In 2004, over 850 sites in Srinagar were listed and graded. One of them, the Aali Masjid, was originally constructed in the 15th century by the then reigning King of Kashmir. Through the years, it had been repaired, altered and left damaged. The conservation project has restored the building to its original usage as a mosque. Significantly, the project has also seen the revival of traditional building techniques, the training of local artisans, and the rekindling of interest in preservation rather than reconstruction. It has also given a new strength to the people and organisations calling for the protection of the region’s cultural heritage.
Source:
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 2011.
