The "Masarat" (Trails) Project Workshop
From Theory to Grounded Action
As a direct continuation of the "Building Local Community Capacity Through Cultural Heritage" program, the Turathuna Foundation launched the "Masarat" (Trails) Project workshop in April 2021. This initiative was designed to transition from theoretical learning to practical, on-the-ground application, guiding participants in rediscovering the Old City of Homs alongside its rich cultural and architectural heritage.
A Foundation for Heritage Connection
Held at the Grand Hotel of Homs over three days (April 10–12, 2021), the workshop served as a fundamental milestone in developing the broader "Masarat" concept. The project stems from the Foundation's core belief in the necessity of linking the community to its city, empowering locals to take an active role in protecting and reviving their shared heritage.
Workshop Objectives and Target Audience
The training engaged over 45 dedicated volunteers with a strong passion for heritage and community work. The sessions were strategically focused on several key pillars:
- Rediscovering the Old City: Exploring Homs's hidden historical and cultural landmarks.
- Urgent Needs Assessment: Identifying the sites and monuments most in need of urgent rescue and direct intervention within the Old City.
- Deepening Heritage Awareness: Enhancing participants' understanding of both tangible (architectural) and intangible heritage, while emphasizing the local community's critical role in its preservation.
- Capacity Building: Forming a capable, highly trained volunteer team equipped for fieldwork and ready to contribute to the Foundation's future endeavors.
Immersive Field Exploration
The workshop featured a dynamic mix of training sessions and collaborative group discussions, complemented by immersive field tours inside the Old City of Homs. These guided tours were designed to help participants "read" the physical space, understand its historical transformations, listen to its lingering stories, and deeply connect with the city's living memory.
Lasting Impact and the Path Forward
Crucially, this workshop catalyzed the formation of the official Turathuna Foundation volunteer team. This dedicated group subsequently became an essential driving force behind the execution of the Foundation's community and heritage initiatives. The groundwork and community spirit fostered during these three days continue to bear fruit today, evolving into comprehensive field projects and paving the way for the active launch of specialized heritage routes, such as the Eastern Path in the historic Bustan al-Diwan neighborhood.
