{"id":2584,"date":"2025-10-16T09:01:49","date_gmt":"2025-10-16T09:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/libraries.mit.edu\/akdc\/?p=2584"},"modified":"2025-10-17T16:24:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T16:24:32","slug":"symposium-grassroots-initiatives-in-cultural-heritage-preservation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/libraries.mit.edu\/akdc\/2025\/10\/16\/symposium-grassroots-initiatives-in-cultural-heritage-preservation\/","title":{"rendered":"Symposium: Grassroots Initiatives in Cultural Heritage Preservation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Saturday October 18 9am-5pm
\nMIT Building 2-190 and online<\/a><\/h3>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Restoration of the dome of the qa’a in Qasr al-Azm in Hama, Syria, from the archive of Michel \u00c9cochard, AKDC@MIT<\/p><\/div>\n

The Aga Khan Documentation Center and the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at MIT present an international symposium on Grassroots Initiatives in Cultural Heritage Preservation at MIT on October 18. The event, organized by Rami Alafandi<\/a>, AKDC Collections Curator, will also be streamed live.<\/p>\n

Communities around the world have demonstrated extraordinary resilience in safeguarding their cultural heritage amid armed conflict and natural disasters. This symposium seeks to examine the vital contributions of individuals and non-governmental organizations in preserving cultural heritage under such conditions. Through the exploration of cross-regional case studies and shared thematic concerns, this symposium aims to illuminate the critical role grassroots initiatives play in shaping the future of heritage preservation.<\/p>\n

Emphasizing community engagement and local empowerment, the program foregrounds the importance of centering local voices in the design and implementation of preservation strategies. Presentations will cover a diverse array of regions and efforts, including Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, and Kosovo.<\/p>\n

This one-day symposium will feature three presentation panels followed by a roundtable discussion focused on lessons learned and practical recommendations emerging from the case studies. The discussion aims to contextualize a framework of support for locally driven and sustainable approaches to cultural heritage preservation. Simultaneously, it will offer reflections for the international community on how to engage meaningfully in heritage protection\u2014without reinforcing power asymmetries or diminishing the agency of those to whom this heritage belongs.<\/p>\n

Our events are enriched by your presence, and we are committed to making them accessible. Please email Matt Saba at mdsaba@mit.edu<\/a> or 617-253-6129 before Friday, October 17, to request an accommodation.<\/em><\/p>\n

Stream live<\/a><\/p>\n

Visit the MIT events calendar<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n

Program<\/h3>\n

9:00 – 9:10 Opening remarks from AKDC and MIT Libraries\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

9:10 – 10:10 Session 1 – Community Agency in Times of Crisis and Conflict<\/strong><\/p>\n