Conservation Science Workshops
In 2023, the JRC was mandated by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) to design and coordinate a training course for 12 young Saudi students and professionals, with the aim of providing key competences for the preservation of cultural heritage. The AlUla area, located on the Arabian Peninsula, is a site of extraordinary historical and archaeological value: an ancient oasis at the crossroads of the incense routes, capital of the kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan, and home to Nabataean sites such as Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia. The programme, tailored to the needs of the RCU, developed over a period of one year, alternating activities in Italy and Saudi Arabia:
- 7 workshops between Venaria (Italy) and AlUla, for a total of 6 weeks in Italy and 11 weeks in Saudi Arabia
- Study and guided research, with remote tutoring
- Theoretical and practical activities in laboratories and archaeological sites
Country/Area
Saudi Arabia
Period of performance
2023-2024
Duration
36 months
Scope
Capacity Building Training
Partner
Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), Saudi Arabia
From theory to practice
Step 1 – Training in Italy (July – September 2023)
Lectures with experts, visits to JRC laboratories and visits to Italian museums and archaeological sites to deepen historical, ethical, technical-scientific and educational aspects related to conservation.
Step 2 – Application in Saudi Arabia (October-February 2024)
Practical activities at the archaeological sites of Hegra, Dadan and Jabal Ikmah, with a focus on the conservation of local materials and techniques:
– Stone and raw earth
– Wall paintings of the Old Town of AlUla
– Restoration techniques applied to the region’s cultural heritage
– Introduction to conservation for high school students
The experience ended with a ceremony for the award of the diplomas of participation in AlUla, in the presence of the local authorities, in recognition of the training course and the contribution of the participants to the protection of the cultural heritage of the region.
CCR and accessibility
