Press Release
U.S. Embassy Grants to Preserve Cultural Heritage In Petra and Umm El-Jimal
September 25, 2011
U.S. Embassy Grants to Preserve Cultural Heritage In Petra and Umm El-Jimal
U.S. Embassy Grants to Preserve Cultural Heritage In Petra and Umm El-Jimal
Amman – The U.S. Embassy awarded two Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) grants, totaling nearly $700,000, to stabilize and conserve important structures in Petra and Umm El-Jimal.
AFCP awarded the American Center of Oriental Research, in cooperation with the Department of Antiquities, a grant of $600,000 to stabilize, repair and increase accessibility to the Temple of the Winged Lions in Petra. The project will also train conservation specialists and educate the local community about the site. The grant was only one of three given worldwide in 2011.
AFCP also awarded the Umm el-Jimal Project, in cooperation with the Department of Antiquities, a grant of $96,000 to preserve the ruins of House XVIII at the Umm el-Jimal Archaeological Site near Mafraq. House XVIII is the largest of 150 houses constructed in the fifth and sixth centuries A.D. Of 172 proposals submitted around the world, Umm el-Jimal was just one of four grants given to cultural heritage sites in the Middle East.
Currently, AFCP is also supporting the Petra National Trust to rebuild the ancient Nabatean dam in the Wadi al-Jarra area of Petra. Reconstruction of the dam will reduce water erosion damage to the Treasury building and courtyard area and protect visitors from flash floods. The project is slated to be completed in the spring of 2012.
Since 2001, AFCP has supported nearly 650 projects to preserve cultural heritage in more than 120 countries, contributing more than $29 million towards cultural heritage preservation needs around the globe.
Photos of the supported projects can be seen on the Embassy’s website, http://jordan.usembassy.gov and Facebook site, www.facebook.com/jordan.usembassy.
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