ATHAR Programme - Course on Documentation and Management of Heritage Sites in the Arab Region

Dates: 18 November - 14 December 2006

Place: Umm Qais (Gadara) in Jordan, and Bosra in Syria

Partners

• ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property)
• ALECSO (The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization)

Hosting Partners

• DGAM (General Directorate of Antiquities & Museums, Ministry of Culture, Syria)
• DoA (Department of Antiquities, Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, Jordan)

Background and aims
The regional course on 'Documentation and Management of Heritage Sites' addresses the need for enhancing the applied knowledge in conservation planning and management in the Arab region. It will provide basic understanding of how to make and manage documentation to inform decisions that ensure the protection of cultural heritage sites. These have been main objectives of ICCROM’s ATHAR Programme and ALECSO programmes (Department of Culture) in the field of cultural heritage. The overall goal of these programmes is to protect and promote the rich cultural heritage in the Arab region, and broaden access, appreciation and understanding of its past.

Course Objectives and Expected Results
Using two case studies (the site of Umm Qais in Jordan and the site of Bosra in Syria), the course allows participants to learn how to integrate documentation in heritage management and conservation processes. It will allow them to identify gaps in site documentation, work with stakeholders at a site, and use appropriate management tools that include gathering information and developing heritage records. Participants will also learn how to assess the cultural messages and significance of a site and draft value-based site management plans, addressing site conservation, presentation, and research projects.

By the end of the course, the participants will be able to use a methodology for management planning that they can adapt and use in their own local or national contexts. The main output of this course will be a draft management plan, with particular focus on documentation.

The course will consist of interactive, participatory sessions, both theoretical and practical, carried out in a classroom environment and on archaeological sites. Study visits and some applied work at the selected archaeological sites in Jordan and Syria will complement work carried out in the classroom. The course instructors are international experts and regional specialists from the networks of the organizing institutions.

Participants and Admission
The course is intended for 20–25 participants with varied profiles (site managers, conservators, archaeologists, architects, planners, tourism development experts, etc.) from the Arab countries. Their admission to the course will be subject to selection criteria including, at least, a bachelor degree in a relevant field of study, and adequate knowledge in Computer-Aided Design. Priority is given to government employees or government-affiliated professionals, to those who have already gained practical and research experience in the field, and to participants who completed ATHAR Programme’s Regional Course on Conservation of Archaeological Sites. Candidates are also requested to provide a letter stating clearly the reasons for applying to the course, what they hope to learn from it, and how it will benefit them and their institution, country, or future employer. The main partner institutions will make the final selection of qualified applicants according to these requirements. A certificate of attendance will be given to participants who successfully complete course requirements.

A request for a financial support, or the availability of other sources, should be indicated in the application form. The organizing institutions will provide financial support, covering accommodation and meals, to eligible participants during the course period . Participants, possibly through their affiliated governments, will be in charge of their air travel expenses. All participants should also have a health and accident insurance. Upon selection, they should return to ICCROM a signed medical and accident participants’ release.

Working languages
The working languages will be both Arabic and English. Simultaneous translation English-Arabic will be provided. Proficiency in English will be required particularly for research work and reading of reference materials.

Application
Please use the application form available on this site. Kindly read the course announcement and instructions carefully, and submit the application form with complete information to the following address:

ATHAR Programme
ICCROM
Via di San Michele, 13
00153 Rome
Italy
Email: athar (at) iccrom . org

with special contribution of: