Actions, actions, and actions – emphasized Valéry Freland, the Executive Director of ALIPH, at the opening of the exhibition Restoring Our Past, Preparing Our Future – Protecting Endangered Cultural Heritage, held on February 26, 2025, at the French Institute. It was an honor for the Hungary Helps Agency to participate in the event, which highlighted the importance of protecting cultural heritage in conflict zones.
Péter Kovács, Director General of the Hungary Helps Agency, thanked ALIPH for the cooperation and assured the intent to continue the partnership. The motto of ALIPH – Actions, actions, and actions! – is also a guiding principle for us, as one of the main goals of the Hungary Helps Program is not only to provide humanitarian aid in crisis-affected areas but also to actively participate in other development projects, including those focused on preserving cultural heritage.
Cooperation in Protecting Cultural Heritage
The Hungary Helps Agency began its relationship with ALIPH (International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas) in 2022, which supports the protection and restoration of endangered cultural sites worldwide. From 2023, the cooperation became project-based, with both parties equally contributing to the financing of joint projects.
Cultural Rehabilitation in Lebanon
The first joint project was implemented in Lebanon, where both Hungary Helps and ALIPH provided a $75,000 grant for the restoration of the historical roof structure of the Zahrat al Ihsan Orthodox Orphanage and School Center. The building, one of the oldest Orthodox schools in Beirut, suffered severe damage during the 2020 port explosion. The reconstruction of the nearly 2000 square meter timber roof structure was completed in February 2024, and the institution regained its former dignity. The project was carried out by the French organization Oeuvre d’Orient.
Additionally, Hungary Helps and ALIPH also provided $75,000 in support for the restoration of the Mar Gerges and Challita Monastic Complex, and the Mar Youhanna Monastery in Hadchit, located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Qadisha Valley. The restoration work is still ongoing, led by the Lebanese USEK University.
Protection of Syrian Cultural Heritage
The earthquake of February 6, 2023, caused significant damage in Syria, particularly to the Crac des Chevaliers Crusader Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Hungary Helps Agency successfully applied for ALIPH’s support and signed a cooperation agreement on December 5, 2023, to reinforce the four towers and two buildings of the castle. The construction work is currently underway, coordinated by the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate’s St. Ephrem Patriarchal Development Committee. Crac des Chevaliers is one of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the world, which was visited and supported by King Andrew II of Hungary in the 13th century. The Hungary Helps Program aims to contribute to both the preservation of cultural heritage and the economic recovery of local communities through the restoration of this historic site.
Shared Goal: Preserving History and Building the Future
The cooperation between Hungary Helps and ALIPH clearly demonstrates that the protection of cultural heritage is not only a historical responsibility but also a key to the identity and survival of communities. The preservation and restoration of historical buildings are crucial in war-torn and crisis-affected areas, where the daily lives and cultural roots of people are deeply intertwined with their past.
The Hungary Helps Agency is proud to work with ALIPH to achieve these goals and is committed to continuing this work in the future.
📢 The exhibition is open for viewing at the French Institute until March 31 – it’s worth visiting!
