Aga Khan Trust for Culture

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Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme

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Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture

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Introduction

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) focuses on the physical, social, cultural and economic revitalisation of communities in the Muslim world. It includes the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme, the Music Initiative in Central Asia, the on-line resource ArchNet and the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The purpose of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture is the improvement of built environments in societies where Muslims have a significant presence.

SPOTLIGHT ON Historic Cities

Revitalising Citadels in Syria

For the past few years, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture has been restoring three citadels in Syria - in Aleppo, Masyaf and Salah ad-Din - under a partnership agreement with the Syrian General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums. The scope of conservation at the sites has varied, but at each site the work has been closely linked to the generation of socio-economic benefits. More

Objectives

Buildings and public spaces are physical manifestations of culture in societies, past, and present. They represent human endeavours that can enhance the quality of life, foster self-understanding and community values, and expand opportunities for economic and social development into the future. To underwrite the vitality and integrity of built environments in the Muslim world, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture has developed programmes that support:

• The pursuit of excellence in contemporary architecture and related fields;
• The conservation and creative re-use of historic buildings and public spaces which facilitate social, economic, and cultural development;
• The strengthening of education for architectural practice, planning, and conservation; and
• The international exchange of ideas to enhance understanding of the intimate connection between culture and built environments in the history and culture of Islamic civilisations and in contemporary Muslim societies.
  

History

Baltit Fort, Northern Pakistan, restored by the Historic Cities ProgrammeThe Aga Khan Trust for Culture was founded in 1988 and is registered in Geneva, Switzerland, as a private, non-denominational, philanthropic foundation. It is an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a family of institutions created by His Highness The Aga Khan, with distinct yet complementary mandates to improve the welfare and prospects of people in countries in the developing world, particularly in Asia and Africa.

Though their spheres of activity and expertise differ - ranging from social development, to economic development, to culture - AKDN institutions share at least three principles that guide their work. The first is a dedication to self-sustaining development that can contribute to long-term economic advancement and social harmony. The second is a commitment to the vigorous participation of local communities in all development efforts. Finally, all Network institutions seek shared responsibility for positive change. They actively work to facilitate collaborative ventures, seeking potential partners - from universities and governments, to foundations and international development agencies, to individual and corporate donors or investors - on the basis of shared objectives and the complementarity of resources.