the traditional outcomes as a visual matter. It rather stresses mainly on images without putting much emphasis on its cultural and historical meanings. The restoration of the architectural heritage is usually limited to replication of the exterior skin. This method mostly handles the buildings as commodities, without a soul, and freezes them to be looked at without engaging them into the daily life of the community. Instead of isolating them from being integrated with the surrounding urban environment, attempts should have been made to engage them to serve the public with more than one purpose, and benefit the society in terms of the social, economic, cultural and educational dimensions of the city. Furthermore although the conservation in Dubai and some of the building in Muharraq, Bahrain and in Alhassa, Saudi Arabia are more cultural based than materialistic, however the implementation and construction methods, along with the high maintenance, make these projects high-end ones with which most of the locals cannot relate to. Some are successful in creating the image of the past to a degree, but there are some which cannot reflect the age and the true image of the traditional buildings. It is evident that the responsible parties in Dubai and Bahrain have sustained the use of the traditional materials and traditional construction techniques, yet the end products do not differ much from the end products of the Alhassa, Saudi Arabia, where the Saudi responsible parties went with fast pace construction with concrete, steel and other new materials. Again in many cases the homogeneous facades texture shows that the variety of appearance within the same unified style is missing, resulting in an appearance that is not authentic.
4. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The authors would like to give thanks to the following persons and organizations for their support in conducting the research. • This study was conducted as a requirement of the graduate level course titled ‘Building Conservation Philosophy’, conducted by Prof. Abu H. Imamuddin at the Department of Architecture and Planning, University of Dammam. • Dubai Municipality • Architectural Design From the Gulf House Engineering, Manama, Kingdom Of Bahrain. • Eng. Rashad Mohammed Bukhash, Director of the Architectural Heritage Department of Dubai Municipality • Dr. Souheil Almasri, Director, Architectural Design in the Gulf House Engineering, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. • Ms. Aysha, Director of the Architectural Heritage Department, Dubai • Professor Zainab Faruqui Ali, College of Design, University of Dammam. 5. REFERENCES This study data was mainly based on: • Field study • Interview with Eng.Rashad Mohammed Bukhash the Director of the Architectural Heritage Department of Dubai Municipality • Dubai municipality, Architectural Heritage Department publication: Elements of Traditional Arch Book • Interview with Dr. Souheil Almasri The Director, architectural Design From Gulf House Engineering, Manama, Kingdom Of Bahrain • Building Conservation Philosophy, lectures 2012, Department of Architecture & Planning, University of Dammam
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BIOGRAPHY
Architect Fida Touma Fida Touma is an architect and restorer. She is the Co-Director of ‘Riwaq- Center for Architectural Conservation’. She has been in that post since 2011, and has been a member of Riwaq since 2000. Touma earned a B.Sc. in Architecture from Birzeit University- Palestine and a Masters in Public Policy & Administration from UMASS Amherst- USA. She has supervised a number of restoration projects in Palestine and is a member of Riwaq’s team in rehabilitation projects. Riwaq is a pioneering organization in cultural heritage protection and rehabilitation in Palestine. Its programs are multifaceted and comprehensive as well as multidisciplinary. Riwaq’s programs include the compilation of the only register on historic buildings in Palestine [1994-2004 for 50,320 buildings]; research and publications on architectural heritage in Palestine [14 books so far]; community awareness and community mobilization programs, restoration of historic buildings for communal use [100 buildings to date], and the regeneration of historic centres [engaged with 8 communities so far]. Riwaq’s approach is grounded in the belief that cultural heritage is the vehicle for development in Palestine. In a country of limited resources, heritage is considered an untapped treasure.
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Riwaq is committed to safeguarding, promoting and integrating vernacular built cultural heritage in marginal communities in Palestine and rural settings. From the register compiled by 2004, Riwaq has identified 50 towns [out of the 422 in Palestine] that hold in their historic centres 50% of all built heritage in rural Palestine, and hence has prioritized its rehabilitation works in those sites. Riwaq is the recipient of many local and international awards including the Prince Claus Award and the Curry-Stone Design prize. Riwaq’s pilot rehabilitation project “the revitalization of the Birzeit historic centre” has won the 2013 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Riwaq took the lessons learnt from Birzeit and implemented them in 8 other locations spanning from the North to the South of the West Bank. For more information: http://www.riwaq.org http://www.riwaqregsiter.org http://www.akdn.org/ Architecture/2013recipients.asp#4022 http://currystonedesignprize.com/#node/46
PAPER Cultural Heritage for Socio Economic Development: The case of the West Bank FIDA TOUMA, Director, RIWAQ
Palestine, the land of the three monotheistic religions is a land with deep-rooted traditions and an affluent cultural heritage that resulted from a long interaction between man and nature. The vivid history of this land led to the emergence of a rich architectural heritage that expands over more than 400 villages and towns [West Bank & Gaza]. The existing number of historic buildings (dating prior to 1948) exceeds 50,000. Riwaq’s National Register of Historic Buildings shows that almost 49% of these buildings are totally or partially abandoned; while the same percent applies for the buildings in a bad physical and structural condition. This shows exactly the relationship between the use of the building and its physical and structural condition. With no natural resources in the country, no legal protection for these buildings, no incentives for preservation and no plans for real and sustainable local development, the marriage between heritage rehabilitation and socio-economic needs becomes inevitable. We claim that there is a symbiotic relationship between heritage protection and local sustainable development. We claim that our ancestors knew better than us when it came to managing natural resources and the environment, and we claim that we can learn from them. And for that Riwaq adopts “rehabilitation” as the tool of protection. Rehabilitation can be defined as a process (as opposed to a rigid historical preservation approach) in which a series of interventions and actions are carried out in order to improve the physical and develop the social, economic and cultural environment for people living in historic centres. It is about improving the quality of life of the local population, while at the same time ensuring the protection of the historic buildings and the value embedded in them. Rehabilitation includes reviving the ideals
of the historic landscape whilst also allowing for modern interventions and adapting to the needs of contemporary modern living standards. Rehabilitation also entails moving away from a fragmented approach to each element of cultural and natural heritage and adopting a more integrated approach. This integrated approach considers heritage in its global historical, social, and economic contexts. Such an approach is not just a policy
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Palestine, the land of the three monotheistic religions is a land with deep-rooted traditions and an affluent cultural heritage that resulted from a long interaction between man and nature. The vivid history of this land led to the emergence of a rich architectural heritage that expands over more than 400 villages and towns [West Bank & Gaza]. The existing number of historic buildings (dating prior to 1948) exceeds 50,000. Riwaq’s National Register of Historic Buildings shows that almost 49% of these buildings are totally or partially abandoned; while the same percent applies for the buildings in a bad physical and structural condition. This shows exactly the relationship between the use of the building and its physical and structural condition. With no natural resources in the country, no legal protection for these buildings, no incentives for preservation and no plans for real and sustainable local development, the marriage between heritage rehabilitation and socio-economic needs becomes inevitable. We claim that there is a symbiotic relationship between heritage protection and local sustainable development. We claim that our ancestors knew better than us when it came to managing natural resources and the environment, and we claim that we can learn from them. And for that Riwaq adopts “rehabilitation” as the tool of protection. Rehabilitation can be defined as a process (as opposed to a rigid historical preservation approach) in which a series of interventions
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and actions are carried out in order to improve the physical and develop the social, economic and cultural environment for people living in historic centres. It is about improving the quality of life of the local population, while at the same time ensuring the protection of the historic buildings and the value embedded in them. Rehabilitation includes reviving the ideals of the historic landscape whilst also allowing for modern interventions and adapting to the needs of contemporary modern living standards. Rehabilitation also entails moving away from a fragmented approach to each element of cultural and natural heritage and adopting a more integrated approach. This integrated approach considers heritage in its global historical, social, and economic contexts. Such an approach is not just a policy statement but requires a genuine shift in attitude, from one concerned with objects into a policy concerned with spaces. This would encourage an approach that protects, enhances and develops a whole site (rather than dispersed or separate objects) and would emphasise their interconnectedness. Moreover, implementing this integrated approach implies the systematic cooperation of all stakeholders at every level; it specifically requires that cooperation over the management of cultural and natural heritage assets and in relation to all relevant aspects of protection, enhancement, conservation or re-use of protected heritage. It is also essential to ensure
the involvement of the residents and users throughout the process of rehabilitation. Being an office of architects we put the above believes into practice, our projects are designed to initiate this cycle of socio economic and cultural change. We do not claim that we have succeeded, we are still learning. But from 100 building restoration projects and 8 village rehabilitation experiments, we can confidently say that local communities, the real stewards of our vernacular heritage regain their belief in their heritage and regain their role as stewards only when they see us work on the ground, and they do work with us. And from the work on the ground, we can tell that cultural heritage can: • Provide a more equitable distribution of wealth given that most of the vernacular architecture in Palestine is located in the “poorer” areas. Hence any upgrading of the living environment and infrastructure will directly provide better opportunities for these communities.. • Provide short term jobs for workers and onsite training thus increasing worker future employability. (80% of our project budget directly goes out to workers) • Provide longer terms jobs via creating venues for public and communal services in historic centres: we saw a 150% increase in employment and a 200% increase in beneficiary outreach in restored buildings.
• Improving the physical environment (conservation, preventive conservation, and infrastructure) dramatically changes the perspective of a local community towards their historic environment, as previous slums are regenerated and developed. It also increases the real estate value of properties, which can help improve the economic as well as social situation of low-income families living in historic centres (so far risks of gentrification lurk in bigger cities and not in rural areas in Palestine). • The local population accesses a broader range of cultural inputs through exposure to cultural and social activities that take place inside historic centres. • Increase in local tourism arrivals • Increase in connectivity between communities • Local business investments emerge in historic centres: small internet café’s, women production centres, bakeries, etc. • New housing opportunities are realized (cost of one unit to be restored is $10,000 while a new apartment will cost more than $40,000). • Open and communal spaces are reclaimed. • Testing grounds for environmental practices are possible.
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BIOGRAPHY
Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Fahd Al Saud, PhD Princess Nouf Bint Mohammed Bin Fahad bin Abdulaziz al-Saud obtainer her PHD Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the Department of Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Dammam, KSA. Her Masters Degree in Architecture and Bachelor Degree in Interior Design are also from the same university. Princess Nouf is an active member of The Saudi Heritage Preservation Society. She is an adviser to The Supreme Commission of Tourism and Antiquities in Riyadh. She is the President of Dhaliliyah, Riyadh specializing in architecture, planning and interior design. She worked as a Teaching Assistant at the Department of Interior Design, University of Dammam. Princess Nouf’s awards include Prince Sultan Bin Salman Award for The Urban Heritage (equally shared) for her PhD Thesis, Prince Sultan Bin Salman Award for The Urban Heritage for her Master’s Thesis and the Honors Certificate for Excellence from Department of Interior Design, University of Dammam. Princess Nouf is the author of the Book titled ‘Impact of Urban Heritage Conser vatism Policies on Historical Sites in Saudi Arabia (PHD’s thesis, 2013). She participated in the
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2nd National Built Heritage Forum in Dammam with a research paper ‘Problems Facing Urban Conser vation in Saudi Arabia: Legal and Administration perspective’ (2012); in the 1st National Built Heritage Forum in Jeddah with a research paper ‘Difficulties of Financing Built Heritage Conservation in Saudi Arabia’ (2011); and in the International Conference on Islamic Heritage, Riyadh with a research paper ‘Social awareness and urban conservation policies in Saudi Arabia’ (2010). She attended CSAAR (Center for the Study of Architecture in the Arab Region) in Amman (2008), and ‘Seminar for Arabian Studies’ at the British Museum in London (2003). Princess Nouf plays a very active role in the social service arena. She established ‘HRH Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Fahad Fund for Working Women’ in 2009. She is the president of ‘Albir Charity Organization’ in Dammam since 2007, and also the president of ‘Woman’s Association for Orphans’ in Dammam since 2007.
PAPER Social Awareness and Urban Conservation Policies in Saudi Arabia Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Fahd Al Saud, PhD in Urban Conservation
Saudi Arabia had suffered during the past few decades from a sharp decline in the stability of social and economic life in the city centers of historical cities which had led to the deterioration of the city centers. As a result of the migration of local people and the increase of social problems the urban heritage of those areas were rapidly lost without a corresponding development of policies which led to further deterioration. The truth is that only recently with the growing voices demanding to conserve these important urban heritage, which are the source of shaping the future and with the establishment of The Supreme Commission Of Tourism And Antiquities the formation of policies were developed that called for conserving the urban heritage, registering it, and bringing life back to it by conserving the economical, and social life back to it, not just preserving them as an open air museums. This study focuses on the importance of social awareness and its role on the urban conservation policies. And to achieve this goal, the study applied a methodology of gathering information by field work, literature reviews, publications, and official documents. In addition a questionnaire was developed and distributed to those interested in conserving the urban heritage in Saudi Arabia, with focusing on all the archived documents of policies for urban conservation Saudi Arabia and comparing them to the international ones. This study concludes the importance of social awareness as a key for the success of any policy trying to conserve the historical city centers. 1. Introduction In Saudi Arabia during the early years of rapid modernization, vis-Ă -vis urbanization, the decision makers as well as the promoters of development were much too busy to pay attention
to the effects of rapid urbanization and industrialization on the fabric of the traditional culture. As a result of this sustained national economic development over the last several decades, most of the towns and cities in Saudi Arabia have grown at rates never before experienced. This phenomenal growth rate created major problems for the agencies responsible for planning and management of urban environments. The need for modern urban development and the associated transportation system, for example has resulted in the inadvertent destruction of some of the cities of historic value. In response, the government in 1970 issued a comprehensive set of antiquities regulations which recognized officially the need to temper development with conservation and noted that the revitalizing and conservation of the urban heritage would attract investment, new business and tourism. Historical preservation in Saudi Arabian cities is strongly needed due to the rich heritage with which the kingdom is blessed and the rapid urban growth experienced in the last few decades. The approach to historic settlement conservation done in Saudi Arabia is more geared to the conservation and preservation of abandoned historical cities like Al Turaif in Al Dir’iyyah that has been conserved like a museum model. Conservation and preservation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has dealt with the historic urban settlement as if these were dead artifacts rather than a living entity that would require development and adaptation without the loss of its authenticity and historic identity and symbolism. This has caused the experts to hesitate in tackling the challenges of conservation and preservation and thus these areas have suffered neglect and intense decay. It has not been until the last few decades that urgent measures are being taken to save these historic settlements from disappearing. This conservation approach dealt mainly with the role of museums in preservation, maintaining traditions and cultural preservation efforts as well as wildlife conservation. This established that Saudi Arabia was committed to preserving the physical elements of its heritage and history rather than the very new concept introduced in the last decade of preserving and conserving extraordinary cultural heritage along with tourism programs which share an interest in the revitalization and restoration of the traditional inhabited historical city center of the settlement.
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1.1. Urban Policies in Saudi Arabia The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia adopted its policies on the environment and development based on principles of Islam which have ordained people to thrive and inhabit the earth as the primary function of humankind. Accordingly, utilization of the natural and environmental resources of the Kingdom has been ascertained with the purpose of satisfying requirements without tampering with the capabilities and rights of future generations. Within this framework, Saudi Arabia adopted the principle of preventive measures; hence, the principle of environmental impact assessment within feasibility studies of proposed projects was adopted. Based on the general policies of conservation in the Kingdom and within the framework of its strategies and objectives pertaining to development, the Fifth Development Plan (14101415H) incorporates the following long-term objectives: 1. Promote a standard of living and the welfare of citizens; endeavor to provide an environment which is free from pollution and particularly of clean air, pure water and healthy food; and 2. Achieve a balanced development on the basis of improved management of the available natural resources and sustain the current capacity of the environment; in addition to this, and an attempt should be exercised to maintain existing environmental damages that are due to insufficient care. The Council of Ministers issued a decision No 727 dated 8/11/1383 H which reads “ The archeological sites are a national heritage that constitute a part of our history, a source of education, a link between the past and the present, an addition to our old and recent civilization and it is a national necessity to maintain and develop these sites by establishing a department which shall be concerned with our heritage the same way other countries have done all over the world.” This is the main foundation of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and The Supreme Commission for Tourism which has several local conservation projects under commission. The policies and procedures of the architectural heritage and handling architectural heritage are defined by the Ministry
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of Municipality and Rural Affairs as follow from: A Guide to Preserve the Architectural Heritage / Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs – Riyadh 1426 H 1.2. Role of the Supreme Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA) The governmental agency that is today responsible for conservation and preservation in the Kingdom is The Supreme Commission for Tourism (STC) established by Decree in 1421H (2000) to build and organize tourism. The decree stipulated that the national tourism sector needed to be developed based on the following elements: • The secure and safe environment that the Kingdom has; • The hospitality and generosity of the Saudi people; • The distinctive geographic location; • The vastness of the Kingdom, which has its topographical landscapes, diverse climates and scenery; • The abundance of important archeological and historical sites and its distinctive national cultural heritage and; • The availability of modern services along with the infrastructure for the tourism industry. In 1424H (2003) (Decree Number A, date 02/28) the joining of the Ministry of Antiquities and Museums and the Supreme Commission for Tourism was established by Royal Decree. The purpose of this was to in-cooperate and strengthen the relationship between the two agencies thus insuring the preservation of the Antiquities of the nation as well as encouraging tourism. It has also served to carry out a number of projects to conserve and benefit from the urban heritage by utilizing it as crucible for tourism and cultural activities, as it has done in many developed countries of the world. SCTA has issued a number of circulars to impede the removal of heritage buildings until after the relevant officials from SCTA have researched into their Historical Urban and Tourism Significance: • Circular by the Minister of Municipalities and Rural Affairs No.22637 dated 15/07/2001.
• Circular by HRH the Crown Prince (2nd Deputy Premier Chairman of the Board of the SCT). No. (5947/1) dated 05/08/2003. • Circular by HRH the deputy minister of Interior No. 29/52241 dated 20/08/2003. SCTA in cooperation with MoMRA and other public bodies has implemented a program for the preservation of historic city centers that cares for its development from the urban, economic and tourism perspectives for the development of Al Dir’iyyah, Jeddah, Abha, Abu Assaud, Dhuba, Alwajh and Umluj. According to the article in the Arab News dated May 11th, 2009, the SCTA joins forces with the Culture and Information Ministry to expand cooperation between the two sides in holding cultural festivals and exhibitions inside and outside of Saudi Arabia. The ministry will enlighten the public on the Kingdom’s antiquities and heritage as well as on the SCTA’s cultural programs. The two sides will also cooperate in developing cultural centers in different provinces of the country. The public media as stated by Prince Sultan the President of SCTA can play a big role in projecting this important dimension of cultural heritage and inform the public on matters related to tourism and antiquities. Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is of great importance since it is the homeland of the Arabian and Islamic culture in the Middle East and to the two most important Islamic cities on earth. The holy cities as well as the historical and archeological sites and the modern infrastructure offer both its citizens and residents a unique opportunity to experience the Kingdom’s rich heritage and culture. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the places thousands of tourists would like to visit to closely see the different civilizations that once dominated the region in the course of its history. Tourism in the Kingdom will contribute to an increase in income, diversification of production, job creation, enrich the culture and tradition and connect its citizens with their society, environment, culture and their country. The strategy to develop the tourism industry in the Kingdom is one of great wisdom and insight that is required to help promote this great nation’s value to the world of Islam and the world as a whole.
2. Conservation in the Historical City: International Efforts 2.1. Conserving the Old Walled City of Lahore, Pakistan Lahore’s efforts in its major urban conservation planning work (1990) for its walled city are being noticed throughout Pakistan. While conservation work is in its infancy, it has gained momentum in the past few years. Successful conservation efforts elsewhere in the Third World have been totally a local effect in terms of financial resources, technical expertise and local participation. 2.2. Conservation Plan The conservation team proposed a single goal of preserving the walled city’s manifold assets by re-establishing its interior balance as a living community in a distinct urban district of national significance with high historic and environmental qualities. To achieve the interior balance, commercial activities had to be controlled. To re-establish a living community, a better-functioning, social network, improved living conditions and the attraction of middle and higher income residents was necessary. 2.2.1. Primary Policies The aim of the first policy level was: (a) “to reduce and rechannel outside pressures on the walled city in order to ease interior reorganization and protect weaker functions from being overpowered by more aggressive forces.” The second policy level aimed: (b) “to conserve and enhance the urban fabric as a whole by a combined conservation and renewal effort with due consideration of social awareness and economic driving forces.” The third and final policy level aimed: (c) “to highlight especially important historic areas and buildings in the walled city by a concentrated conservation effort.” 2.2.2. Sectoral Policies The primary policy aims were developed to enhance social awareness by the following: • Community Development • Redesign local council wards. • Encourage existing residential communities to serve as the foundation of future community.
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• Conserve bazaars and local spaces with active cooperation of shopkeepers. • Encourage new interest groups sympathetic to conservation. • Mobilize public opinion through information and education campaigns. The plan was for six years and the principal physical intervention would be the integrating urban upgrading and conservation projects. 2.3. Singapore’s China Town Conservation The case study concerns Singapore’s Chinatown which occupies an important place in the country’s history and has acquired major significance as a tourist attraction. Many issues of place presentation, promotion, planning, and participation are raised by the case of Singapore’s Chinatown which has played an important part in the country’s history, with an official commitment to its conservation since the 1980s. There was a change in attitude in the 1980s as officials recognized the value of conservation and popular awareness of the possible disappearance of irreplaceable aspects of the country’s heritage increased, and indication of the latter being the founding of the Singapore Heritage Society in 1998. A Conservation Plan was devised for Chinatown which had the following objectives: a) To retain and restore buildings of historical and architectural significance. b) To improve the general physical environment and to introduce appropriate new features to further enhance the identity of the area. c) To retain and enhance ethnic-based activities while consolidating the area with new and compatible activities. d) To involve the public and private sectors in carrying out conservation projects. 2.3.1. Local Participation Since the importance of greater involvement of the community in tourism development has been stressed, it has become
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a widely accepted aim amongst planners with destination residents ‘being seen increasingly as the nucleus of the tourism product.’ While accepting the benefits and desirability of this participation, its practicality and viability has also been questioned because the community members are approached to become participants in both the tourism product and its planning, while residents are encouraged to become part of the problem and then given the opportunity to become part of the solution. A model of participatory planning was presented which includes public consultation and locally defined goals, input from other stakeholders, involvement of locals in the benefits of tourism and the education of residents. Ideally, it is not only the inhabitants of Chinatown who should have a say, but also the population of Singapore as a whole who represent important stakeholders given the national significance of the site. Through experience it was noted that the absence of local participation in other tourism projects in Singapore caused a loss in authenticity and meaning possibly forever and the subsequent alienation and exclusion of the resident population from what become principally tourism venues. 3. Conservation in the Historical City: National Efforts 3.1. Conservation of Abandoned Old Cities 3.2. Settlement of Al Dir’iyyah In the Kingdom conservation, restoration and renovation has been a slow process. This part of the world is now showing a growing awareness for the conservation of architectural heritage. Most of the conservation done in the Kingdom is still a large responsibility of the government and some wealthy patrons, who have come to realize that their cultural heritage is slipping away. They are trying to create an environment that can demonstrate their cultural values, heritage and social factors that exemplify the traditional Muslim environment that can be enjoyed by all the generations to come. The examples of preservation is one of the swiftest most complete cultural revolutions ever, yet because it was carried out everywhere at the same time, without controversy or any dynamic and committed leadership. However this movement never got the highlights that its sibling ‘the environmental movement’, enjoyed. With the currents of unprecedented growth of urban centers
a number of the palaces, guest house and mosque have been restored and renovated. Ishteeaque (1985) comments that “the settlement now speaks of the good times of the past, shows displays of beautiful carved niches, ornate openings, decorative doors and architecture of a time gone by.” The government has been meticulous and sensitive in its survey and analysis of the study as well as in the conservation and preservation of the historic settlement of Al-Dir’iyyah. The careful survey of the area has revealed valuable treasures of art, art forms, architecture and socio-cultural context. For the purpose of restoration to its present time the government has been following the following objectives: • To document the historical evolution of the settlement; • To prepare plans indicating its growth at various stages in time; Figure 1 1 - Aerial photograph of Al-Dir’iyyah (Source: Dir’iyyah- A Photographer’s Study)
and the development programs launched in all quarters of Saudi Arabia, traditional and rural settlements are being depleted of manpower and socio-economic life. Good examples of this are Al-Dir’iyyah settlement which 20 years ago was a village full of people, date plantations and water holes that functioned as normally as it did one hundred years ago and Thee-Ein village located in the Al-Baha district in Tihama Zahran Al-Riyadh, which is a deserted village where its people shifted to a nearby place. Now the outskirts of Riyadh have engulfed the perimeters of Al-Dir’iyyah and its existence is being defaced. The government of Saudi Arabia began to show an interest in the conservation and preservation of these two areas due to its historical importance to Saudi Arabia. The Department of Antiquities under the Ministry of Education and the Commission of Tourism together has developed a comprehensive plan for the conservation and preservation of the Al-Dir’iyyah site (Ishteeaque, 1981:10) . The Al-Dir’iyyah project is still ongoing and there has been much progress. Today when a visitor walks through the massive labyrinth of the settlement he/ she can observe that
• To record architectural style of the village and its environmental bearings; • To prepare plans and schematics of selected dwellings and other monuments of architectural importance; • To develop sufficient data base on which would guide the restoration process; • To salvage and recycle materials, doors, windows, etc to create authentic restored models • To prepare a document on Al-Dir’iyyah for publication exhibiting its present conditions and future plans to create awareness among masses on the importance of preservation (Ishteeque, 1985:10). 3.3. Al-Dir’iyyah to be Registered with UNESCO An official source revealed to Al-Asharq Al-Awsat that a Royal Decree on 19/2/1427 stipulated the approval of registering Al-Dir’iyyah in the list of the World Heritage List at UNESCO. There are many gains in the registration such as international interest in the care for the site, world attendance, supporting the countries with the experts in the field of historical monuments and sites and conducting of studies and preservation of the sites. It will take about 16 months before the official announcement of registering it in the list of World Heritage List.
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linked together by narrow lanes but are now. It consists of six living quarters as well as many open areas that could be used for social activities. The main objective of this project is the rehabilitation of the living quarters of the old town. The purpose of this project is to maintain and develop the old town and convert it to an economic resource that could guarantee better jobs for the people of the town. The objectives that this project followed are: • Better jobs in opportunities the governorate; • Contribute to the efforts for economic development of the local community; and • Maintain the folkloric architecture of the old town. The Commission has suggested three alternative rehabilitation processes for Al-Ghatt and has defined them as described below.
Figure 1 2 - Aerial view of the Settlement of Al-Dir’iyyah
3.4. The Conservation of the Inhabited Town 3.4.1. The Al-Ghatt Old Town Project The architectural heritage village program in Al Riyadh district for Al-Ghatt Old Town Project started in 2006 identifies the conservation and preservation goals that are undertaken by the Commission for Tourism. The settlement of Al-Ghatt lies 250km north of Riyadh surrounded by many valleys and hills. These natural features make it attractive for tourism. The town is composed of a number of mud houses; the old market, Emirate Palace, and Al-Oshaza Mosque that are all
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Alternative
Pros
Cons
Preservation of the nature of the town and the surrounding environment.
Preservation of the town’s shape without changes Ease of implementation
Costly expenses will be incurred in the renovation and proceeds are very poor
Conversion of the whole town to a tourist camp (hotel/motel).
Visitors can enjoy their standard of living in a traditional preserved setting
The size of the investment in the new construction and operation of the town does not conform to the prospective revenues.
Development of the town as a multi-activity tourism center that suites the architectural form of the town (preferred method).
Multiple activities to entertain visitors and encourage tourism. Integrate the farms and other surrounding areas in support of the tourism trade. Partner’s contribution to the project will greatly facilitate the success. Private owners could be dealt with easily as they would also benefit from the project.
Bodies that could execute the project are too many which would result in less control of the coherence of the project.
○ The conservation approach preferred by the Commission for Tourism is the last one listed, wherein a partnership between government and nongovernmental bodies is emphasized in the preservation and conservation of the historic town. The plan for preservation and conservation will take part in two phases. The first will occur in Rabbi-al-Awal 1427 (April 2006) which will entail the development of the main features of the town. The second phase will begin in Muharram 1428 (January 2007) and will be to increase investment in the town. For all this to happen the governmental and private agencies had to be involved in the process and they are listed below: ○ Governmental Agencies are: Ministry of Islamic Affairs & Endowment, Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water & Electricity, Ministry of Transportation, and Supreme Commission for Tourism, Deputy Ministry of Education for Archeology & Museums, Al-Ghatt Governorate, Al-Ghatt Municipality and the Education Directorate of Al-Ghatt. ○ Private Agencies are; Natives of Al-Ghatt, Private Sector and Charity Organizations In summary, it can be established that the conservation and preservation proposed for Al-Ghatt settlement deals with area conservation rather than monument preservation, which is a broader aspect of economic regeneration and revitalization, and conservation since it includes protecting the setting of monuments and looks at groups of buildings, spaces between buildings, and whole areas of the city with the goal to improve them. It was also noted that tourism is a very vital part of this nation’s fabric. Archeological and cultural tourism could represent an important gain to our national income conditioned that good planning is directed towards our national goals. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the places thousands of tourists would like to visit to closely see the different civilizations that once dominated the region in the course of its history. Tourism in the Kingdom will contribute to an increase in income, diversification of production, job creation, enrich the culture and tradition and connect its citizens with their society, environment, culture and their country. The strategy to develop the tourism
industry in the Kingdom is one of great wisdom and insight that is required to help promote this great nation’s value to the world of Islam and the world as a whole. Prince Sultan Bin Salman, the Secretary General of General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities revealed a study the Commission is conducting with Ministry of Finance on a program to finance the tourist accommodation utilities especially the rural hotels in cities and smaller governorates. Prince Sultan was unveiled a national project named “Bare’ or Clever”. It is concerned with the traditional crafts and industries. It is pending for the approval of the cabinet as it is an integrate project owning private funds of which programs are expected to be beneficial for the producing families and other citizens. During his speech before a number of very important people in Al Ghatt, he indicated that the General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities began in collaboration with Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs to prepare and rehabilitate the craftsmen markets in a number of regions implying that contracts in “Millions of Saudi Riyals” were signed to train the craftsmen. Prince Sultan Bin Salman regarded the national project for the development of the heritage village one of the contributing means and economical solutions in achieving the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in fighting the poverty issue. He stressed that the architectural heritage buildings which were about to collapse became today an object of the tourist investment. Meanwhile, he stated that the project of the development of the national tourism targets the Saudi citizen in the foremost place especially “the one who finds neither a place to visit nor means of entertainment for oneself or one’s family. At the same time, he is considered the main component of development in the local tourist market.” He indicated that billions of riyals are wasted on the tourism of millions of citizens abroad. He said, “The Saudi tourist became more aware and assessing the tourist services. The Saudi tourist likes to get the integrate tourist experience which starts with booking through travel agencies and making use of the tourist communication center and websites launched by General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities such as Saudi Tourism site and Tourist Information and Researches Center “TIRC” in addition to enjoying the tourist activities and
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tourist accommodation utilities as well as using tourist guides if needed”. Prince Sultan Bin Salman described the national festival for heritage and culture “Al Janadeya” as “the thin thread that linked us with the national heritage over the past years.” He assured that tourism had become today “the most important economic industry” in the world calling, meanwhile, the people of Al Ghatt to make use of the economic opportunity by participating in the project of the development of the old town in the governorate. He considered the participation of the people in the project through turning their old and deserted houses into heritage accommodation in gratitude to their forefathers and ancestors. On his part, Abdullah Al Sedairi, Al Ghatt Governor considered the leading idea of Prince Sultan Bin Salman of redeveloping and re-qualifying the old town in Al Ghatt a main factor and a strong reason for going ahead with this project which is underway. Prince Sultan bin Salman stated in an interview with AlSharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Tourism was assigned to us as “smoldering embers” and we turned it into “a hot opportunity”. He also stressed that there is a special concern from “the Commission” about the development of the heritage villages. According to the article the General Secretary of Saudi Higher Tourism Commission likened what was achieved to national tourism within the past years to “smoldering embers” that was turned into “a hot opportunity” available to the good of the motherland and the citizens. Prince Sultan bin Salman, General Secretary of Saudi Higher Tourism Commission pointed out that one of the most prominent achievements of the Commission were the positive changes achieved within the past years in the public attitude of towards tourism in respect of the suspicion or dubiousness about achieving them in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This was followed by a rise in getting involved into tourism and dealing with it trustfully as well as a steadiness in trusting it and its future for all classes in the society. He also stated that the project of developing the heritage villages got a special attention from the Commission as it was considered an important economic resource that contributed to developing the areas where it was carried out. There are also work opportunities for the residents of these areas in addition to its cultural value. He
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indicated that the increasing demand on the tourist services from citizens and investors is hoped to be met be an enacting of a number of ordinances adequate to develop and reinforce this sector. He also stated the importance of a comprehensive change in the levels of supervision and censorship of the tourist services as well as the need to stimulate investors to get involved into tourist projects. Prince Saud bin Abdul Mohsen, Prince of Ha’il, from his part, demonstrated that the sector of tourism in Ha’il had recently developed remarkably. He referred to the fact that the sector of hotels had grown by 32% within the past three years. Meanwhile, car rentals had grown by 190%, restaurants by 245%, the banking sector by 86% and commercial centers by 1000%. This resulted in the rise in the tourist expenditure by reaching 53%.
4. A Comparison between the Urban Conservation of the International & National Case Studies
International Case Studies
National Case Studies
Aga Khan & UNESCO have defined policies for conservation which have been put into practice.
Saudi Arabia has basic urban conservation policies that have yet to be fully implemented.
International historical city centers are registered with International Organizations.
No historical city centers in Saudi Arabia have been registered with International Organizations.
In most international case studies, local participation and awareness are a part of the urban conservation process.
In Saudi Arabia, there is insufficient local participation or awareness in the urban conservation process.
In most international case studies funding for conservation projects is both governmental and private.
In Saudi Arabia, conservation projects are funded solely by the government.
Incentives are given to local populations and owners of historical sites to encourage them to participate in the conservation process.
Incentives are not given a high preference and thus this does not encourage the local population or owners of historical sites to participate in the conservation process.
Techniques for conservation are an ongoing process with constant maintaining.
Techniques for conservation are not maintained in Saudi Arabia and are virtually non-existent.
In most international case studies, the educational and academic system is highly involved in campaigning for the conservation process.
In Saudi Arabia, the conservation process does not play a vital role in the academic or educational system.
5. Population for this Research The target population will be a stratified sample classified into the following groups: political decision makers, architects, planners, archeologists, intellectuals, and historians. The exact number of people surveyed with a questionnaire was 143. The actual response returned was 128 in total from the different groups mentioned above. 6. Questionnaire used in this Research The questionnaire provided to the population used is dived into two sections: a) demographic information and b) the factors effecting conservation like political, social, economic, cultural and policies. The questionnaire was distributed when the trips scheduled to the old historic city center in the AlRiyadh Old Government Palace District were made. The part of the questionnaire that is of interest to this paper is the degree of awareness and interaction of the local society with the policies to conserve the urban heritage and the role of the government and private institutions to interact with this awareness. (Carts on following pages) 7. Conclusion As a result of this questionnaire and my recent visit to the historical city center of Al Riyadh, it can be concluded that the primary benefactors of these areas are the inhabitants and tourists, which provides even more proof of the importance of the local inhabitants involvement in the decision making and
conservation process. Conservation of the urban heritage became a historical human responsibility contributing to keeping the features of the past so that future generations can see. Since man realized the inevitability of past, present and future, he tried to record his present and preserve his past to be seen in the future. The urban heritage became the reflection of cultural identity of man, his past, present and future. With the ongoing cultural invasion of western civilization for the third world, preservation and conservation of urban identity through preservation and conservation of the urban heritage became a main target. Thus the points listed below show bring to light the lack of societal participation and education unawareness of the importance of conservation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: ○ The agreed % are all high indicating that there is willingness for the population to participate in the conservation process but there is no specific guidance. ○ There is a great lack of awareness of the local communities towards the cultural heritage as stated by Dr Abdul Nasser Al Zahrani who did a study on conserving the old town of Al Ola. ○ There are no academic subjects in the school system that encourages its future students on the importance of conservation even though the Supreme Commission for Tourism & Antiquities in 2007 implemented a program called “Ibtasem”. It is an Education Touristic School Program and its goal is to strengthen national identity and enhance the awareness of the importance of national heritage in the Kingdom. ○ According to Awad Faleh, an activist interested in the protection of monuments, there are some people who had been influenced by some extreme parties to destroy monuments in the name of religious discretion. ○ Even though there is a warning about the vulnerability of archaeological sites through neglect and destruction, Awad Faleh, the activist interested in the protection of monuments said that “There are many important archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia that are completely destroyed and in addition the absence of guards and protection at other locations”.
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No
Social Awareness
Strongly Agree/ Freq
Agree/ Freq
Neutral/ Freq
Disagree/ Freq
Strongly Disagree/ Freq
Don't know/ Freq
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The local community in Riyadh is fully aware of the value of conserving historical sites.
5.5/7
27.3/35
27.3/35
28.9/37
6.2/8
3.9/5
42
The local community in Riyadh hopes to participate in the conservation of historical sites.
4.7/6
32.8/42
34.4/44
14.1/18
3.1/4
10.2/13
43
The local community in Riyadh contributed to the conservation of the historical city center.
2.3/3
13.3/17
31.2/40
36.7/47
3.9/5
10.9/14
44
The local community in Riyadh had a great effect in conserving the historical city center.
1.6/2
11.7/15
37.5/48
31.2/40
4.7/6
10.2/13
45
The local community in Riyadh was fully aware of its role in conserving the historical city center.
3.1/4
16.4/21
25.0/32
36.7/47
7.0/9
10.9/14
46
There are social awareness programs that emphasize the value of the historical sites.
3.9/5
21.9/20
17.2/22
34.4/44
11.7/15
10.2/13
47
There are governmental institutions that make the community aware of the value of the historical sites.
3.9/5
35.9/46
24.2/31
18.0/2.3
7.8/10
9.4/12
48
There are initiatives from the private sector to promote social awareness to conserve the historical sites in Riyadh.
3.9/5
14.8/19
25.0/32
27.3/35
12.5/16
15.6/20
49
There are initiatives for academics and intellectuals to promote social awareness to conserve the historical sites in Riyadh.
8.6/11
51.6/66
14.4/18
9.4/12
4.7/6
10.9/14
Questionnaire used in this Research
47 â–˛
No
Social Awareness
Strongly Agree/ Freq
Agree/ Freq
Neutral/ Freq
Disagree/ Freq
Strongly Disagree/ Freq
Don't know/ Freq
50
There are governmental incentives to encourage awareness programs to conserve the historical sites in Riyadh.
2.3/3
12.5/16
20.3/26
24.2/31
7.8/10
31.2/40
51
The general education curricula in the Kingdom stimulates it students to conserve the historical sites.
3.1/4
10.9/14
23.4/30
35.9/46
14.1/18
11.7/15
52
There are pamphlets and books that increase the awareness of the value of the historical sites in Riyadh.
7.8/10
23.3/30
27.3/35
24.2/31
3.9/5
12.5/16
53
There are also courses on the importance of conserving the historical sites in Riyadh.
3.1/4
14.8/19
17.2/22
22.7/29
13.3/17
26.6/34
54
The impact of societal awareness on the value of Riyadh’s historical city center.
4.7/6
27.3/35
30.5/39
14.8/19
5.5/7
13.3/17
55
The societal awareness has a great impact to conserve the historical sites.
3.1/4
17.2/22
33.6/43
24.2/31
8.6/11
10.9/14
56
The societal initiatives brought about the development to conserve the historical sites in Riyadh.
3.9/5
12.5/16
32.8/42
27.3/35
7.0/9
15.6/20
57
There are clear policies adopted by the government to promote societal awareness on the importance of conserving Riyadh’s historical city center.
8.6/11
29.9/38
20.3/26
21.1/27
3.1/4
16.4/21
Questionnaire used in this Research
â–˛ 48
○ The archeological sites in many areas are cases of sabotage, notably Al-Jouf, which the researcher (Awad Faleh) speaks of as saying that “Even after the arrest of abusers and ruiners by the police and officials, they are held accountable in an undeterred manner. All is simply done is that they have to pledge not to do it again and some of them are released on the same day without even pledging. Unfortunately, protecting the Kingdom’s monuments is not a priority due to a lack of cultural awareness in the Saudi society of its importance, and without that awareness there is an edification of the importance of these archaeological sites and the need to preserve them”. He said in an interview with “Middle East” that “These locations are subjected to theft and vandalism by groups of ignorant people who believe that they contain treasures and some of these sites belong to the Stone Age Era and its has been (i.e., all tools of stone and granite) totally destroyed and vandalized . These artifacts are marketed in common places among thieves, and sometimes more publically by use of the Internet, which expands the supply of such goods that are sold at different prices without any punishment and accountability ○ According to Awad Faleh, protecting the Kingdom’s monuments is lacking due to a lack of unawareness in the culture of the Saudi society as to the need for conservation. ○ The social aspects of the historic city should include the participation of the local population but should be regulated by government agencies. In Saudi Arabia the fact that many well-to-do owners of historic cities have moved elsewhere and have lost interest in the upkeep of their properties shows that there is no involvement of the local population in the conservation and preservation process that is on going in the Kingdom. ○ The absence of public legislations, regulations and policies that force the establishments and individuals
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to preserve architectural heritage and points out how to deal with at all levels is evident in the policies for preservation in the Kingdom. ○ There is a shortage of information about the sites, dimensions, details of the archaeological areas and buildings and the surrounding conditions in addition to the historical information of these areas. ○ There is a non-concern about media and the informational sides to conserve urban heritage such as campaigns, seminars, lectures, bulletins and publications and others. ○ There is a lack of co-ordination and the absence of the mechanism for teamwork by which all sectors, public and private establishments and the citizens can interact. ○ The government and the private sector should provide training centers in the country. There must be a general awareness by the public of the importance of the country’s architectural heritage and urban conservation processes. ○ Policies should be established to allow communities to voice their opinions on local developments as they see fit. ○ HRH Prince Sultan Bin Salman stated that “The Supreme Commission of Tourism and Antiquities has signed an agreement with The Ministry of Education to organize field trips for school students at all grades to historical sites’, and he emphasizes the importance of these trips as a requirement not as a source of leisure. ○ Future plans for museums and conserving cultural sites will involve the private sector and the local communities according to Prince Sultan Bin Salman. REFERENCES Al Jazira, (2009). Interview with Prince Sultan bin Salman. G Issue No 13600. p.8. Al-Hathloul, S. (1981). Tradition, Continuity and Change in the Physical Environment: The Arab Muslim City; Unpublished PhD. Thesis, MIT.
Arab News, (2009). Accord boost for cultural festivals: SCTA joins forces with ministry. Vol. XXXIV. No. 162, p. 4. Asharq Al- Awsat, (2006). Arab Countries Refraining from Registration for Fear of Interference with Sovereignty over Sites. Saudi Arabia Presents Mada’en Saleh as the First Historical Site to be Registered Internationally. Vol. 29, No 10250, Pp. 1, 16. Al-Sharq Al Awsat, (2009). Revealed a Study to Finance Accommodation Utilities & A Project of Crafts Development. Sultan Bin Salman: Development of Archaeological Village, “A Means of Fighting Poverty”. Issue 11077, Pp. 1-16.
END NOTES
i Al-Hathloul, S. (1981). Tradition, Continuity and Change in the Physical Environment: The Arab Muslim City; Unpublished PhD. Thesis, MIT. ii Farahat, M. Abdelmoshen, (1985). Needed Legislation for Historic Preservation in Saudi Arabian Cities. Preservation of Islamic Architectural Heritage. Arab Urban Development Institute. Pp 147-157. iii Jeddah: Historic Area Study, Municipality of Jeddah, Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, (1980). Pp 120138. iv Ibid, p.120. v Ministry of Municipality & Rural Affairs. (2005). A Guide to Preserve the Architectural Heritage. Riyadh.
Al-Sharq Al Awsat, (2009). An Activist Preserves Destroyed Historical Sites In Preparness to Give the Responsibility to the Supreme Comission of Tourism and Antiquities. Issue No 11287. p 10.
vi http://www.Supreme Commission of Tourism.sa.com
Al Zahrani, Abdul Nasser. (2008). Conserving the Heritage of the Old Town of Al Ola. Adumatu Journal. Issue No 17. Pp 37-57.
viii Arab News, (2009). Accord boost for cultural festivals: SCTA joins forces with ministry. Vol. XXXIV. No. 162, p. 4.
Facey, William (1997). Back to Earth: Adobe Building in Saudi Arabia. Al-Turath, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. p.37. Farahat, M. Abdelmoshen, (1985). Needed Legislation for Historic Preservation in Saudi Arabian Cities. Preservation of Islamic Architectural Heritage. Arab Urban Development Institute. Pp 147-157.
vii Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (2008). Brief Information on the Accomplishments of SCTA in the Field of Urban Heritage. Antiquities and Museum Sector. Pp 2-18.
ix Ishteeaque, E. (1981). Oasis of Dariyah, restoring its heritage; a research proposal to Saudi Arabian National Center for Science and Technology. p 10. x Ibid, p 10. xi Asharq Al- Awsat, (2006). Arab Countries Refraining from Registration for Fear of Interference with Sovereignty over Sites. Saudi Arabia Presents Mada’en Saleh as the First Historical Site to be Registered Internationally. Vol. 29, No 10250, Pp. 1, 16.
http://www.Supreme Commission of Tourism.sa.com
xii Ibid, p. 36-44.
Ishteeaque, E. (1981). Oasis of Dariyah, restoring its heritage; a research proposal to Saudi Arabian National Center for Science and Technology. p 10.
xiii Ibid, p. 47-50.
Municipality of Jeddah, Ministry of Municipal & Rural Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, (1980). Jeddah: Historic Area Study. Pp 120-138.
xiv Al-Sharq Al Awsat, (2009). Revealed a Study to Finance Accommodation Utilities & A Project of Crafts Development. Sultan Bin Salman: Development of Archaeological Village, “A Means of Fighting Poverty”. Issue 11077, Pp. 1-16.
Ministry of Municipality & Rural Affairs. (2005). A Guide to Preserve the Architectural Heritage. Riyadh. Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (2008). Brief Information on the Accomplishments of SCTA in the Field of Urban Heritage. Antiquities and Museum Sector. Pp 2-18.
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This Seminar has been possible with the sincere support of the following people: ○ Dr. Saeed Al-Awais, Dean, College of Design ○ Dr. Hind Al Gahtani, Head, Department of Interior Design & Vice Dean for Academic Affairs ○ Professor Zainab Faruqui Ali ○ Dr. Iman Duman ○ Dr. Hend Benmahfoudh ○ Lecturer Sumayyah Al Jasser ○ Dr. Zeinab Elmoghazy ○ Lecturer Kathryn Carlyle ○ Lecturer Deemah Faisal Ahmed Al Saleh ○ Lecturer Muzon W. Ashqar ○ Ms. Maha Aldossary ○ Ms. Ebtissam Aljindan ○ Ms. Hessa Aldossary ○ Ms. Nada Alshihri ○ Ms. Wafa Al Zahrani ○ Arch. Sumayyah A. Alshraim ○ Arch. Amani A. Al-Amoudi ○ Arch Shayma Alumran ○ The Student Volunteers, College of Design ○ Administrative staff, College of Design
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