A nation's cultural heritage and natural history is an identity that can be introduced to the world. From a cultural perspective, retaining the value of cultural heritage sites is important. The conservation of cultural heritage refers to strengthening significant heritage messages and values.
It also encompasses the measures imperative for extending the life of cultural heritage. Cultural heritage conservation includes the preservation of cultural sites, old buildings, monuments, shrines, and landmarks of cultural significance and historical value.
The cultural conservation measures that need to be taken are not the duty of a one-man army. Rather, it requires a collective effort. So, let me introduce you to one such renowned personality who has contributed a lot to the conservation of heritage sites and preserving values and traditions.
Meet Zaki Aslan, who has played a pivotal role in the field of cultural heritage conservation as the Regional Representative and the Founding Director of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) Regional Office in the United Arab Emirates.
Zaki Aslan is a Canadian-Jordanian architect, lecturer, and professor born on January 8, 1996. He is Professor of Practice at the American University of Sharjah's College of Architecture, Art, and Design. His career is marked by a dedication to creating sustainable approaches and strategies for preserving and restoring cultural properties for the benefit of local communities.
ICCROM and Zaki Aslan's Role in Cultural Heritage Conservation
Let us elaborate on the major steps Zaki Aslan has taken as a representative and Director of ICCROM’s Regional Office in the UAE. But first, let us tell you about ICCROM—the intergovernmental organization that delivers its service to its member states to promote the conservation of all forms of cultural heritage in various regions worldwide. ICCROM has partnered with Member States to support them in upholding the religious heritages and cultural sites. The institute collaborates with other institutions and professionals at the international and governmental levels, including formal institutional collaborations with organizations such as UNESCO, ICOMOS, ICOM, ICA, and IIC. The institution is an international conservation, training, information, research, and cooperation source. It also plays a role in advocating and spreading awareness through workshops, teaching materials, and training opportunities. Now, let's delve into how Zaki Aslan, as the founding Director, contributed to the ICCROM's services.
Establishing ICCROM-Sharjah and the ATHAR Program
As soon as Zaki Aslan took charge as the Director of ICCROM Sharjah, he established it as a hub for providing technical advice and extensive capacity-building programs in the Arab States of the Mediterranean and Gulf regions. His notable contribution to ICCROM was the foundation of the ATHAR Program in 2004. The program focused on the conservation and management of built heritage and museum collections. Under Zaki Aslan's leadership, ICCROM has fostered collaborations and initiated projects aimed at safeguarding cultural heritages in the Arab regions.
Contributions to Education and Professional Development
In the field of cultural heritage conservation, Zaki Aslan has made significant contributions to education and professional development. He has shared his expertise in heritage conservation, Islamic Art, and architecture while serving as an Honorary Senior Lecturer at University College London and formerly an Adjunct Professor at the American University of Sharjah. Most prominently, Aslan co-authored UNESCO-ICCROM teacher's guide entitled “Introducing Young People to Heritage Site Management and Protection”, which was translated into various languages including English, Arabic, and Spanish. Aslan has also been a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites. He has contributed to the education of future professionals, emphasizing the importance of heritage site management and protection.
Impact on Conservation Practices and Project Execution
ICCROM-Sharjah has implemented various research and field projects that were focused on heritage protection, conservation of historic environments, museum management, and implementation of cultural projects. The UAE's first-century Shamash temple in Umm ul Quwain in addition to improving conservation work at the Heart of Sharjah are testaments to Zaki Aslan's effective management and conservation of cultural heritage in all its forms. Under Aslan's leadership, his team's restoration efforts received recognition during a visit by the Prince of Wales in 2016.
Global Recognition and Collaboration
Zaki Aslan's influence has reached the global regions, which is evident through his involvement in international collaborations. Aslan represented ICCROM at high-profile meetings, including the Heritage in Peril: Iraq and Syria conference with U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry and UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. He also collaborated internationally by partnering with organizations like the Getty Conservation Institute and the Getty Foundation.
In conclusion, Zaki Aslan's role as the Regional Representative and Director of ICCROM has left its mark on the conservation of cultural heritage sites. His contributions to cultural heritage conservation were not limited to preserving heritage assets. Furthermore, Zaki Aslan's leadership has fostered education, capacity-building, and international collaborations regarding cultural heritage conservations. His dedication, efforts, and achievements underscore the importance of visionary leaders in safeguarding traditions, values, and the rich cultural aspects of various heritage sites in the Arab region.
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