Prince Hassan: History, heritage a foundation for building a ‘metropolis’ of prosperity

AMMAN — HRH Prince Hassan, chairman of the Higher Council for Science and Technology, on Tuesday attended the launch of the third International Conference on Tourism Management and Archaeology Conservation, organised by the Queen Rania Faculty of Tourism and Heritage at the Hashemite University.

Prince Hassan called for establishing a Jordanian initiative to preserve cultural and human heritage, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The prince said that he considers history and heritage as a foundation for building a “metropolis” of prosperity, excellence and creativity, pointing out that defending heritage entails defending entity, identity and cultural personality.

His Royal Highness added that “cultural heritage does not belong to anyone; it belongs to everyone and it is a topic that is above politics and crises”.

Prince Hassan also stressed the importance and authenticity of “our cultural history” as the product of long-standing civilisations, which requires protecting and safeguarding it from any futility and hostility.

The prince stressed the importance of developing a better understanding with others through tourism management, focusing on common denominators, respecting differences, accepting diversity and pluralism, and building the capacity of institutions to protect religious and archaeological sites of spiritual and moral value.

HH Princess Dana Firas, president of International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) – Jordan, said that the council seeks to raise awareness of the importance of cultural heritage, preserve it, support joint research, studies and activities and engage young women and men to work towards documenting, studying and sustaining cultural heritage.

The princess said that heritage represents values, principles and memories, and is the cornerstone of building an inclusive and incubating identity.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Makram Queisi noted that six sites were listed on the World Heritage List, which are Petra, Amra Castle, Umm ar-Rassas, Wadi Rum, the Baptism Site and Al Salt, which all hold “exceptional” global value, especially in expressing the “greatness” of tolerance in the Arab and Islamic culture throughout the ages.

President of the Hashemite University Fawaz Zboun said that tourism and heritage in Jordan are a source of identity, highlighting the role of scientific conferences in exploring new expertise and knowledge.