In its third decade, the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme (AKHCP) works on regeneration projects in historic areas in ways that spur social, economic, and cultural development. Its central objective is to improve the lives of the inhabitants of these historic areas while promoting models that will sustain these improvements. The Programme has shown how the creation of parks and gardens, conservation of landmark buildings, improvements to the urban fabric, and the revitalization of cultural heritage – in many cases the only assets at the disposal of the community – can provide a springboard for social development. 

The projects of the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme have demonstrated that they can have a positive impact well beyond conservation, promoting good governance, the growth of civil society, a rise in incomes and economic opportunities, greater respect for human rights, and better stewardship of the environment, even in the poorest and most remote areas of the globe.

The important work of AKHCP is documented in this heritage series published by Prestel. Currently, six books are featured on Archnet with another in the development (Parks and Gardens available at the end of 2022). 

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture