Gardens of Paradise: past and present
Jurjen van der Tas describes the history of Islamic gardens, how they are being adapted for modern use, and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture’s 20-year journey of creating and restoring paradise gardens across the Islamic world.
By Jurjen van der Tas, Deputy Director of the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme
Gardens of Paradise take their name from the old Persian pairi dez, meaning “surrounded by a wall”. Transliterated into the Greek as paradeisos and henceforth known to us as Gardens of Paradise, they are in essence self-contained refuges for flora and fauna, with humans as their keepers and end users. The dry conditions that are prevalent in the Middle East and southern Europe make it essential for such gardens to have access to a permanent source of water.
Photos, videos and more at:
https://www.akdn.org/our-stories/garden ... nd-present
AKTC Work in the world
The use of water features in AKDN's rehabilitation of green spaces
For many Muslims, gardens reflect the bounty of God and the blessings of life. Through the long history of Islam, there has been an outpouring of poetry and art that engages with spiritual topics, among them gardens as an embodiment of paradise, both earthly and heavenly. So too, extensive poetry, art and literature have been created that presents gardens as secular realms of social intercourse, pleasure, romance, and diplomacy, as well as a retreat from the hardships of work, conflict and a harsh environment.
One nearly universal element that finds multiple expressions is water. Water is an essential ingredient found in virtually all of the gardens of the Islamic world.
The statement that “Water is the gift of God to man and the earth” can be found in the Qur'an. In Islamic culture, originally an agricultural society, a significant amount of technology and law was devoted to water. Not surprisingly its use and deployment has been explored extensively in gardens of the Islamic world, and artistic devices produced to exploit its many changeable characteristics of movement, sound, reflection, and refraction through channels, runnels, falls, cascades, sheets, sprays, basins, tanks, pools, ponds and lakes are among the glories of this rich and diverse heritage.
Gallery at:
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/use-water- ... een-spaces
For many Muslims, gardens reflect the bounty of God and the blessings of life. Through the long history of Islam, there has been an outpouring of poetry and art that engages with spiritual topics, among them gardens as an embodiment of paradise, both earthly and heavenly. So too, extensive poetry, art and literature have been created that presents gardens as secular realms of social intercourse, pleasure, romance, and diplomacy, as well as a retreat from the hardships of work, conflict and a harsh environment.
One nearly universal element that finds multiple expressions is water. Water is an essential ingredient found in virtually all of the gardens of the Islamic world.
The statement that “Water is the gift of God to man and the earth” can be found in the Qur'an. In Islamic culture, originally an agricultural society, a significant amount of technology and law was devoted to water. Not surprisingly its use and deployment has been explored extensively in gardens of the Islamic world, and artistic devices produced to exploit its many changeable characteristics of movement, sound, reflection, and refraction through channels, runnels, falls, cascades, sheets, sprays, basins, tanks, pools, ponds and lakes are among the glories of this rich and diverse heritage.
Gallery at:
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/use-water- ... een-spaces
Video Quote: The Work of AKTC for the Benefit of Humanity at Large
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhFRlwKyxIA
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the inauguration of Amir Aqsunqur Mosque, Cairo, Egypt,
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhFRlwKyxIA
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the inauguration of Amir Aqsunqur Mosque, Cairo, Egypt,
Video trailer: Restoring Dignity
Screening exclusively on The Ismaili TV, this three-part documentary series features the transformational work of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in the cities of Kabul, Lahore, and Delhi. Watch the first part premiere at the.ismaili/tv on Sunday 26 April.
Video:
https://the.ismaili/global/news/feature ... -173435533
Screening exclusively on The Ismaili TV, this three-part documentary series features the transformational work of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in the cities of Kabul, Lahore, and Delhi. Watch the first part premiere at the.ismaili/tv on Sunday 26 April.
Video:
https://the.ismaili/global/news/feature ... -173435533
Digital Magazine: AKTC At Home, Issue 2
The second issue of AT HOME, a new digital magazine presenting the programmes and projects of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).
https://the.ismaili/global/digital-maga ... me-issue-2
The second issue of AT HOME, a new digital magazine presenting the programmes and projects of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).
https://the.ismaili/global/digital-maga ... me-issue-2
Digital Magazine: AKTC At Home, Issue 3
The third issue of AT HOME, a new digital magazine presenting the programmes and projects of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). This issue will shine a spotlight on the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and also feature the Aga Khan Music Programme, the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme, Aga Khan Museum, and a presentation on the notion of culture and pluralism.
Read magazine at
https://the.ismaili/global/digital-maga ... me-issue-3
The third issue of AT HOME, a new digital magazine presenting the programmes and projects of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). This issue will shine a spotlight on the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and also feature the Aga Khan Music Programme, the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme, Aga Khan Museum, and a presentation on the notion of culture and pluralism.
Read magazine at
https://the.ismaili/global/digital-maga ... me-issue-3
The Heritage Keeper: Meet Ratish Nanda who was instrumental in restoring Humayun Tomb and Sunder Nursery in Delhi Restoring monuments and parks are all in day’s work for Ratish Nanda, CEO, Aga Khan Trust for culture. He is responsible for some of the most fascinating restorations in the country and abroad
Restoring monuments and parks are all in day’s work for Ratish Nanda, CEO, Aga Khan Trust for culture. He is responsible for some of the most fascinating restorations in the country and abroad
In a city as populated as Delhi, there is a certain charm in rediscovering open spaces as it is a sensorial treat. One of the newest hot spots in Delhi, the Sunder Nursery, a 16th-century heritage park, spread over 90 acres and dotted with water bodies, splendid monuments, and greenery, promises to be just that. It is popular place for people from all walks of life and has already found a place in Time Magazine’s widely recommended, ‘The World's 100 Greatest Places to Visit list.’
The man instrumental in reviving Sunder Nursery and monuments such as the Humayun Tomb, is Ratish Nanda, CEO Aga Khan Trust for Culture. In conversation with YS Weekender, Ratish speaks about his passion for heritage buildings and his ongoing work in the field of architecture.
Photos and more...
https://yourstory.com/weekender/ratish- ... mayun-tomb
Restoring monuments and parks are all in day’s work for Ratish Nanda, CEO, Aga Khan Trust for culture. He is responsible for some of the most fascinating restorations in the country and abroad
In a city as populated as Delhi, there is a certain charm in rediscovering open spaces as it is a sensorial treat. One of the newest hot spots in Delhi, the Sunder Nursery, a 16th-century heritage park, spread over 90 acres and dotted with water bodies, splendid monuments, and greenery, promises to be just that. It is popular place for people from all walks of life and has already found a place in Time Magazine’s widely recommended, ‘The World's 100 Greatest Places to Visit list.’
The man instrumental in reviving Sunder Nursery and monuments such as the Humayun Tomb, is Ratish Nanda, CEO Aga Khan Trust for Culture. In conversation with YS Weekender, Ratish speaks about his passion for heritage buildings and his ongoing work in the field of architecture.
Photos and more...
https://yourstory.com/weekender/ratish- ... mayun-tomb
Digital Magazine: AKTC At Home, Issue 4
The fourth and final issue of AT HOME, a digital magazine presenting the programmes and projects of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), will shine a spotlight on parks and gardens in the AKTC portfolio.
https://the.ismaili/global/digital-maga ... me-issue-4
The fourth and final issue of AT HOME, a digital magazine presenting the programmes and projects of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), will shine a spotlight on parks and gardens in the AKTC portfolio.
https://the.ismaili/global/digital-maga ... me-issue-4
Video Quote: Water in the Gardens as a Reminder of Divine Blessing
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6d77wM5hbc
Speech by His Highess the Aga Khan at the inauguration of the Aga Khan Park, Toronto, Canada, 25 May 2015.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6d77wM5hbc
Speech by His Highess the Aga Khan at the inauguration of the Aga Khan Park, Toronto, Canada, 25 May 2015.
Video Quote: Cultural Restoration Hand in Hand with Socio Economic Improvement
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68lL5oRPE7U
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Royal Toledo Foundation award ceremony, Toledo, Spain, 2 March 2006
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68lL5oRPE7U
Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan at the Royal Toledo Foundation award ceremony, Toledo, Spain, 2 March 2006
Bala Hissar Citadel in Kabul, Afghanistan to be restored by AKTC
Kabul, Afghanistan, 26 October 2020 - Bala Hissar citadel site, which is a registered National Monument and the largest open space in the Kabul, will be transformed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) into a public archaeological park. The works follow a decree in 2018 by His Excellency President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and funding by the ALIPH Foundation.
When completed, interventions will ensure that one of the most significant historic sites in the country is protected for posterity. Visitors are expected to be able to understand and appreciate Afghanistan’s rich history and cultural heritage while they take advantage of the site’s recreational, social and cultural activities (such as those taking place at Babur’s and Chihilsitoon Gardens).
“The site will become Afghanistan’s first public archaeological park and a critical source for better understanding of its rich history and diverse heritage for tens of thousands of Afghans,” said Ajmal Maiwandi, Chief Executive Officer at Aga Khan Trust for Culture Afghanistan.
Based on a Memorandum of Understanding between AKTC and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -- endorsed in 2016 during the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan -- AKTC committed to addressing critical conservation and archaeological issues at the site. It started works with internal resources in 2017 when a programme for emergency structural stabilisation was instituted to prevent the collapse of the historic fortification.
The four-year project, funded by the ALIPH Foundation, will be conducted by AKTC under the remit of the Minister of Information and Culture, and in collaboration with the Departments of Historic Monuments and Archaeology, the National Museum, and international expert organisations including the French Archaeological Delegation. It is expected that hundreds of Afghans will be engaged directly in the intensive works, providing essential employment and training opportunities for a wide range of craftsmen and professionals.
This announcement follows the award of a grant by the Government of India for complementary works at the Bala Hissar citadel focusing on the structural consolidation of existing above-ground fortifications.
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/bala ... tored-aktc
Kabul, Afghanistan, 26 October 2020 - Bala Hissar citadel site, which is a registered National Monument and the largest open space in the Kabul, will be transformed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) into a public archaeological park. The works follow a decree in 2018 by His Excellency President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and funding by the ALIPH Foundation.
When completed, interventions will ensure that one of the most significant historic sites in the country is protected for posterity. Visitors are expected to be able to understand and appreciate Afghanistan’s rich history and cultural heritage while they take advantage of the site’s recreational, social and cultural activities (such as those taking place at Babur’s and Chihilsitoon Gardens).
“The site will become Afghanistan’s first public archaeological park and a critical source for better understanding of its rich history and diverse heritage for tens of thousands of Afghans,” said Ajmal Maiwandi, Chief Executive Officer at Aga Khan Trust for Culture Afghanistan.
Based on a Memorandum of Understanding between AKTC and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -- endorsed in 2016 during the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan -- AKTC committed to addressing critical conservation and archaeological issues at the site. It started works with internal resources in 2017 when a programme for emergency structural stabilisation was instituted to prevent the collapse of the historic fortification.
The four-year project, funded by the ALIPH Foundation, will be conducted by AKTC under the remit of the Minister of Information and Culture, and in collaboration with the Departments of Historic Monuments and Archaeology, the National Museum, and international expert organisations including the French Archaeological Delegation. It is expected that hundreds of Afghans will be engaged directly in the intensive works, providing essential employment and training opportunities for a wide range of craftsmen and professionals.
This announcement follows the award of a grant by the Government of India for complementary works at the Bala Hissar citadel focusing on the structural consolidation of existing above-ground fortifications.
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/bala ... tored-aktc
Aga Khan Trust for Culture receives ICCROM-Sharjah award for best practice in conservation of Islamic heritage
Sharjah, UAE, 10 November 2020 - The rehabilitation of the central souk in the Old City of Aleppo by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) has received an ICCROM-Sharjah Award for Best Practice in Cultural Heritage Conservation and Management in the Arab region. The biennial Award seeks to honour and reward outstanding work that contributes to the protection and vitality of tangible cultural heritage in the Arab world.
The prize, a joint collaboration between ICCROM and the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, is under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah.
As part of the Aga Khan Development Network’s humanitarian assistance activities, including emergency health care and food aid, AKTC undertook surveys and technical studies for the rehabilitation of Souk al-Saqatiyya and planned for the Souk’s rehabilitation. In Phase 1, it began a pilot project in the Aleppo Souk – the largest medieval souk in the Middle East – which had been badly damaged during the conflict.
The prototype for conservation included all public spaces along 150 metres of the Souk, including the vaulted roof and central passageway, essential infrastructure and utilities, as well as three completed shops showcasing the possible finishes of individual shops. The prime objective was to improve the infrastructure and utilities in the Souk.
During the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, the work continued. This phase comprised the rehabilitation of connecting arteries in order to link the completed phase 1 work of Souk al-Saqatiyya to exterior entry points, including Souk Khan al-Harir. The Souk Khan al-Harir contains 60 shops and serves three other large khans (an inn for travelers, built on a central courtyard).
The ICCROM-Sharjah Award works to help “safeguard the cultural heritage of the Arab region; promote international ethics in the practice of tangible heritage conservation; facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience across borders; enhance public awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage; and encourage excellence through example”.
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/aga- ... nservation
Sharjah, UAE, 10 November 2020 - The rehabilitation of the central souk in the Old City of Aleppo by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) has received an ICCROM-Sharjah Award for Best Practice in Cultural Heritage Conservation and Management in the Arab region. The biennial Award seeks to honour and reward outstanding work that contributes to the protection and vitality of tangible cultural heritage in the Arab world.
The prize, a joint collaboration between ICCROM and the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, is under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah.
As part of the Aga Khan Development Network’s humanitarian assistance activities, including emergency health care and food aid, AKTC undertook surveys and technical studies for the rehabilitation of Souk al-Saqatiyya and planned for the Souk’s rehabilitation. In Phase 1, it began a pilot project in the Aleppo Souk – the largest medieval souk in the Middle East – which had been badly damaged during the conflict.
The prototype for conservation included all public spaces along 150 metres of the Souk, including the vaulted roof and central passageway, essential infrastructure and utilities, as well as three completed shops showcasing the possible finishes of individual shops. The prime objective was to improve the infrastructure and utilities in the Souk.
During the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, the work continued. This phase comprised the rehabilitation of connecting arteries in order to link the completed phase 1 work of Souk al-Saqatiyya to exterior entry points, including Souk Khan al-Harir. The Souk Khan al-Harir contains 60 shops and serves three other large khans (an inn for travelers, built on a central courtyard).
The ICCROM-Sharjah Award works to help “safeguard the cultural heritage of the Arab region; promote international ethics in the practice of tangible heritage conservation; facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience across borders; enhance public awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage; and encourage excellence through example”.
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/aga- ... nservation
AKTC completes conservation works on Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan’s Mausoleum in Delhi
Delhi, India, 17 December 2020 – The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), in partnership with the Archaeological Survey of India and the InterGlobe Foundation, completed the conservation of Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan’s Mausoleum in Delhi, India, today.
Rahim, Commander-in-Chief of the Mughal army, was not only a noble in the court of Emperor Akbar, but he was also a statesman, courtier, linguist, humanitarian, patron and, above all, poet. However, it is the mausoleum he built in AD 1598 for his wife, Mah Banu, that is the grandest of his surviving buildings – inspired by the architectural style of Humayun’s Tomb and, in turn, inspiring the Taj Mahal. On his death, Rahim was also buried in this mausoleum.
Commenting on the project completion, Ms Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, said, “India is known for its cultural heritage, hence the preservation of our art and culture is essential for our identity. At InterGlobe Foundation, we strive to conserve the cultural heritage of our nation. Through restoration projects like Rahim’s tomb in Delhi and Indra Kund stepwell in Rajasthan, InterGlobe Foundation has impacted thousands of lives while successfully preserving the historical and cultural values that bind us as a nation”.
Ratish Nanda, CEO, Aga Khan Trust for Culture, added, “Conservation at Rahim's tomb has been possible with a public-private partnership. Not only has a significant monument been conserved for posterity but dignity has been restored to the resting place of the cultural icon, Rahim. Conservation in the Indian context can benefit from thousands of years of building craft traditions and recourse to an inter-disciplinary scientific approach. 175,000 craft days of work has helped restore this grandeur”.
When AKTC began work on the mausoleum, it was a ruin. Despite its immense historical, architectural and archaeological significance and its prominent location in central Delhi, Rahim’s mausoleum was risking collapse. In 2014, the inter-disciplinary AKTC team – with the support and partnership of InterGlobe Foundation and the Archaeological Survey of India – commenced a six-year conservation effort. This became the largest conservation effort ever undertaken at any single monument of national importance in India. It was also the first ever privately undertaken conservation effort under the “Corporate Social Responsibility” banner.
Conservation works commenced with challenging structural repairs – to fix the cracks that threatened the building with structural collapse and included restoration of the intricate ornamentation – in stone and lime plaster. Collapsed portions of the building were reconstructed using traditional materials and building crafts. Restoration of marble cladding was limited - to strengthen the base of the dome and to indicate to visitors the original finish of the dome. In all, 175,000 man-days of work by master craftsmen were undertaken as part of its conservation.
The conservation effort on the monument has included celebrating Rahim’s cultural legacy. Two major publications, “Celebrating Rahim” and, “Abdur Rahim Khan-i-khanan – Kavya, Saundarya, Sarthakta” have been produced.
More images at:
https://www.akdn.org/press-release/aktc ... leum-delhi
Video Quote: Social and Economic Benefits of the Restoration Work
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Rml4ukLnU8
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Rml4ukLnU8
World Snapshots: Syria – The Old Souks of Aleppo.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDlE4oo30N4
In Syria, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture's award-winning work on the World Heritage site of Aleppo – for which it received an ICCROM-Sharjah Award for Best Practice in Cultural Heritage Conservation and Management in the Arab region – will be featured on TV5 Monde's Clin d'oeil sur le monde ("World Snapshots").
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDlE4oo30N4
In Syria, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture's award-winning work on the World Heritage site of Aleppo – for which it received an ICCROM-Sharjah Award for Best Practice in Cultural Heritage Conservation and Management in the Arab region – will be featured on TV5 Monde's Clin d'oeil sur le monde ("World Snapshots").
In pics: EU, Spain ambassadors visit Aga Khan projects in Egypt, express admiration of Azhar Park
EU, Spain ambassadors visit Aga Khan projects in Egypt, express admiration for Azhar Park
CAIRO – 17 March 2021: The ambassadors of the European Union and Spain visited the Aga Khan projects in Egypt, and expressed their admiration for Al-Azhar Park.
European Union Ambassador in Cairo, Christian Berger, and Spanish Ambassador in Cairo, Ramon Gilles Cesar visited Tuesday the projects of the Aga Khan Cultural Services Company, part of which is financed by the European Union.
The two ambassadors were received by Sherif El-Erian, Executive Director of the Aga Khan Cultural Services in Egypt, who provided a detailed explanation of the company's projects during the tour.
The ambassadors of the European Union and Spain expressed their great admiration for Al-Azhar Park, the handicraft project in Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, as well as the ongoing restoration works at Al-Maridani Mosque, of which a large part is funded by the European Union.
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/99 ... rojects-in
EU, Spain ambassadors visit Aga Khan projects in Egypt, express admiration for Azhar Park
CAIRO – 17 March 2021: The ambassadors of the European Union and Spain visited the Aga Khan projects in Egypt, and expressed their admiration for Al-Azhar Park.
European Union Ambassador in Cairo, Christian Berger, and Spanish Ambassador in Cairo, Ramon Gilles Cesar visited Tuesday the projects of the Aga Khan Cultural Services Company, part of which is financed by the European Union.
The two ambassadors were received by Sherif El-Erian, Executive Director of the Aga Khan Cultural Services in Egypt, who provided a detailed explanation of the company's projects during the tour.
The ambassadors of the European Union and Spain expressed their great admiration for Al-Azhar Park, the handicraft project in Al-Darb Al-Ahmar, as well as the ongoing restoration works at Al-Maridani Mosque, of which a large part is funded by the European Union.
https://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/99 ... rojects-in
Ensuring long-term preservation: Qutb Shahi Heritage Park, Hyderabad, India
Since 2013, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, in partnership with the Department of Heritage Telangana, has been undertaking conservation works on all monuments along with holistic landscape development of the 106-acre Qutb Shahi Heritage Park.
In the 16th century, while the Mughals were building grand fortifications, mausoleums and mosques in north India, the Qutb Shahi dynasty also built majestic structures in its capital, present-day Hyderabad. Builders and patrons of learning, the Qutb Shahi dynasty ruled the region for 169 years in the 16th and 17th centuries. The complex includes 40 mausoleums, 23 mosques, five baolis (step-wells), a hammam, pavilions and garden structures.
Eight years of dedicated effort to conserve the historic monuments and step-wells, and restore the landscape including pathways, water bodies and green spaces covered with grass and fruit trees has reinstated the original grandeur envisaged by the Qutb Shahi builders.
As with the Trust’s other conservation works including those in Delhi, Kabul and Cairo, the creation of this heritage park in Hyderabad carried out by master craftsmen is intended to not only promote tourism and lead a revival of building crafts in the region, but also instil a sense of pride in the city’s residents and generate potential economic opportunities for local businesses.
Photo gallery at:
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/ensuring-l ... abad-india
Since 2013, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, in partnership with the Department of Heritage Telangana, has been undertaking conservation works on all monuments along with holistic landscape development of the 106-acre Qutb Shahi Heritage Park.
In the 16th century, while the Mughals were building grand fortifications, mausoleums and mosques in north India, the Qutb Shahi dynasty also built majestic structures in its capital, present-day Hyderabad. Builders and patrons of learning, the Qutb Shahi dynasty ruled the region for 169 years in the 16th and 17th centuries. The complex includes 40 mausoleums, 23 mosques, five baolis (step-wells), a hammam, pavilions and garden structures.
Eight years of dedicated effort to conserve the historic monuments and step-wells, and restore the landscape including pathways, water bodies and green spaces covered with grass and fruit trees has reinstated the original grandeur envisaged by the Qutb Shahi builders.
As with the Trust’s other conservation works including those in Delhi, Kabul and Cairo, the creation of this heritage park in Hyderabad carried out by master craftsmen is intended to not only promote tourism and lead a revival of building crafts in the region, but also instil a sense of pride in the city’s residents and generate potential economic opportunities for local businesses.
Photo gallery at:
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/ensuring-l ... abad-india
The Touchstones of Identity: Preserving World Heritage
“The Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme (AKHCP) was created to test the hypothesis that culture was, and is, an integral component of the development equation,” says Shiraz Allibhai, Deputy-Director of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), “and that it can be a powerful tool to improve quality of life.” AKHCP devised a unique approach to urban regeneration that involves restoration and conservation, the creation of parks and gardens, urban rehabilitation and employment and vocational training programmes.
For three decades, AKHCP not only tested, but revised and refined its approach at 11 World Heritage Sites considered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to be of “outstanding value to humanity”. Many of these sites are in cities in the Muslim world, which are suffering from poverty, lack of infrastructure and services, post-war conditions, population growth and environmental degradation. But many of these same cities contain priceless riches that could be turned into assets for those living amongst them.
From Mali to Malaysia, AKHCP’s urban regeneration projects have helped transform historic cities and the lives of countless numbers of people. Overall, AKTC has worked on over 350 restoration and conservation projects in 11 countries, including 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and created 10 major parks and gardens that have been visited by over 50 million people. AKHCP’s work, which has received over 18 major awards and is now recognised as the highest standard in restoration, is also helping shape government policy on the value of historic urban centres and the role of culture in strengthening identity and instilling hope.
For more information about AKHCP's work on World Heritage Sites.
Gallery at:
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/touchstone ... d-heritage
“The Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme (AKHCP) was created to test the hypothesis that culture was, and is, an integral component of the development equation,” says Shiraz Allibhai, Deputy-Director of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), “and that it can be a powerful tool to improve quality of life.” AKHCP devised a unique approach to urban regeneration that involves restoration and conservation, the creation of parks and gardens, urban rehabilitation and employment and vocational training programmes.
For three decades, AKHCP not only tested, but revised and refined its approach at 11 World Heritage Sites considered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to be of “outstanding value to humanity”. Many of these sites are in cities in the Muslim world, which are suffering from poverty, lack of infrastructure and services, post-war conditions, population growth and environmental degradation. But many of these same cities contain priceless riches that could be turned into assets for those living amongst them.
From Mali to Malaysia, AKHCP’s urban regeneration projects have helped transform historic cities and the lives of countless numbers of people. Overall, AKTC has worked on over 350 restoration and conservation projects in 11 countries, including 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and created 10 major parks and gardens that have been visited by over 50 million people. AKHCP’s work, which has received over 18 major awards and is now recognised as the highest standard in restoration, is also helping shape government policy on the value of historic urban centres and the role of culture in strengthening identity and instilling hope.
For more information about AKHCP's work on World Heritage Sites.
Gallery at:
https://www.akdn.org/gallery/touchstone ... d-heritage
Video Quote: Importance of Open Spaces in Healthy City Landscape
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdL0xbXNS20
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdL0xbXNS20
Video Quote: On Creating Green Spaces in Urban Environments
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CahkR-7E9cA
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CahkR-7E9cA
Re: AKTC Work in the world
Afghanistan’s cultural heritage takes centre stage at Museum of Islamic Art
Among those pictured, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums; Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan; Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Fund for Development.Photo: AKTC
Model of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari Shrine, Gazur Gah (Herat), made at AKTC’s Jangalak Vocational Centre, Kabul 2016. Cedar wood.Photo: AKTC
Opening night of Empire of Light: Visions and Voices of Afghanistan at the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha.Photo: Qatar Museums
Opening night of Empire of Light: Visions and Voices of Afghanistan at the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha.Photo: Qatar Museums
The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, opened its doors to Empire of Light: Visions and Voices of Afghanistan, a sweeping exhibition presented in collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) that traces 2,000 years of Afghan cultural and artistic heritage.
The curated collection was officially unveiled by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, at a ceremony attended by Prince Aly Muhammad; Shaika Nasser Al Nassr, Director of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA); and Luis Monreal, General Manager of AKTC.
Running until 30 May, the exhibition presents nearly 150 objects, illuminating Afghanistan as a historic crossroad of cultures, ideas, religions and people.
“Afghanistan's history is a tapestry of remarkable creativity and resilience, and Empire of Light: Visions and Voices of Afghanistan will bring that fabric to life in a way that is both visually compelling and intellectually enriching,” said Shaika Nasser Al-Nassr.
“In partnership with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, this exhibition will enable MIA to illuminate the extraordinary architectural, artistic and cultural achievements of Afghanistan, while also showcasing the vital conservation work that preserves this heritage for future generations. We are proud to present these treasures to our visitors and give the public a deeper understanding of a country that has shaped in so many ways the history and the culture of the region and beyond.”
Curated by Nicoletta Fazio and Thomas W. Lentz, the exhibition spans five thematic sections, from pre-Islamic archaeological finds and luxurious textiles to Timurid-era illustrated manuscripts and contemporary Afghan art addressing the country's modern challenges.
A highlight of the exhibition is a series of large-scale wooden architectural models depicting major Afghan sites and monuments. Each model was crafted at the AKTC Jangalak Vocational Training Centre in Kabul, demonstrating the Trust’s heritage preservation work in Afghanistan since 2002.
“The shared scholarly expertise of Qatar Museums and the longstanding work of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in heritage preservation have made possible this exhibition that presents 2,000 years of the cultural and architectural development and the remarkable craftsmanship of today's Afghanistan,” said Luis Monreal.
The exhibition forms part of Evolution Nation, Qatar Creates’ campaign celebrating the country’s 50-year cultural journey since the founding of the National Museum of Qatar.
https://the.ismaili/gb/en/news/afghanis ... slamic-art
Among those pictured, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums; Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan; Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Fund for Development.Photo: AKTC
Model of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari Shrine, Gazur Gah (Herat), made at AKTC’s Jangalak Vocational Centre, Kabul 2016. Cedar wood.Photo: AKTC
Opening night of Empire of Light: Visions and Voices of Afghanistan at the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha.Photo: Qatar Museums
Opening night of Empire of Light: Visions and Voices of Afghanistan at the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha.Photo: Qatar Museums
The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, opened its doors to Empire of Light: Visions and Voices of Afghanistan, a sweeping exhibition presented in collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) that traces 2,000 years of Afghan cultural and artistic heritage.
The curated collection was officially unveiled by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, at a ceremony attended by Prince Aly Muhammad; Shaika Nasser Al Nassr, Director of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA); and Luis Monreal, General Manager of AKTC.
Running until 30 May, the exhibition presents nearly 150 objects, illuminating Afghanistan as a historic crossroad of cultures, ideas, religions and people.
“Afghanistan's history is a tapestry of remarkable creativity and resilience, and Empire of Light: Visions and Voices of Afghanistan will bring that fabric to life in a way that is both visually compelling and intellectually enriching,” said Shaika Nasser Al-Nassr.
“In partnership with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, this exhibition will enable MIA to illuminate the extraordinary architectural, artistic and cultural achievements of Afghanistan, while also showcasing the vital conservation work that preserves this heritage for future generations. We are proud to present these treasures to our visitors and give the public a deeper understanding of a country that has shaped in so many ways the history and the culture of the region and beyond.”
Curated by Nicoletta Fazio and Thomas W. Lentz, the exhibition spans five thematic sections, from pre-Islamic archaeological finds and luxurious textiles to Timurid-era illustrated manuscripts and contemporary Afghan art addressing the country's modern challenges.
A highlight of the exhibition is a series of large-scale wooden architectural models depicting major Afghan sites and monuments. Each model was crafted at the AKTC Jangalak Vocational Training Centre in Kabul, demonstrating the Trust’s heritage preservation work in Afghanistan since 2002.
“The shared scholarly expertise of Qatar Museums and the longstanding work of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in heritage preservation have made possible this exhibition that presents 2,000 years of the cultural and architectural development and the remarkable craftsmanship of today's Afghanistan,” said Luis Monreal.
The exhibition forms part of Evolution Nation, Qatar Creates’ campaign celebrating the country’s 50-year cultural journey since the founding of the National Museum of Qatar.
https://the.ismaili/gb/en/news/afghanis ... slamic-art
Re: AKTC Work in the world
World leaders discover India’s living heritage at Humayun’s Tomb during AI Impact Summit
Brigitte Macron, along with a delegation from France, in front of Humayun’s Tomb.
New Delhi, India, 24 February 2026 – Last week, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) hosted a succession of high-level international delegations at Humayun’s Tomb and its World Heritage Site Museum, coinciding with the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Distinguished visitors included António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations; Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund; Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands; Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Croatia; Her Serene Highness Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein; and Brigitte Macron, along with a delegation from France.
“The series of visits by world leaders this week underscores the growing international recognition of cultural heritage as a catalyst for sustainable development, social cohesion and community well-being,” said Ratish Nanda, CEO of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in India.
During each visit, Mr Nanda briefed the dignitaries on more than two decades of conservation, landscape restoration and community-centred development undertaken in close collaboration with the Government of India, UNESCO and a wide network of partners and donors.
The delegations toured the Humayun’s Tomb Site Museum, inaugurated in 2024 as a pioneering, purpose-built subterranean museum designed to preserve the historic landscape while offering cutting-edge museography. Its immersive displays present archaeological material, conservation research, temporary exhibitions and educational programming, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the monument and its setting.
Mr Nanda also introduced visitors to the broader Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative, which integrates heritage conservation with improvements in education, health, livelihoods and public spaces for local communities.
https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/wha ... -570519978
Brigitte Macron, along with a delegation from France, in front of Humayun’s Tomb.
New Delhi, India, 24 February 2026 – Last week, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) hosted a succession of high-level international delegations at Humayun’s Tomb and its World Heritage Site Museum, coinciding with the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Distinguished visitors included António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations; Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund; Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Netherlands; Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Croatia; Her Serene Highness Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein; and Brigitte Macron, along with a delegation from France.
“The series of visits by world leaders this week underscores the growing international recognition of cultural heritage as a catalyst for sustainable development, social cohesion and community well-being,” said Ratish Nanda, CEO of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in India.
During each visit, Mr Nanda briefed the dignitaries on more than two decades of conservation, landscape restoration and community-centred development undertaken in close collaboration with the Government of India, UNESCO and a wide network of partners and donors.
The delegations toured the Humayun’s Tomb Site Museum, inaugurated in 2024 as a pioneering, purpose-built subterranean museum designed to preserve the historic landscape while offering cutting-edge museography. Its immersive displays present archaeological material, conservation research, temporary exhibitions and educational programming, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the monument and its setting.
Mr Nanda also introduced visitors to the broader Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative, which integrates heritage conservation with improvements in education, health, livelihoods and public spaces for local communities.
https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/wha ... -570519978
Re: AKTC Work in the world
Old places, renewed possibilities
In countries where people have urgent basic needs, why is it worthwhile for development agencies to invest in cultural heritage? From jobs and skills to identity and international recognition, the benefits of restoring ancient sites ripple far beyond the work itself. Watch the video https://youtu.be/b8TqeQOTF7E to see how, and read the article https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/wha ... mic-growth for an in-depth look.
Re: AKTC Work in the world
George Town's restored waterfront wins UNESCO heritage award
VIDEO – AKTC and Think City’s regeneration of George Town’s waterfront wins a UNESCO Heritage Award, revitalising the civic centre and supporting local livelihoods. https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/mul ... -570519978
The rehabilitation of George Town’s historic waterfront is changing how people use and experience the city’s civic centre.
Since 2013, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) has collaborated with Think City to support the conservation and regeneration of George Town, a living World Heritage City in Penang, Malaysia.
In 2025, George Town’s rehabilitated esplanade seawall and promenade received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award. The recognition marks the highlight of a decade of collaboration between government, heritage bodies and civil society – proving that conservation can drive city-wide renewal.
The seawall is part of a wider regeneration of the town’s civic centre. The transformation of Fort Cornwallis marks a defining milestone in this wider regeneration of the town's civic centre, which includes the reinstatement of its south and west moats, the Armenian Park, the Linear Garden, and the Kota Selera food courts.
The changes are felt by the people who use this space every day.
Traders who have run their stalls here for over 40 years – now into their second and third generation – welcome more customers than ever before. Families come to eat, watch the sea and let their children play. Street performers make their living entertaining visitors along the esplanade. Residents come for the sea breeze, the shade of the trees and a moment of calm. Tourists discover a waterfront rich in culture, open space and sweeping views of the skyline.
For many, this place has become part of their story.
"It means a lot because since my childhood we have been here. It's everything for us. It's our life, it’s our livelihood."
Watch the video to hear from the people of George Town’s renewed waterfront.
https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/mul ... -570519978
VIDEO – AKTC and Think City’s regeneration of George Town’s waterfront wins a UNESCO Heritage Award, revitalising the civic centre and supporting local livelihoods. https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/mul ... -570519978
The rehabilitation of George Town’s historic waterfront is changing how people use and experience the city’s civic centre.
Since 2013, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) has collaborated with Think City to support the conservation and regeneration of George Town, a living World Heritage City in Penang, Malaysia.
In 2025, George Town’s rehabilitated esplanade seawall and promenade received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award. The recognition marks the highlight of a decade of collaboration between government, heritage bodies and civil society – proving that conservation can drive city-wide renewal.
The seawall is part of a wider regeneration of the town’s civic centre. The transformation of Fort Cornwallis marks a defining milestone in this wider regeneration of the town's civic centre, which includes the reinstatement of its south and west moats, the Armenian Park, the Linear Garden, and the Kota Selera food courts.
The changes are felt by the people who use this space every day.
Traders who have run their stalls here for over 40 years – now into their second and third generation – welcome more customers than ever before. Families come to eat, watch the sea and let their children play. Street performers make their living entertaining visitors along the esplanade. Residents come for the sea breeze, the shade of the trees and a moment of calm. Tourists discover a waterfront rich in culture, open space and sweeping views of the skyline.
For many, this place has become part of their story.
"It means a lot because since my childhood we have been here. It's everything for us. It's our life, it’s our livelihood."
Watch the video to hear from the people of George Town’s renewed waterfront.
https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/mul ... -570519978
Re: AKTC Work in the world
Fort Cornwallis in Malaysia reopens, marking a new chapter for George Town’s historic civic heart
Aga Khan Trust for Culture
Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim in discussions with Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan at Fort Cornwallis, joined by Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, Managing Director of Yayasan Hasanah and Member of the Board of Directors of Think City, and Mr Luis Monreal, General Manager of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
Lee Zhi Chuen
George Town, 25 July 2026 – Officiated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in the presence of Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan, brother of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the reopening of Fort Cornwallis marks a defining milestone in the renewal of George Town’s historic civic heart. Following a decade of conservation and regeneration under the North Seafront Programme, it is more than the completion of a conservation project and reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening the city's heritage, public spaces and future.
The redevelopment was undertaken by the George Town Conservation and Development Corporation (GTCDC). This is a partnership between Penang State Government through Chief Minister Incorporated and Think City, a subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, in collaboration with the City Council of Penang Island (MBPP), with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture serving as Technical Advisor and Yayasan Hasanah as a strategic partner.
Standing on the site where George Town was founded in 1786, Fort Cornwallis has witnessed nearly 240 years of change. Recognised by UNESCO in 2008 for its exceptional multicultural trading heritage, George Town remains one of Southeast Asia's most significant historic cities. Today, within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, it begins a new chapter as a place returned to daily civic life, where people gather, learn, celebrate and connect with the city’s rich multicultural heritage.
“Fort Cornwallis marks another important milestone in Penang’s commitment to balancing heritage conservation with sustainable urban development. The North Seafront Programme reconnects Fort Cornwallis, Padang Kota Lama and the surrounding waterfront into a vibrant civic landscape that strengthens George Town as a heritage city, supports local businesses and enhances public life. Most importantly, this renewed civic heart belongs to the people of Penang,” said YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang.
Visitors can now experience the Fort’s southern and western moats holding water for the first time in more than a century, alongside 10 new interpretation galleries, restored vaulted storerooms, reinstated courtyards and improved public spaces that reconnect the Fort with Padang Kota Lama and the seafront.
Filled in during a malaria outbreak in the early 1920s, the moat had disappeared from the landscape for over a century. It has now been reinstated using traditional stone, brick and hydraulic lime mortar, creating more than 4,000 square metres of waterbody and green edge where a surface car park once stood. Beyond restoring a defining historic feature, the moat contributes to stormwater management, urban cooling and biodiversity. Read more about the history and restoration of Fort Cornwallis.
The work was guided by the Fort Cornwallis Conservation Management Plan, archaeological investigations, archival research and traditional craftsmanship, ensuring that the fort’s historic significance was respected while adapting it for contemporary public use.
Fort Cornwallis is the latest milestone in the North Seafront Programme. Since the establishment of the GTCDC in 2015, the programme has progressively renewed the Esplanade Seawall and Promenade, Koh Seang Tat Fountain Garden, Lebuh Light Promenade, Linear Garden and Astaka Kota Selera, reconnecting Fort Cornwallis, Padang Kota Lama, Town Hall, City Hall, Dewan Sri Pinang and the waterfront into George Town's historic civic centre, where governance, culture, trade and everyday life have converged for more than two centuries.
The transformation has also protected the living heritage around the fort. Astaka Kota Selera was rebuilt while retaining all 26 hawker businesses, ensuring that Penang’s food culture remains part of the Padang Kota Lama experience. Across George Town’s historic city centre, arts, culture and craft establishments have nearly doubled since 2013, tourism-related establishments have increased by almost three-quarters, and more than 1,300 jobs have been added, demonstrating that heritage conservation can generate tangible economic opportunity.
The programme has earned national and international recognition, including honours from the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, the Malaysian Institute of Architects, the Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards and the Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards.
"One of the most important achievements of our collaboration has been the partnership itself. Over the past 13 years, the Penang State Government, Think City and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture have developed an innovative approach to managing a historic city, one that brings together conservation, public space, urban development and community stewardship rather than treating projects in isolation. The North Seafront Programme is a powerful example of what this shared vision can achieve," said Mr Luis Monreal, General Manager of Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
"Fort Cornwallis demonstrates that heritage is an investment in stronger communities, more resilient cities and lasting economic, social and cultural value. Through evidence-led conservation, long-term partnerships and stewardship, the North Seafront Programme demonstrates how culture-led regeneration can deliver meaningful outcomes for people and place. More importantly, this experience shows that this approach is not unique to one city. It provides a practical model that can be adapted to historic towns and cities across Malaysia," said Dato’ Hamdan Abdul Majeed, Managing Director of Think City.
More than the reopening of a fort, the North Seafront Programme demonstrates how heritage can shape the future of cities. George Town stands as a compelling example of how culture-led urban regeneration can strengthen national identity while shaping lasting cultural, social, environmental and economic value.
About the North Seafront Programme
The North Seafront Programme is an integrated culture-led urban regeneration initiative that reconnects George Town’s historic civic centre through conservation, climate resilience, public realm enhancement and community engagement. It is delivered by the George Town Conservation and Development Corporation (GTCDC), a partnership between Penang State Government through Chief Minister Incorporated and Think City, a subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, in collaboration with the City Council of Penang Island (MBPP), with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture serving as Technical Advisor and Yayasan Hasanah as a strategic partner.
For media queries, please contact:
GTCDC/Chief Minister Incorporated – Datin Bharathi Suppiah (04-6505554)
GTCDC/Think City – Sazlin Sabri (019-4009629)
https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/wha ... -570519978
Aga Khan Trust for Culture
Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim in discussions with Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan at Fort Cornwallis, joined by Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, Managing Director of Yayasan Hasanah and Member of the Board of Directors of Think City, and Mr Luis Monreal, General Manager of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
Lee Zhi Chuen
George Town, 25 July 2026 – Officiated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in the presence of Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan, brother of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the reopening of Fort Cornwallis marks a defining milestone in the renewal of George Town’s historic civic heart. Following a decade of conservation and regeneration under the North Seafront Programme, it is more than the completion of a conservation project and reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening the city's heritage, public spaces and future.
The redevelopment was undertaken by the George Town Conservation and Development Corporation (GTCDC). This is a partnership between Penang State Government through Chief Minister Incorporated and Think City, a subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, in collaboration with the City Council of Penang Island (MBPP), with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture serving as Technical Advisor and Yayasan Hasanah as a strategic partner.
Standing on the site where George Town was founded in 1786, Fort Cornwallis has witnessed nearly 240 years of change. Recognised by UNESCO in 2008 for its exceptional multicultural trading heritage, George Town remains one of Southeast Asia's most significant historic cities. Today, within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, it begins a new chapter as a place returned to daily civic life, where people gather, learn, celebrate and connect with the city’s rich multicultural heritage.
“Fort Cornwallis marks another important milestone in Penang’s commitment to balancing heritage conservation with sustainable urban development. The North Seafront Programme reconnects Fort Cornwallis, Padang Kota Lama and the surrounding waterfront into a vibrant civic landscape that strengthens George Town as a heritage city, supports local businesses and enhances public life. Most importantly, this renewed civic heart belongs to the people of Penang,” said YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang.
Visitors can now experience the Fort’s southern and western moats holding water for the first time in more than a century, alongside 10 new interpretation galleries, restored vaulted storerooms, reinstated courtyards and improved public spaces that reconnect the Fort with Padang Kota Lama and the seafront.
Filled in during a malaria outbreak in the early 1920s, the moat had disappeared from the landscape for over a century. It has now been reinstated using traditional stone, brick and hydraulic lime mortar, creating more than 4,000 square metres of waterbody and green edge where a surface car park once stood. Beyond restoring a defining historic feature, the moat contributes to stormwater management, urban cooling and biodiversity. Read more about the history and restoration of Fort Cornwallis.
The work was guided by the Fort Cornwallis Conservation Management Plan, archaeological investigations, archival research and traditional craftsmanship, ensuring that the fort’s historic significance was respected while adapting it for contemporary public use.
Fort Cornwallis is the latest milestone in the North Seafront Programme. Since the establishment of the GTCDC in 2015, the programme has progressively renewed the Esplanade Seawall and Promenade, Koh Seang Tat Fountain Garden, Lebuh Light Promenade, Linear Garden and Astaka Kota Selera, reconnecting Fort Cornwallis, Padang Kota Lama, Town Hall, City Hall, Dewan Sri Pinang and the waterfront into George Town's historic civic centre, where governance, culture, trade and everyday life have converged for more than two centuries.
The transformation has also protected the living heritage around the fort. Astaka Kota Selera was rebuilt while retaining all 26 hawker businesses, ensuring that Penang’s food culture remains part of the Padang Kota Lama experience. Across George Town’s historic city centre, arts, culture and craft establishments have nearly doubled since 2013, tourism-related establishments have increased by almost three-quarters, and more than 1,300 jobs have been added, demonstrating that heritage conservation can generate tangible economic opportunity.
The programme has earned national and international recognition, including honours from the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, the Malaysian Institute of Architects, the Malaysia Landscape Architecture Awards and the Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards.
"One of the most important achievements of our collaboration has been the partnership itself. Over the past 13 years, the Penang State Government, Think City and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture have developed an innovative approach to managing a historic city, one that brings together conservation, public space, urban development and community stewardship rather than treating projects in isolation. The North Seafront Programme is a powerful example of what this shared vision can achieve," said Mr Luis Monreal, General Manager of Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
"Fort Cornwallis demonstrates that heritage is an investment in stronger communities, more resilient cities and lasting economic, social and cultural value. Through evidence-led conservation, long-term partnerships and stewardship, the North Seafront Programme demonstrates how culture-led regeneration can deliver meaningful outcomes for people and place. More importantly, this experience shows that this approach is not unique to one city. It provides a practical model that can be adapted to historic towns and cities across Malaysia," said Dato’ Hamdan Abdul Majeed, Managing Director of Think City.
More than the reopening of a fort, the North Seafront Programme demonstrates how heritage can shape the future of cities. George Town stands as a compelling example of how culture-led urban regeneration can strengthen national identity while shaping lasting cultural, social, environmental and economic value.
About the North Seafront Programme
The North Seafront Programme is an integrated culture-led urban regeneration initiative that reconnects George Town’s historic civic centre through conservation, climate resilience, public realm enhancement and community engagement. It is delivered by the George Town Conservation and Development Corporation (GTCDC), a partnership between Penang State Government through Chief Minister Incorporated and Think City, a subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, in collaboration with the City Council of Penang Island (MBPP), with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture serving as Technical Advisor and Yayasan Hasanah as a strategic partner.
For media queries, please contact:
GTCDC/Chief Minister Incorporated – Datin Bharathi Suppiah (04-6505554)
GTCDC/Think City – Sazlin Sabri (019-4009629)
https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/wha ... -570519978