We have been closely following the announcement issued by the Qamishli Municipality regarding the old municipal building and its historic identification plaque dating back to 1935.
We welcome and appreciate every effort aimed at safeguarding the city’s historical assets and cultural heritage. However, preserving a historic plaque or inscription—important as it is—cannot substitute for preserving the historic building itself, which constitutes an integral part of Qamishli’s urban memory and architectural identity.
For decades, the municipality building has stood as one of the city’s most significant historical landmarks, closely associated with Qamishli’s establishment and development. Like the Tel Ziwan Railway Station, the old markets, places of worship, and other heritage buildings, it reflects the city’s rich cultural diversity and historical legacy.
Accordingly, any urban development or redevelopment project should be guided by the principle of protecting, conserving, and rehabilitating these landmarks while preserving their historical character and architectural integrity.
In light of this, we call upon the relevant authorities to:
Suspend any measures that may lead to the demolition of the old municipality building or alter its historical character.
Ensure the meaningful participation of architectural heritage experts, engineers, historians, civil society organizations, and the residents of Qamishli in all decisions concerning the city’s historic landmarks.
Develop an official inventory of Qamishli’s heritage buildings and historical sites, accompanied by effective legal mechanisms to ensure their long-term protection.
The Centennial of Qamishli represents a unique historic opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to preserving the city’s memory and its rich and diverse cultural heritage for future generations.
Signatories
- PÊL – Civil Waves
- Women Initiatives
- Ta Marbuta
- Hêz for Supporting Cancer Patients
- Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights
- Syrians for Truth and Justice
- Artist Organization for Culture and Development
- Roni Pêwend Organization
- Small Dreams Organization for Women’s Support and Empowerment
- Women Peace Leaders Network
- Shawishka Women’s Association
- Syriac Cross Foundation
- Shar Foundation for Development
- Yekpar Association for Culture and Arts
- Roz Organization for Support and Empowerment
- Ashti Foundation
- Humanitarian and Development Cooperation Foundation (HDC)
- Malva Organization for Arts and Culture
- Sara Organization Against Violence Against Women
- White Hope Organization
- Smart Foundation for Community Development