THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Islamic architecture workshop

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Islamic architecture workshop

The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Isesco) was set up way back in 1979 at the Tenth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, which was held in our historic city of Fez. The following year, the Statute (Charter) of Isesco was adopted at the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, which convened in Islamabad, Pakistan, in May 1980. Important objects of Isesco are: To strengthen and promote cooperation among member states and consolidate it in the fields of education, science, culture and communication; to develop applied sciences and use of advanced technology within the framework of the lofty and perennial Islamic values and ideals; To consolidate Islamic culture, protect the independence of Islamic thought against cultural invasion and distortion factors, and safeguard the features and distinct characteristics of the Islamic civilisation.

The latest initiative is four-day workshop on the management and conservation of Islamic architecture that got under way at the Salalah hall of Haffa House in Muscat. It was organised by Ministry of Heritage and Culture and the National Committee for Education, Culture and Sciences, in partnership with the Morocco-based Isesco and will introduce participants to basic knowledge, information and updates of Islamic architecture and current topics regarding heritage management, set down the underlying principles of value-based heritage management, identify strategies pertaining to Islamic heritage management and explain techniques for the conservation of Islamic monuments. The four-day workshop will be followed by a field trip.

Given the pressing problems of conservation of the Islamic architecture in Morocco, it is to be hoped that information from the meeting will transform into action on the ground in Morocco where restoration and conservation is under a lot of pressure from development and the sale of properties to western investors. See our story: Too much of a good thing?

Speaking at the inauguration, Ali Rashid Al Mudhirwi, assistant manager, department of castles and forts at the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, said that they are proud of the rich, historical cultural heritage of Oman and there is a need to keep that alive for the posterity. He said this workshop is being held as part of the celebrations marking Muscat as capital of Arab Culture. He averred that history is the collective memory of people and historic buildings tell us the story of our past. And thus we need to take care of them with affection.

He said that this workshop would highlight the different aspects of Islamic architecture and the need to preserve them.

Talking to the Times of Oman, Dr Monther Jamhawi, vice-dean of Queen Rania College and professor of architecture at the Hashemite University, who is a part of the organising team, said that Islamic heritage is threatened not only by physical decay but also by the changing socioeconomic conditions prevailing in society.

He said that this workshop would explain the Islamic architecture as a concept, Islamic city, its beginning and development, management of cultural heritage and conservation of Islamic monuments. He said there is a common myth that Islamic architecture is identified with domes and arches.

He explained: “Islamic architecture starts with how people lived and does not attach much importance to material components. Take for instance souqs, traditional homes, open spaces, etc. which do not have any link with domes and arches.” Showering his encomiums on the government, Dr Monther said this workshop reflects the determination on the part of the Oman government to focus on Islamic architecture and the need for its protection and restoration.