RIWAQ - PALESTINE

RIWAQ is a non-governmental, non- profit organisation established in 1991, in Ramallah, Palestine. The main aim of RIWAQ was, and still is, the documentation, rehabilitation and development of the architectural heritage of Palestine. This signifies the protection of all layers, styles and remains of all periods and civilisations that once existed in Palestine. The various strata tell us the story of the rich, varied and complex identity of Palestine; they also negate the "purity" of the politically charged one-layer identity. This approach signifies the protection of not only noble architectural and religious sites, but also the valuable and varied urban, peasant and nomad architecture. The the main objective is to convince the public at large, and decision makers in particular, that historic buildings and historic centres are an important tool for socio-economic- political development rather than as a liability. www.riwaq.org