Dr. Nikolas Sarris, a senior book and paper conservator, with our trainees in Iraq

HERITΛGE delivered an in-person workshop in Bagdad for the Preservation of Libraries and Archives in Iraq project. The project is realised in cooperation with The Academic Research Institute in Iraq (TARII) and supported by a grant from the American Embassy in Iraq. 

It aims to strengthen the capacity of custodians of libraries and archives in Iraq and ensure the trainees can independently handle the development and management of preventive conservation projects for their institutions.

The training forms part of HERITΛGE’s broader commitment to strengthening cultural heritage resilience in regions affected by conflict and environmental pressures.

The workshop, held from 18-29 January, was delivered by  Mohammad al-Mimar, Nil Baydar, Maja Kominko, Nikolas Sarris, in cooperation with the Iraq National Library and Archive. It provided instruction in Preventive Conservation, Project Development, Project Management and Fundraising .

Attended by 30 participants, the training introduced key concepts including bookbinding components and terminology, handling of archival materials, causes of paper and book deterioration, environmental control in libraries and archives, and first-aid conservation for paper artefacts.

Participants also explored environmental monitoring and data analysis, emerging environmental challenges, and risk management strategies through practical exercises. Depending on the module, trainees worked individually or in small groups of three to four participants to apply their learning.

Hands-on sessions were complemented by three study visits, one of which was to the private archive of Ahmad Sousa and another to the Imam al Husayn Shrine in Karballa, designed to showcase the preservation issues in a private archive and a religious library respectively. 

A third visit took the trainees to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Samarra, where they had the opportunity to explore challenges in preservation, especially dealing with previous heavy-handed restorations, and to discuss international conservation standards and practices.

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A two-week specialised training course in document and archive preservation and management is currently underway at the National Library of Iraq. The training aims to strengthen the scientific and professional capacities of librarians and archivists, with a particular focus on preventive conservation and internationally recognised standards for the care and management of documentary heritage.

The course is delivered by an international team of experts, led by HERITΛGE’s Nicholas Saris and Maja Kominko. Through a combination of lectures and applied training, participants are introduced to practical conservation methodologies adapted to the Iraqi context.

Beyond technical training, the programme places strong emphasis on sustainability and institutional empowerment. Participants will develop and implement preservation projects within their respective institutions, supported by mentoring from the project team. The initiative also seeks to foster a national professional network, facilitating long-term knowledge exchange and cooperation among custodians of Iraq’s documentary heritage.

Through this project, HERITΛGE and its partners reaffirm their commitment to supporting the National Library and Archives of Iraq in its leading role in safeguarding the country’s documentary collections and strengthening the capacities of heritage professionals to preserve Iraq’s national memory for future generations.

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The Heritage Management Organization (HERITΛGE) was honored to be one of the sponsors of the PastForward 2024 Conference, organized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the historic city of New Orleans, Louisiana, from October 28 to 30.

This year’s conference held special significance as it marked the 75th anniversary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It showcased the evolving field of preservation, set against the backdrop of New Orleans—a city renowned for its vibrant culture, rich history, and resilience.

Themed around the interconnected nature of heritage preservation, PastForward 2024 tackled three pressing challenges facing the United States today:

• Creating Climate Resilience Through Historic Preservation
• Ensuring a Representative Preservation Movement
• Encouraging Historic Preservation-Based Community Development

These themes highlighted the potential of heritage preservation as a tool for addressing global issues, from environmental sustainability to social justice and urban revitalization.

HERITΛGE at the Conference

Representing HERITΛGE at the conference were Donna Wilson and Richard Brown, who engaged with heritage professionals from across the United States and beyond. Stationed at the organization’s booth in the exhibition salon, they introduced attendees to HERITΛGE’s impactful programs, including its efforts to train heritage professionals worldwide in managing cultural assets and fostering sustainable development.

The conference provided an excellent platform to share HERITΛGE’s expertise in areas such as:

• Training communities to safeguard heritage assets against climate threats.
• Promoting inclusive practices that ensure underrepresented groups are part of preservation narratives.
• Supporting grassroots heritage projects through microgrants and capacity-building programs.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, HERITΛGE remains committed to advancing the interconnected practice of heritage preservation. We are proud to have been part of such an inspiring event and look forward to continuing our collaboration with heritage professionals in the United States and around the world.

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