Fostering Academic Leadership in Architectural Preservation and Urban Regeneration

📍 Duhok – April 13, 2025 | University of Duhok Media
 

The University of Duhok (UOD), through its College of City and Regional Planning (CCRP) reaffirmed its leadership in heritage conservation and architectural preservation by co-hosting a high-level international workshop titled “Approaches of Heritage Conservation”, held at the Mosul Museum, which is currently undergoing a comprehensive rehabilitation supported by international NGOs, and is in the rehabilitation process supported by ALIPH. The event was jointly organized by the City Planning Department at UOD’s College of City and Regional Planning and the Architectural Engineering Department at the College of Engineering, in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund (WMF) and SBAH Nineveh Office, which is in the rehabilitation process supported by ALIPH. 

The workshop gathered heritage professionals, academics, and international experts to discuss strategies for conserving historical architecture in post-conflict contexts like Mosul and the broader Middle East.

Opening Remarks and Key Presentations

The workshop began with welcoming remarks by:

• Mr. Abdul Rahman Al-Hajjar, WMF Regional Representative
• Ms. Alessandra Peruzetto, Program Director, WMF
• Dr. Shareen Younus Ismael, Head of the City Planning Department, UOD
   

The opening was followed by two insightful presentations:

Prof. Jala Makhzomi – “Re-Claiming Landscape Heritage: Examples from Iraq and Lebanon”
 

Dr. Tanvir Hassan – “The Value of Preserving Modern Heritage”
 

Following the presentations, participants toured the rehabilitation project at the Mosul Museum, gaining a first-hand look into the restoration progress and techniques supported by the WMF and partners.

Workshop Outcomes: Insights, Reflections, and Recommendations

The workshop served as a valuable platform for exchanging experiences, challenges, and future directions for heritage conservation in the region. Key findings and outcomes include:

🔹 Recognizing the Role of WMF

• Since 2013, the World Monuments Fund has played a vital role in heritage preservation in Iraq.
   
• WMF’s leadership in the Mosul Museum rehabilitation was praised by both UOD representatives and the Department of Studies and Research of the General Body for Antiquities and Heritage in Mosul.
   

🔹 Diverse Approaches to Conservation

• Participants examined case studies from Iraq, Lebanon, and the UK, reflecting diverse cultural and political contexts.
   
• The importance of localized, context-sensitive strategies was emphasized for post-conflict regions.
   

🔹 Challenges in Strategy Selection

• Determining the “best” conservation method for historic buildings remains complex.
   
• There is a critical gap in applying value-based assessment frameworks, which are essential for selecting appropriate interventions.
   

🔹 Need for Inclusive Decision-Making

• A recurring theme was the importance of involving stakeholders—including local authorities, communities, academics, and international experts—in conservation strategies.
   

🔹 Academic Capacity Building at UOD

• This workshop is part of a broader capacity-building plan led by WMF, aiming to support the development of a specialized Architectural Conservation study program at UOD.
   
• UOD seeks to empower academic staff with the knowledge and tools to lead conservation-focused urban revitalization efforts across the Kurdistan Region.
   

Strategic Alignment with UOD Vision 2023–2038

This initiative directly supports UOD’s strategic pillars by: 

 ✅ Advancing heritage conservation as a tool for urban development
✅ Building academic capacity in post-conflict reconstruction
✅ Strengthening international partnerships and knowledge exchange
✅ Promoting research-driven education and innovation
✅ Positioning UOD as a regional leader in architectural preservation and cultural sustainability

Looking Ahead

The University of Duhok is committed to expanding its role in heritage conservation and urban regeneration through academic programming, community engagement, and international collaboration. By fostering dialogue and developing context-specific frameworks, UOD continues to drive forward the agenda of sustainable and inclusive urban development through the lens of architectural heritage.

📸 Click here to view event photos: [PHOTO ALBUM]

📝 Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali, Shareen Younus Ismael & Aland Kamal Othman
📸 Photography by: Beybin Jeladat Mostafa 

📢 SEO Meta Keywords for Web Optimization

• Heritage Conservation in Iraq
   
• Urban Revitalization Post-Conflict
   
• Mosul Museum Restoration Project
   
• Architectural Preservation Strategies
   
• UOD Architectural Conservation Program