Skip to main content

22 October 2024

Cultural Heritage project shortlisted for the ICCROM-Sharjah Award

The Managing Libya’s Cultural Heritage (MaLiCH) project has been shortlisted in recognition of the team’s dedication to safeguarding Libya's rich cultural heritage under challenging circumstances.

MaliCH

The MaLiCH project is a collaborative initiative led by King’s Department of Classics, in partnership with the Libyan Department of Antiquities, the Ghadames Development Authority, and the Nile Palace Foundation in Cairo, with support from ALIPH (International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas). The project has been shortlisted for 'ICCROM-Sharjah Award for Good Practice in Cultural Heritage Conservation in the Arab World.

Since 2020, the project has been focused on preserving the historic Old Town of Ghadames by documenting its unique tangible and intangible cultural features, including its traditional crafts and architectural techniques.

An essential component of our project was our partnership with local authorities and organisations like the Women’s Training Centre in Ghadames. By documenting and using traditional building techniques in our conservation approach, along with incorporating Zanjafoor decorative elements crafted by local women into the visitor centre, we not only preserved regional craftsmanship but also created a space that embodies the cultural identity of Ghadames, fostering a strong sense of ownership and pride within the community.

Dr Hiba Alkhalaf, Postdoctoral Research Associate

In 2021, the project commenced the restoration and rehabilitation of a partially demolished historic building in Ghadames, employing traditional construction methods to honour the town’s architectural legacy. This restored building has now been transformed into a visitor centre, aiming to engage the local community and celebrate Ghadames’ cultural history.

The centre will feature permanent exhibitions showcasing the history, traditional building techniques, and handicrafts of Ghadames. It aims to foster connections among Libya’s diverse regions through a shared appreciation of heritage. To ensure the project's ongoing success, a joint committee has been established to promote continuous community engagement and long-term heritage conservation efforts.

We are excited and honoured to be nominated for an ICCROM Sharjah award for Good Practices in Cultural Heritage Conservation and Management in the Arab Region. It has been a fantastic journey for the MaLiCH project, working with the GCPDA and the people of Ghadames. The newly-renovated Dan Al-Ali building stands as testament to that collaboration and we look forward to the building coming to life with new activities associated with arts and culture within the region.

Dr Will Wootton, Reader in Classical Art and Archaeology & Head of Department, Classics

The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) Regional Centre in Sharjah awards aim to highlight the good practices in conservation and management of cultural heritage in terms of technical skills employed, as well as social and economic impacts of the project on local communities.

The award ceremony will take place in November in Sharjah, UAE.

In this story

Hiba Alkhalaf

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Will Wootton

Reader in Classical Art and Archaeology

Related departments