enactment of the traditional distribution of Zamzam water. Abu Qassem and his colleague - both dressed in traditional costumes - were reenacting the old custom of distributing Zamzam water from a utensil to the pilgrims that come to Makkah for Haj and Umra. The duo was actively demonstrating the tradition to local and international delegates that visited the “Markazul Umda” display representing Makkah at the first International Conference of Urban Heritage in Islamic Countries (UHIC) organized in Riyadh, last week by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA). Prince Sultan Bin Salman, President of SCTA, opened the conference under the patronage of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and about 42 prominent speakers from 34 countries around the world presented research papers on Islamic urban heritage and underscored the importance of preserving historical buildings of architectural heritage. The theme of the conference was “Economic Development for Valued Urban Heritage.” Over 160 research scholars and specialists also participated in a series of seminars and workshops that were organized as part of the conference. Hosted at King Faisal Hall - transformed into a heritage village for the occasion - the six-day conference offered a spectacular display of structures, designs and tapestries. Abu Qassem believes that the revival of cultural values are as important as preserving architectural heritage. “The pilgrims that visited Makkah for Umra or Haj were honored by residents with zamzam water served to them in pitchers and other bags made of leather. This tradition needs preservation,” he said. These are certain traditions that go a long way in preserving the culture and the tradition of particular urban dwellings, said Abbas M. El-Zafarany, general manager of policies at the National Organization for Urban Harmony, who was representing Egypt. He displayed admiration for the Kingdom's efforts to introduce Umra Plus, an initiative to promote tourism of the Islamic heritage sites. However, for Dr. Nur Akim, a member of Turkish delegation and professor, tourism related to urban Islamic heritage sites should only be a tool and not the goal. She said the Islamic heritage sites should be preserved along with the residents that lived in those areas and their lifestyle. “Equal care should be taken to preserve both the lifestyle and the heritage sites,” she said. The foreign tourists visiting the urban heritage sites should not influence or destroy the precious surroundings, she cautioned and added that urban heritage is a treasure house of the culture and traditions of any society. Prof. Nicola Costantino, who was part of Italian delegation, presented a paper on valued urban heritage sites and remarked that in Sicily, Palermo there is a historical Islamic site that attracts a huge number of tourists from the world over. “The Italian government is taking care of it by preserving the site,” he said. Urban regeneration Prince Sultan Bin Salman viewed traditional and historical buildings from an economic perspective and not as a “renovation project.” He called on authorities to renovate architectural heritage buildings into hotels, museums, restaurants and cafes reflecting local heritage, adding that buildings of architectural heritage assist economic development when they are converted into hotels, museum and other such public places. Referring to heritage sites and dormant wells of oil he said: “our country is rich in them from top to bottom. We want the people of the country to be the primary beneficiaries and guardians of these sites.” He added that Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in tourism infrastructure, making the country one of the most exciting tourist destinations in the region. While emphasizing the Kingdom's rich Islamic, rural and urban heritage and culture, the SCTA head stated that national tourism will contribute to creating more jobs for the citizens. In fact, the SCTA has been working with a number of organizations to secure the necessary funds for heritage villages to make them a source of income for local inhabitants, Prince Sultan has previously said. He explained that the SCITA was also currently working to renovate palaces across the Kingdom, documenting their roles in the founding of the country, and opening them to visitors. The Kingdom has witnessed a boom that has covered all aspects of life accompanied by a large expansion of Saudi cities with unrestricted openness to various continental architectural styles. Consequently, a lot of the traditional urban heritage was lost. These dramatic changes have necessitated taking instant and effective steps to protect national urban heritage, and making use of its qualities to lay a solid foundation for deep-rooted architecture inseparable from the past, while taking into consideration the absorption of modern technologies. The participants discussed different issues pertaining to the preservation of Islamic urban heritage. Researchers reviewed the status of Islamic urban heritage buildings, mosques and other related properties and studied their implication in a series of five seminars and 24 workshops. The participants also studied a number of successful international experiences in the field of urban heritage development. Other activities On the sidelines of the conference a number of other events related to the preservation of the Islamic heritage were also held. Prince Sultan Bin Salman opened an exhibition on the sidelines of the conference that witnessed stands from participating countries and the National Museum in downtown Riyadh is currently hosting an exhibition under the theme of “Wonders of Islamic Heritage.” About 65 craftsmen including 35 Saudis from various parts of the Kingdom demonstrated their skills at a live show organized at Mamar Al-Zohoor, off King Abdullah Road. Ali Hamoud Al-Jaser (39), a specialist in artistic woodcarving and engraving, for instance, came from Buraida to participate in the demonstration of his skills. Meanwhile, Mohammad Sulaiman Al-Muzaini, an octogenarian with 45 years of experience in traditional door and window-making, also participated. The conference activities were extended to include exhibitions, tourism trips, cultural events and many other activities in Riyadh, Madina Al-Munawara, Makkah, Aseer, Najran, Hail, Tubuk, Jouf, and Jazan. The Ministry of Education in collaboration with SCTA, organized Heritage Week with a number of activities for schoolchildren.
