NNA - As part of its efforts to strengthen engagement with audiences across the Arab world, World Monuments Fund (WMF) in the Arab States has introduced the first Arabic issue of its magazine, "Window Onto the World."
Published quarterly, the magazine serves as a specialized resource on cultural heritage preservation, providing readers, professionals, and heritage enthusiasts in the Arab world with access to a collection of stories and articles highlighting WMF's projects and experiences around the globe, while also showcasing its work in the region.
The Arabic edition of the magazine reflects WMF's commitment to protecting cultural heritage in the region and promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise in this field. In the Arabic introduction to the magazine, authored by Her Excellency Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chair of the Board of Trustees of World Monuments Fund in the Arab Countries, and Dr. Elie Flouty, WMF Representative in the Arab Countries, WMF highlights that making the magazine available in Arabic represents "an important step in strengthening communication with readers and those interested in heritage across the Arab world, and in providing a space to explore WMF's experiences and projects around the globe. Knowledge is one of the most important tools for protecting heritage, and through sharing expertise and stories connected to historic sites and the communities that preserve them, we hope this magazine will contribute to strengthening dialogue on the importance of safeguarding heritage as a living part of our present and future."
The issue opens with an article highlighting WMF's more than three decades of engagement in the Arab region, exploring its efforts to protect historic sites, support local communities, and strengthen partnerships that bring together international expertise and local knowledge. The article highlights several projects implemented by WMF in Iraq, Yemen, Egypt, Jordan, and Libya, as well as Arab sites that have been recognized through the World Monuments Watch program. The magazine also features stories from around the world that reflect the diversity of WMF's work, from safeguarding historic places to preserving heritage connected to local communities. One article explores the story of Moseley Road Baths in Birmingham, where community involvement has played a central role in preserving the historic site and ensuring its continuation as a vibrant community space. Another article takes readers to Sulgrave Manor in the United Kingdom, examining the connection between local heritage and global history, and the importance of long-term partnerships in protecting sites of cultural significance. Additional articles highlight WMF's work in preserving modern architecture and safeguarding twentieth-century heritage, while another story explores a project in Tokyo as an example of protecting heritage rooted in community life and local traditions.
The issue also features stories that highlight the human dimension of heritage preservation, including the restoration of historic artworks at Saint-Eustache Church in Paris, as well as an interview with Nathan Stroupe, Vice President of Field Projects at WMF, discussing the role of partnerships and local communities in heritage conservation worldwide. WMF continues to play an active role in supporting heritage preservation efforts across the Arab region. Through its World Monuments Watch program, nearly 75 Arab heritage sites from different geographic areas have been included over successive cycles, representing historic cities, desert oases, urban centers, villages, ancient archaeological sites, and modern architectural landmarks of heritage value. In addition, WMF has provided full and partial support and contributed to numerous international conservation projects across countries including Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Tunisia, Morocco, and others.
