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Aga Khan Development Network Revitalisation to Begin on Quli Qutb Shah
Archaeological Park in Hyderabad, India

Hyderabad, 10/01/13 - A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a ten-year, integrated conservation and landscape restoration project at the Quli Qutb Shah Tomb complex in Hyderabad was signed today. The complex encompasses70 structures within its complex, encompassing 40 mausoleums, 23 mosques, five step-wells/water structures, a hamam (mortuary bath), pavilions, garden structures and enclosure walls built during the reign of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty that ruled the Hyderabad region for 170 years in the 16th – 17th centuries.

The Quli Qutb Shah Archaeological Park, which includes the Qutb Shahi Tombs Complex and Deccan Park, is one of the most significant historic medieval necropolises in India. - Photo: AKTC/India

The Quli Qutb Shah Archaeological Park includes 70 structures, encompassing 40 mausoleums, 23 mosques, five step-wells/water structures, a hamam (mortuary bath), pavilions, garden structures and enclosure walls built during the reign of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty that ruled the Hyderabad region for 170 years in the 16th and 17th centuries. - Photo: AKTC/India

The signing of the MoU has been preceded by a year-long documentation programme, where each of the 70 structures within the tomb complex - Deccan Park area have been documented and their conservation needs established. Topographical surveys of the entire 106 acre site have also been undertaken and a landscape master plan prepared - Photo: AKTC/India

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture expects to commence works on site within three months. The Qutb Shahi Tombs Complex, presently nominated to the World Heritage List, is proposed to be developed as an urban Archaeological Park, to showcase and ensure long-term preservation, and to enhance understanding of the 70 monuments that stand within its boundaries. - Photo: AKTC/India

The conservation works will be undertaken by master craftsmen using traditional tools, building techniques and traditional materials respecting the intention of the original builders. As with the ten year Delhi project which commenced in 2007, the Aga Khan Development Network agencies will be undertaking the proposed conservation and landscaping works with their own financial resources or those raised from partner agencies such as the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and other corporate donors. - Photo: AKTC/India

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AKAAga Khan AcademiesAKAMAga Khan Agency for MicrofinanceAKESAga Khan Education ServicesAKFAga Khan FoundationAKFEDAga Khan Fund for Economic Development