The Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme projects promote the conservation and re-use of buildings and public spaces in historic cities in the Muslim World. The restoration and rehabilitation of historic structures and public spaces is undertaken in ways that can spur social, economic and cultural development. Individual project briefs go beyond mere technical restoration to address the questions of the social and environmental context, adaptive re-use, institutional sustainability and training.

In keeping with this philosophy, this project integrates conservation, socioeconomic development and urban and environmental development objectives in consultation with local communities and relevant stakeholders.

“I would urge the Ministry of Culture and the ASI to seek greater integration of preservation and conservation efforts in cities with public policies and schemes for urban renewal. Successful conservation efforts in the past have incorporated local area development through employment generation, boosting local crafts and arts, building of infrastructure, environmental conservation and landscaping.

- H.E Dr. Manmohan Singh, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, 20-December 2011 extracts from speech addressing at the 150th year of the Archaeological Survey of India