Unveiling shortlist of projs. nominated for ICCROM-Sharjah Award

"The ICCROM-Sharjah Award for Good Practices cycle for 2023-2024 has been a resounding success," said Mr. Nasir Al Darmaki, Deputy Manager of the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah. "We received an impressive number of projects from various Arab countries this cycle, with 51 submissions. This overwhelming response underscores the increasing awareness and dedication to preserving cultural heritage in the region and emphasizes the importance of promoting the efforts made within this framework. It is encouraging to see these wonderful efforts to protect our shared cultural treasures."

The selection process for the ICCROM-Sharjah Award is meticulous and rigorous, designed to ensure that the most deserving projects are recognized and celebrated. To this end, an independent Jury Committee, including six renowned architecture and cultural heritage conservation experts, recently met in Sharjah and reviewed each submission, evaluating them based on criteria that include the project's impact, sustainability, community engagement, and innovative approaches. 

We are pleased to present the following 18 significant projects selected by the Jury Committee and included in the shortlist of projects nominated for the ICCROM Sharjah Award for Good Practices (2023-2024):

● Digital documentation, a tool for decision-making in heritage preservation (Bahrain);
● A Legacy of a Lexicon: The Conservation, Documentation, and Management of Ahmed Pasha Kamal Dictionary (Egypt);
● The restoration of 48 statues of the ram-headed sphinxes inside the Karnak temples (Egypt);
● Preserving cinematic cultural heritage through rehabilitating historic cinemas and protecting and preserving posters, films, oral traditions, and traditional handicrafts through workshops and festivals (Lebanon);
● MaLiCH Project (Managing Libya’s Cultural Heritage) (Libya);
● Conservation and Adaptive Reuse of Traditional Structures and Open Spaces at Misfat al-‘Abriyin (Oman);
● The hospitable town of Al-Eizariya - Sustainable development to support the local community (Palestine);
● Preserving the historic Qaisariyya market, Gaza City (Palestine);
● Rehabilitation of the Nassar Marqus Palace and its adaptive reuse as a tourist lodge (Palestine);
● Restoration of the Tawqan House – the scholar Qadri and the poets Fadwa and Ibrahim Tawqan (Palestine);
● National Museum of Qatar (Qatar);
● The rehabilitation and restoration of Ibrahim Palace in Al-Ahsa (Saudi Arabia);
● Traditional Building Apprenticeship: Building National Capacities for the Preservation of Urban Heritage in the Riyadh Region (Saudi Arabia);
● The restoration and reinforcement of the Omari Mosque in the city of Daraa
(Syria); 
● Venus Platform: Digitalization and Cultural Mediation at the Ennejma Ezzahra Palace (Tunisia);
● Sharjah Rock Art Documentation: from Traditional to Digital (UAE);
● Library of Arts (UAE);
● Rescue project for the Museum of Folk Heritage - Sana'a (Yemen).

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and the Ruler of Sharjah, the biennial ICCROM-Sharjah Award for Good Practices celebrates outstanding achievements in cultural heritage conservation across the Arab region. This prestigious award serves as a beacon, illuminating the exceptional efforts of individuals, organizations, and communities who have significantly contributed to conserving cultural heritage. By recognizing these contributions, the award promotes excellence and inspires others to join the vital mission of preserving our shared heritage. 

In this cycle, a Grand Award will be presented for good practices in cultural heritage conservation and management in the Arab region. Two Honorary Awards for community engagement, conservation, and innovation will be granted to recognize exceptional exemplary projects. The winners will be announced in a prestigious ceremony in November. This event will serve as a platform to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the selected projects and shine a spotlight on the individuals, organizations, and communities whose tireless efforts have had a positive impact on cultural heritage and its preservation.