ICCROM highlights research milestones in master of conservation

During this enlightening Webinar, participants were invited to delve into the collaborative research initiatives that emerged from the Master's program, being implemented in partnership with the University of Sharjah. They have the opportunity to learn about the groundbreaking research projects shaping the future of cultural heritage management and the impact of these initiatives on communities across the region.

Since its inception, the Master's Program has been dedicated to training the next generation of conservation students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle the complex challenges faced by cultural heritage sites. Through a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical and practical components, the program has empowered students to become protectors of the past and leaders of the future, ensuring that our shared history is safeguarded for generations to come.

“ICCROM and the University of Sharjah are collaborating to cultivate a new generation of academic researchers in the Arab region. The aim is to address various challenges posed by regional changes and share their academic insights with universities and institutions in their countries”, said ICCROM Director-General Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral in her address to the participants. “This initiative runs parallel to ICCROM's longstanding and ongoing efforts to train professionals in cultural heritage preservation across its 137 Member States. The Sharjah government shares this vision, recognizing the vital role of such researchers in advancing scientific and intellectual contributions to meet the region's needs and beyond.”

Mr. Anwar Sabik, Project Manager at the ICCROM Regional Center in Sharjah presented an overview of the Master Program and ICCROM. “The Master's program targets heritage specialists from diverse backgrounds in the Arab region”, he said. “Since the program's launch in 2019, it has welcomed over 90 students, 75% of whom are females, from various Arab countries.” He concluded his opening by welcoming the participants and the graduate students of the Master's program, along with colleagues from the University of Sharjah. 

Mr. Nasir Al Darmaki, Deputy Director of ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah talked in his opening remarks on the collaboration between the University of Sharjah and ICCROM, which involves complementary roles. “ICCROM provides its long-standing expertise in heritage conservation training, hosting visiting professors from its network of experts and staff, and annually offering scholarships enabling students from the Arab region to join the program. Meanwhile, the University of Sharjah provides this product within its distinctive academic environment, offering professors from its team, and finally awarding the accredited academic certificate”, he said.
Prof Emad S. N. Mushtaha, Chair, Department of Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Sharjah, talked briefly about the collaboration between the University of Sharjah and ICCROM. “We now have a large team of graduates. They are leaders of fieldwork in all Arab countries, and they are our ambassadors to protect the local community”, he said. The opening session also included speeches by Dr Monther Mahmoud Jamhawi, Associate Professor & Coordinator, College of Engineering, Architectural Engineering, University of Sharjah; and Dr Eslam Nofal, Assistant Professor, College of Engineering, University of Sharjah. All speakers praised the significant support to the program and the generous sponsorship of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, and Ruler of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. 

During the Webinar, eight research papers were presented by graduate students. Mr. Ziad AbuOwda (Palestine), Deputy Director of the Conservation Department, Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Bethlehem, Palestine, talked in his presentation about the “Conservation of Dry-stone Structures”, with a practical focus on Al-Makhrour Watchtowers- Southern Jerusalem. Ms Hamda Mohamed Haidar Alzarouni, (UAE) from the Sharjah Institute for Heritage presented in her research paper the documentation of traditional techniques and the development of the perfume industry in the UAE Society.

Mr Mohmad Waheed (Egypt), a teaching assistant at the American University of Cairo, focused on his research paper and presentation on developing a machine learning framework for educating the history of architecture. Ms. Rana Zureikat (Jordan), a Consultant at the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi (UAE), presented in her paper the environmental design approach of protective shelters for the preservation of archaeological sites. She focused in particular on the performance-based assessment and digital simulations for Sir Bani Yas Island church and monastery site in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Ms. Samirah Juma Almazimi (UAE), who recently graduated from the University of Sharjah, talked in her presentation about the concepts of a plan to preserve the Emirati industrial heritage with a particular focus on Al Jaddaf traditional shipbuilding site in Dubai as a case study. Farah Hajji (Algeria), focused on her research paper and presentation on the impact of legislative precision in the management of the Casbah site in Algeria.

Ms. Entisar Muean Al Obaidili (UAE), a Curator at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, discussed in her research paper how to enhance the Role of Modern Technologies in the Museum Display for Children. She presented a case study of the Abu Bakr Gallery at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. Finally, Mr. Ezzeldin Hajjaj (Sudan), Department of Archaeology University of Khartoum, focused on his research paper on museums as an effective agent of peace and reconciliation in Sudan. He presented a case study of the community development museums project- of Western Sudan (W. S. C. M).

“This Webinar is an excellent opportunity to introduce the Master’s program and its beneficiaries and achievements on the ground. It undoubtedly motivates the students to participate in the program. We have already received many requests for participation, which put more financial demands on the ground”, said ICCROM Director-General Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral in a statement to the press after the Webinar. “To meet this demand, we invite and encourage all potential donors and stakeholders to consider supporting this program and contribute to its financing to achieve greater benefit and success. Your financial contributions can play a pivotal role in ensuring the continued success and growth of this vital initiative, which is dedicated to safeguarding our shared cultural legacy for generations to come.”

The ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah is a cultural hub generously supported by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah and member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates. The office is a powerhouse of cultural heritage knowledge, specially created for widespread adoption in Arabic-speaking countries. Launched in 2012, ICCROM-Sharjah is dedicated to protecting cultural heritage in the Arab region and broadening access, appreciation, and understanding of its rich history.