Major Cultural Restoration Projects Under Discussion with Syria

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) is exploring significant cooperation projects with Syria’s Ministry of Culture, including potentially designating Damascus as the Islamic World Culture Capital for 2027, according to an official announcement from the organization.

Comprehensive Heritage Restoration Initiative

The proposed collaboration encompasses several major cultural preservation projects beyond the capital designation. ICESCO is considering the restoration of the historic Waqf Library in Aleppo and participating in the rehabilitation of the renowned Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, working in coordination with Syria’s ministries of culture and religious endowments.

High-Level Diplomatic Discussions

These ambitious initiatives were discussed during a meeting in Damascus between ICESCO Director General Dr. Salim Al Malik and Syria’s Minister of Culture Mohammed Yassin Saleh. The discussions reflect growing international recognition of Syria’s cultural heritage significance and the need for systematic restoration efforts.

International Expert Assessment Planned

ICESCO has expressed readiness to deploy a team of international experts to assess the current condition of Syria’s archaeological and heritage sites. This assessment would produce an official technical report documenting damage sustained by these culturally significant locations, providing crucial information for international institutions involved in heritage preservation.

Accelerated Heritage Site Recognition

Dr. Al Malik emphasized the importance of swiftly inscribing Syrian heritage sites on ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage lists. This matter is expected to be addressed at the upcoming annual meeting of the Islamic World Heritage Committee scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Strategic Cultural Diplomacy

The potential designation of Damascus as the Islamic World Culture Capital for 2027 would represent a significant milestone in Syria’s cultural rehabilitation efforts. Such recognition would bring international attention to the city’s rich Islamic heritage and support broader reconstruction initiatives.

Broader Regional Context

The announcement comes as ICESCO continues expanding its cultural integration efforts across the Islamic world. The organization recently highlighted the role of spiritual legacies in strengthening cultural integration among Central Asian peoples, demonstrating its commitment to preserving and promoting Islamic cultural heritage across diverse regions.

The proposed initiatives signal ICESCO’s strategic approach to supporting post-conflict cultural recovery while recognizing Damascus’s historical significance as one of the Islamic world’s most important cultural centers.

Original Article:

Qazinform. (2025, August 20). ICESCO considers declaring Damascus Islamic Culture Capital for 2027. Qazinform. https://qazinform.com/news/icesco-considers-declaring-damascus-islamic-culture-capital-for-2027-6b90df