Rehabilitation and Enhancement of Amedi's Heritage Sites

Perched atop a stunning plateau in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Amedi is an ancient town with a history spanning thousands of years. Known for its unique geographical setting and rich cultural heritage, Amedi represents a cornerstone of the region's historical identity. However, six key heritage sites—the Great Mosque, Madrassa, St. Joseph Church, the Jewish Tomb, Sirichi Pit, and the Royal Cemetery—are currently in a precarious state of conservation, necessitating urgent restoration and valorization efforts.

The project to rehabilitate and enhance Amedi's Heritage Sites aligns with regional and international priorities for heritage conservation. By fostering cultural understanding and promoting economic development through tourism, it highlights the global significance of preserving historical and religious diversity. Amedi's rehabilitation also contributes to strengthen the local economy by creating opportunities in heritage-based tourism and traditional crafts.

Funded by the ALIPH Foundation and implemented by Expertise France, the Amedi project aims to:

• Restore and digitally preserve six key heritage sites.
• Develop a heritage trail to highlight Amedi’s historical and cultural landmarks.
• Engage local communities and stakeholders, fostering sustainable heritage preservation.
• Build the capacity of local authorities to ensure long-term site management.

Through these efforts, the project seeks to secure Amedi's cultural legacy for future generations while increasing awareness of its historical significance.

The Amedi project is structured around three areas of operation, with the aim of rehabilitating and enhancing the Heritage Sites. The activities include restoration, valorization, preservation plans, capacity-building and awareness-raising actions for the local community.

1. Restoration and Valorization of Heritage Sites

• Archaeological Research: Conduct excavations and studies to document the history of Amedi's heritage sites, unveiling new aspects of the region’s cultural richness.
• Stabilization and Restoration: Use appropriate conservation techniques to protect and restore the identified structures, preventing further degradation and preserving their authenticity.
• Heritage Signage and Trail Development: Install explanatory panels and create a heritage trail to inform visitors about the sites’ history and significance, enhancing the tourism experience.

2. Support for Local Authorities in Heritage Valorization

• Participatory Territorial Diagnostics: Assess the needs, challenges, and expectations of the local community to design an inclusive and context-specific heritage preservation strategy.
• Capacity Building: Train local authorities in best practices for heritage site management and conservation to ensure sustainable and effective oversight.
• Heritage Preservation Plan Development: Collaborate with local authorities to create a strategic preservation plan, providing a roadmap for future conservation efforts.

3. Community Engagement, Capacity Building, and Awareness-Raising

• Creation of vocational training programs for youth to develop skills in traditional crafts such as stone carving and restoration techniques, contributing to heritage conservation and local employment.
• Educational initiatives for schools, including interactive learning sessions and guided tours, fostering an understanding of heritage preservation among younger generations.
• Development of the local community engagement through inclusive events and activities that promote awareness and participation in the project’s objectives.
• Communication elements, such as storytelling and sharing milestones, to enhance visibility and community involvement.

Through this project, a sustainable preservation model is envisioned for Amedi, enabling economic growth through heritage-based tourism while inspiring future conservation initiatives in the region. By strengthening local capacity and fostering cultural pride, this project sets the foundation for the enduring protection of Amedi's cultural legacy.

Here are some expected results for the project:

• Restoration and Preservation: Rehabilitation of six key heritage sites, ensuring their structural integrity and cultural authenticity.
• Digital Documentation: Comprehensive digital preservation of the sites for research and educational purposes.
• Community Empowerment: Increased local involvement through skills training, educational initiatives, and participatory activities.
• Cultural Awareness: Enhanced recognition of Amedi’s historical and cultural significance, fostering a sense of pride among local communities.