The Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme is a comprehensive initiative aimed at the preservation and restoration of historic cities around the world. Founded and led by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), this programme focuses on revitalizing these cities while respecting their cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development.
The programme works towards the preservation of physical structures like buildings, monuments, public spaces, and infrastructure, with the goal of safeguarding architectural and cultural treasures for future generations. It also emphasizes the importance of social and economic development within these cities, recognizing that this is essential for their long-term sustainability.
Through a multi-faceted approach, the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, including local communities, governments, scholars, and professionals in the fields of urban planning, architecture, and design. By facilitating knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, the programme aims to empower local communities to manage and benefit from the conservation and restoration efforts.
The Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme operates on the principle that historic cities are not merely repositories of past traditions, but also living entities that can contribute to contemporary society. Consequently, it strives to ensure that restoration efforts are integrated into the social, cultural, and economic fabric of these cities, with a particular focus on improving quality of life for their inhabitants.
Overall, the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme is a comprehensive and inclusive initiative that seeks to safeguard the architectural, cultural, and socio-economic heritage of historic cities, ultimately creating sustainable and vibrant urban spaces for generations to come.
