The first edition of the Cultural Heritage Rescue Prize award was held on 25 October 2014 in the prestigious Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), in Venice, Italy.

The prize was awarded to Professor Maamoun Abdulkarim for his work and unwavering commitment to safeguard Syria’s rich and unique cultural heritage during the ongoing conflict in the country. Professor Maamoun Abdulkarim is the Director of the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums in Syria.

The Cultural Heritage Rescue Prize aims at recognizing and rewarding individuals who fight to protect cultural heritage in often challenging circumstances.

The initiative is promoted and coordinated by Francesco Rutelli, chairman of the Associazione Priorità Cultura and of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (Berlin), under the patronage of the Council of Europe and the support of Venice’s Superintendence for Cultural Assets. This prize is part of the International Campaign for the protection of Syria’s Cultural Heritage, managed by Francesco Rutelli and Professor Paolo Matthiae.

More information

• Cultural Heritage Rescue Prize (in Italian)
• Agenda of the event (PDF)