Conservation of the 11th-15th-Century Structures at Great Zimbabwe (11th to 15th century)Cultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
World Heritage is the UNESCO designation for places that are of outstanding universal value to humanity and as such, have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy
Preservation of the 17th-Century Wat Chaiwatthanaram (17th century)Cultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
AFCP
Over the course of two decades, the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) has supported more than 240 preservation projects at 123 World Heritage Sites.
Restoration of the Ancient Nabataean Flash Flood Protection System at Petra (1st Century BC)Cultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
AFCP projects often kickstarted the preservation work needed for sites to be listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Here are just a few examples:
Ishtar Gate Painted by U.S. Department of StateCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
Iraq: Babylon and the Ishtar Gate
Launched in 2011, the “Future of Babylon” project was a four-year effort to stabilize and conserve the ancient archaeological site of Babylon in Babil province, Iraq.
Final stages of conservation work at the Lion of Babylon. (605-562 BC)World Monuments Fund
AFCP awarded nearly $2M to the World Monuments Fund (WMF) to do the conservation work in collaboration with the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage.
Processional way north of ishtar gateCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
The ancient city’s remaining walls, gates, palaces and temples, are a unique and stunning testimony to one of the most influential empires of the ancient world.
Ishtar gate detailCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
Many different parts of the site including the Ishtar Gate, The Lion of Babylon statue, and the Procession way were the focus of preservation. The AFCP project helped to enable the site’s listing in 2019 as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sacred City of CaralCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
Peru: The Sacred City of Caral
In 2009, AFCP funded preservation efforts at the Sacred City of Caral in the Supe Valley of Peru. Caral dates to 2600 BCE. It is one of the earliest cities in the Americas.
Sacred City of Caral Residential (-2100)Cultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
The project provided intensive training in conservation of monuments and the consolidation of architecture, plaster and paint.
Photo work in progressCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
A team of field professionals, composed of archaeologists, architects, structural engineers and chemical analysts, passed their knowledge on to local specialists, ensuring the continued preservation of the site. In 2009 Caral, was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
Mughal Tomb (2011) by U.S. Department of StateCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
India: The Batashewala Tomb
Implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation in 2011, this conservation project of the 16th‐Century Batashewala Mughal Tomb Complex stabilized the masonry of the monuments, and restored the site’s historical and architectural integrity.
Batashewala Mughal Tomb Complex in Delhi Ceiling (2011/2012) by U.S. Embassy New DelhiCultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
The complex’s World Heritage site designation was expanded by UNESCO in 2016 to include structures preserved over twelve years through $1 million in AFCP support.
Preservation of the 17th-Century Wat Chaiwatthanaram at Ayutthaya (17th Century)Cultural Heritage Center, U.S. Department of State
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