Prince Claus Fund supports the reconstruction of architectural heritage in Gaza and celebrates the reopening of the Center for Architectural Heritage on 23 November 2009
The recent conflict in the Gaza Strip had a devastating impact on cultural heritage. The exceptionally rich heritage testifies to the fact that Gaza has been a vibrant cultural crossroads in the region since the dawn of time. All major civilisations have left their mark in the form of numerous monuments and archaeological sites, as well as many historic buildings that form part of the everyday living environment of the communities. Many of these were damaged or totally destroyed.
On 28 December 2008 the Center for Architectural Heritage at the Islamic University of Gaza had been bombed and completely destroyed. As the only academic institution in Gaza that deals with the documentation and conservation of architectural heritage, it fulfills a unique role in the area. Via its Cultural Emergency Response programme, the Prince Claus Fund supported the Center with a grant that enabled it to purchase computer equipment and furniture that were needed to enable staff and students to resume their activities.
During a well-attended ceremony in Gaza at the Islamic University today, the completion of the rebuilding of the Center was celebrated. Contributing the festive opening by video conference from Amsterdam, Prince Claus Fund Director Els van der Plas thanked the Center for the fruitful collaboration and wished it every success in the continuation and development of its activities. She highlighted: “In emergency situations scant attention is paid to the things which give meaning to everyday life... Rescuing the Centre that rescues cultural heritage is essential for the history, the memory and identity of the people”.
CER believes that rescuing cultural heritage provides hope and consolation to communities suffering from the trauma of disaster and thereby contributes to restoring human dignity, continuity and a sense of identity. The Prince Claus Fund believes that therefore culture is a basic need and cultural emergency relief should be an integral part of humanitarian aid.
The destroyed Center for Architectural Heritage
The start of support for the Heritage Center
CER provides emergency relief for cultural heritages that have been affected by man-made or natural disasters.
Cultural Emergency Response
Prince Claus Fund
Herengracht 603
1017 CE Amsterdam
Tel. 31 (0)20 3449160
Fax 31 (0)20 3449166
E-mail cer@princeclausfund.nl
www.princeclausfund.nl
