AICS and Partners Working Together for the Conservation of Tell es-Sultan
As part of the project “AID 12464 – Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Jericho Governorate: Plan for the Conservation and Management of Tell es-Sultan”, a meeting was held between AICS representatives and representatives of the three implementing partners involved in the initiative: Sapienza University of Rome, UNESCO and the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Their respective agreements with AICS were signed in 2022.
The archaeological site of Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023, dates back to a period between the 9th and 8th millennia BC. Over time, remains dating to the Middle Bronze Age have revealed the presence of a major Canaanite city-state inhabited by a socially complex population.
Enhancement, Conservation and Archaeological Excavations
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, which is involved in the initiative, plays an important role in enhancing the site, one of Palestine’s seven sites under UNESCO protection.
UNESCO also promotes activities aimed at enhancing the site, including the construction of an Interpretation Centre and a protective shelter over the excavations documenting its ancient remains.
Sapienza University of Rome is conducting an archaeological excavation campaign at Tell es-Sultan, together with various restoration and consolidation activities involving the different fortification walls that characterise the site.
The occasion also provided an opportunity for a technical meeting to review implementation timelines and progress of the activities with Prof. Lorenzo Nigro, archaeologist at Sapienza University of Rome; Arch. Ihad Daoud, Director General for the Conservation and Management of Sites at the Palestinian Ministry; and George Joseph, Head of the Culture Unit for UNESCO in Palestine.
