Withstanding Change: Heritage Amongst Climate Uncertainty

Transforming Historic Sites into Hubs of Resilience

We at the Turathuna Foundation are incredibly proud to reflect on our role as a core partner in the "Withstanding Change: Heritage Amongst Climate Uncertainty" programme. Running from 2022 through the end of 2025, this initiative brought together a powerful network of organizations across the Middle East and Africa with a shared mission: to protect and revitalize historic places impacted by climate change.

Led by the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) and the National Trust, and backed by £2.3 million in funding from the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund, this programme set out to prove a vital truth. It demonstrated that our cultural heritage is not merely a victim of climate change—it is a critical part of the solution.

A Global Network of Heritage Defenders

Through targeted restoration, sustainable skills training, and community-led action, the programme strengthened climate resilience across six unique historic sites. We were deeply honored to collaborate and exchange knowledge with our esteemed international partners:

Our Collaborative Timeline

The success of Withstanding Change was built on continuous international collaboration, shared learning, and a deep commitment to community engagement:

Early 2023 – The Journey Begins: Our work kicked off following a two-week study visit to the UK. Representatives from all partner organizations met with INTO and National Trust experts to share best practices and refine our individual project plans.
January 2024 – Convening in Cairo: Hosted by the EHRF in Egypt, the project team reunited to evaluate our early progress, exchange vital knowledge, and share on-the-ground successes.
Late 2024 – Sharing on a Global Stage: Following an October project review with evaluators in Zanzibar, we proudly presented our work at the INTO Jordan conference in December. In collaboration with the Petra National Trust and the Cultural Protection Fund, this event allowed us to share our regional learnings with a wider international audience.
June 2025 – Expanding Our Impact: The announcement of additional funding enabled all partners to double down on community initiatives and future-proof our conservation work.
December 2025 – A Special Moment in London: The project culminated in a celebratory exhibition in London. This was an exceptionally proud moment for the Turathuna Foundation, as our progress and the resilience of Syrian heritage were highlighted to a global audience, both in person and online.

"Managing this programme is really about giving our partners the platform to do what they do best. I have been hugely impressed by their passion and capability."

Dave Simpson, INTO Programme Manager (Phase 1)

Celebrating Shared Success

Today, we celebrate the completion of restoration work across all six sites. Spaces that were once vulnerable to climate impacts have been transformed into active, accessible hubs for learning, creativity, and local adaptation. Across the network, the programme has successfully launched museum openings, exhibitions, youth leadership workshops, and heritage-skills training programs.

The evaluation of Withstanding Change continues to capture these profound results—from enhanced physical site resilience to improved community wellbeing and inclusion. It stands as powerful evidence of how culture and heritage actively contribute to both national and international climate goals.

Explore the Journey

Each partner organization continues to share its unique story. We invite you to explore the films, podcasts, essays, and blogs documenting this incredible project, along with National Trust climate adaptation guidance, by visiting the Withstanding Change Resource Hub.

Turathuna's Projects in the Program

Restoration of Homs First Theater

The Turathuna Foundation successfully restored Homs First Theater, and Syria's second oldest. Originally a vibrant cultural hub from the 1950s to the 1970s and later a newspaper headquarters, the building suffered severe damage during recent conflicts. Through meticulous conservation using traditional materials, experts preserved its historical authenticity while modernizing its infrastructure. Today, the venue, which comfortably holds up to 175 guests, features advanced audio, lighting, and flexible seating. Reclaiming its historical role, the revived theater now hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and workshops, standing as a testament to the power of heritage conservation efforts.

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The "Go Green" Initiative

The "Go Green" initiative is an environmental and educational program dedicated to linking national identity with the preservation of natural heritage. By empowering primary and middle school students—alongside teachers and administrators—the project fosters lifelong environmental stewardship. It operates through two core pathways: a Knowledge Pathway, which uses interactive workshops to teach the ecological and heritage value of native plants, and a Practical Pathway, where students gain hands-on experience by transforming schoolyards into vibrant green spaces. Ultimately, the program seeks to cultivate a proactive generation committed to nurturing and sustaining their local environment and natural resources.

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Memory of the Place

The "Memory of the Place" project is a cultural initiative dedicated to preserving the historical and social legacy of significant landmarks, beginning with Homs First Theater. Executed between 2024 and 2025, the project moved beyond architectural documentation to capture the human stories behind the structure. Through research, interviews with contemporaries, and the restoration of vintage photographs, the initiative successfully revitalized the collective memory of the site. By blending factual research with emotional human testimonies, the project created a comprehensive documentary record, ultimately honoring the people who gave these historical spaces their meaning and cultural identity.

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Turathuna Art - When Heritage Becomes a Part of Everyday Life

Turathuna Art bridges the gap between historical legacy and contemporary life, transforming traditional Syrian craftsmanship into functional, everyday products. By supporting local artisans, the initiative revives dying arts and integrates national identity into modern aesthetics. The collection features hand-painted glass, Aghabani embroidery, and Hama block printing, alongside eco-friendly bags adorned with traditional motifs—including works by artist Boutros Al-Maari. More than a retail project, Turathuna Art acts as a sustainable engine, as every purchase directly funds the Foundation’s broader mission to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage, ensuring that history remains a living, breathing part of the future.

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The Tale Box – Ancestors' Crafts

The "Tale Box – Ancestors' Crafts" is an interactive educational initiative for students aged 10–15, designed to reconnect youth with traditional Syrian crafts. Through a strategic partnership with schools, the program utilizes experiential learning across three core tracks: the Knowledge Track, which explores the history and challenges of local trades; the Cultural Track, which uses the Hakawati storyteller and Sanduq al-Dunya to foster community and historical bonding; and the Interactive Track, which provides hands-on sensory experiences with raw materials. By blending education with critical dialogue, the project aims to instill pride in heritage professions and ensure their future sustainability.

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Restoring the Entrance of Al-Ghassania Orthodox School

The Turathuna Foundation has successfully restored the entrance of the Al-Ghassania Orthodox School, a vital landmark in the Old City of Homs. With a rich educational history dating back to the early 19th century and a main gate officially completed in 1908, the site is a testament to the city’s commitment to knowledge. The restoration project meticulously repaired damaged elements and enhanced the visual landscape, utilizing period-appropriate materials and techniques to preserve the school's historical architectural character. This initiative revitalizes an essential piece of urban identity, fostering an inspiring environment that reconnects students and the community with their heritage.

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Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone

The "Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone" initiative asserts that art is an essential tool for psychological recovery and peacebuilding in post-conflict Syria. Utilizing the newly restored Homs First Theater as a cultural sanctuary, the project aims to move beyond physical reconstruction by healing the human spirit. By curating exhibitions featuring esteemed Syrian artists—including Abdullah Murad, Fadi Yazigi, and Awn Al-Droubi—the foundation seeks to reconnect younger generations with their cultural identity. Ultimately, this project transforms the theater into a vibrant space for creativity, fostering hope and reminding the community of Syria's enduring legacy of beauty, resilience, and art.

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