Architectural Rehabilitation of Charasteen Cave in Duhok: A Locally-Led Accessibility and Heritage Intervention within the UNESCO–EU MADAD Framework with Support from the Kurdistan Regional Government

This paper is the result of a successful architectural and heritage intervention at Charsteen (Charasteen) Cave in Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which is a very important cultural and spiritual place for Zoroastrians. In accordance with the framework of the UNESCO-EU MADAD “Support to Livelihoods through Cultural Heritage Development” program and with support from the KRG, the project was implemented using a low impact design approach that made safe access available while protecting the sanctity of the environment and the cultural significance of the cave. As the Head Architect Engineer and Project Coordinator of WADI (a German international organization) the author was responsible for leading the total redesign and implementation of the site’s Master Plan; UNESCO experts, as well as the Duhok Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage, the Tourism Department, the Local Workers Union, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) provided the author with the necessary supervisory, coordinating, and technical assistance. The project consisted of a minimal amount of physical intervention with a focus on adaptive reuse, environmental protection, and the use of natural materials. Water supply line additions, a water-recycling system, sewage systems, improved lighting, and the stabilization of circulation pathways were among the infrastructure upgrade actions taken. A workforce consisting of women, persons with disabilities, Syrian refugees, IDPs, and local community members who were employed under ILO-Cash for Work schemes were involved in all aspects of the project. Capacity building activities involving training in heritage conservation, site management, safety, and construction techniques were also conducted to promote increased community involvement in the site’s future stewardship. Utilizing an analytical-applied methodology, this paper will detail the entire process of the intervention from analysis/design phase to demolition/re- construction/evaluation phase, and assess the extent to which it achieved a balance of accessibility, heritage protection and community inclusion. Ultimately, the results of this study clearly show that when implemented under international frameworks locally-led, low-impact architectural interventions can be carried out successfully and maintain the highest levels of preservation and sustainability. The project has established a viable model for sustainable and inclusive restoration of vulnerable heritage landscapes in disaster-affected areas.