PRESERVATION ACTIVITIES

Hydrology
1. The Khazne: Study/Survey of the Impact of Flash Floods on the Khazne Courtyard and Areas Flanking it (2004-2006);

In co-ordination with the Department of Antiquities of Jordan (DoA) and Middle East Engineering Management consulting company, the Petra National Trust (PNT) conducted a survey of the Khazne area and courtyard. The survey obtained results related to the water supply system and the flash flood protection system which led to a preliminary model of Petra’s hydraulic infrastructure in antiquity in the Khazne area.

Funded by: World Monuments Fund/Robert W. Wilson Challenge Grant, the Swiss Agency for Development & Co-operation (SDC).

 

2. The Khazne: Rehabilitation of the Nabataean Flash Flood Protection System, Wadi al-Jarra Dam Phase I (2010 – 2012) & Phase II (2013-2014)

In co-ordination with the Department of Antiquities of Jordan (DoA) and Arab Consultants Bureau, the Petra National Trust (PNT) based upon the recommendations drawn up from the survey, commenced the excavation of the basin area and the rehabilitation of the Wadi al-Jarra dam in the Khazne courtyard. The restoration of the dam will contribute partially towards the rehabilitation of the Nabataean hydraulic and flash flood prevention system, control the erosion in the Khazne courtyard, and ensure visitor & monument safety.

Funded by: US Embassy in Amman through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation Award (2010 & 2014).

 

3. Traditional Water Techniques, Cultural Heritage for a Sustainable Future – SHADUF (2004-2007)

In co-operation with 10 partners from the Mediterranean region, PNT undertook a study/survey on water harvesting and water delivery systems, how to secure and sustain the growth of cities, and to help protect cities from seasonal flash floods. This project also produced a database of information on key water management practices in ancient times using archaeological, historical, and environmental information and field work.

Funded by: the European Commission.

 

4. Al-Mudhlim: Phase I - Study/Survey of the Siq Al-Mudhlim catchment area (2002) & Phase II - Clearance of the collapse in Siq Al Mudhlim (2003)

In co-ordination with the Department of Antiquities of Jordan (DoA), and following the collapse of the Siq al-Mudhlim tunnel that took place in December 2000 , PNT conducted a study/survey on the effects of flash floods in that area. Based upon the resulting recommendations, PNT conducted the clearance of Siq al-Mudhlim tunnel as the first stage of its preservation.

Funded by: Jordan Telecom, World Monuments Fund/Robert W. Wilson Challenge Grant and the US Embassy in Amman through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation Award.

 

5. Siq: Phase I - Study/survey of the Siq (1996) & Phase II-IV - Restoration of the Nabataean Hydraulic System in the Siq and rehabilitation of the Siq floor (1997-2003)

In co-ordination with the Department of Antiquities of Jordan, PNT conducted two study/surveys; the first covered the Nabataean hydraulic systems in the Siq and the areas flanking the Siq, and the second studied the rehabilitation and consolidation of the floor the Siq. Based upon the resulting recommendations, 3 further projects were conducted at the Siq. Firstly, PNT restored the original floor and slope and construct a dam to reduce the impact of flash floods on visitors and monuments in the Siq. Secondly, PNT executed a project for the consolidation of the Siq, the construction of three additional dams in the Siq and another in the Madrass area flanking the Siq. Thirdly, PNT undertook the restoration and consolidation of hydraulic features which were exposed as a result of excavations to remove the rubble accumulated over two millennia. At the end of the project PNT published a book on its findings and restoration activities in the Siq -“The Petra Siq, Nabataean Hydrology Uncovered”.

Funded by: the Jordanian–Swiss Counterpart Fund, the Swiss Agency for Development & Co-operation (SDC) and the World Monuments Fund/Robert W. Wilson Challenge Grant.

 

6. Water Supply & Wastewater Treatment Project: Phase I- Archaeological study/survey (1996) & Phase II – Construction ( 1998-2000)

PNT was contracted by Camp Dresser and McKee (CDM) to conduct an archaeological survey for the purpose implementing a water supply system and waste water treatment plant in the Petra Region. Based upon the resulting recommendations, PNT supervised the construction phase of the Wadi Musa Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment project. Salvage excavations were undertaken throughout the project to document findings in areas where installations of hydraulic components would be placed.
Funded by: USAID/CDM, Jordan.

 

Monuments
1. Risk Management: Phase I - Urgent Investigation of the Rock Stability in the Siq in Petra (2010-2011) & Phase II - Identification, Analysis, Mapping & Mitigation of the Natural Risks in the Siq, Petra (2012-2015)

Petra faces a wide diversity of risks. The two projects address the geological hazards resulting in landslides that threaten visitors and cause immense damage to the cultural heritage of the Siq, the main entryway to Petra.

In response to the request of the DoA, in 2009, two projects addressing the geophysical stability of the Siq were initiated as a collaboration between PNT, UNESCO and Jordanian and international specialists. The first was a rapid assessment of the threats to the Siq in 2011, and based on the recommendations of the rapid assessment a second project was launched in 2012 for a period of two years. The aim of this project is to conduct a survey to systematically identify unstable areas in the Siq, to carry out long-term monitoring of potentially unstable rock-blocks and to consolidate selected areas that pose a high risk to visitor and monument safety.

Funded by: UNESCO.

 

2. Preservation & Consolidation of the Wall Paintings in Siq al Barid, Beidha Phase 1-V (2006 – 2010)

In co-ordination with Department of Antiquities of Jordan a team of specialists from the Courtauld Institute of Art, London, UK, PNT undertook the cleaning, consolidation and preservation of the unique paintings in biclinium No. 849 in Siq al-Barid, which were in an advanced state of decay.

Funded by: Ali Jabri Human Heritage Foundation; British Embassy, Amman; Gerda Henkel Foundation; Mr. Z. al Turki; Petra National Foundation (USA); Tourism Cares for Tomorrow (USA); The Khalid Shoman Foundation; US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation and the HRH Princess Haya Bint Al-Hussein Office in Amman

 

3. Zurraba Project (1990/1991)

In co-ordination with the Department of Antiquities of Jordan, PNT executed a project for the excavation and clearance of the Zurraba area. The excavations revealed a Nabataean workshop complex built in the early fourth century A.D. The project also worked to increase local income through the employment of horse owners and other labourers within the Petra region at a time when tourism to the area came to a halt as a result of the 1st Gulf War.

Funded by: His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf and Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden.