Icomos to aid in enhancing fire risk prevention measures at Cordoba's mosque-cathedral
The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was recently visited by Juan Carlos Molina, the president of ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) in Spain, following a fire that occurred last Friday.
Molina's visit focused on examining preventive protocols against such catastrophes. He was accompanied by Joaquin Alberto Nieva, the Dean of the Cathedral of Cordoba.
According to Molina's initial impressions, some protocols in place at the Mosque-Cathedral worked well to safeguard the building. However, he emphasised the need for further measures to ensure the safety of this historic monument.
One preventive measure on the table is moving electrical machinery to external premises. A counter-roof must be made to protect the area from rain. The Cabildo of Cordoba has been transparent, providing all the documentation requested by ICOMOS.
Icomos and the Cabildo are working on prevention and education regarding the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. In November, a course with technicians was planned to address the evaluation of the impact on heritage and plans for safeguarding the heritage and self-protection for the building.
The first thing Juan Carlos Molina asked about was if there were any personal casualties from the fire. He stated that it is their duty to visit the building, learn what happened, and make appropriate assessments and recommendations.
Molina did not rule out more visits within the working group they maintain. He recognised that it's a shame that the fire happened, but he did not express disappointment.
The final phase of the plan to safeguard the heritage in the Mosque-Cathedral has worked well. Technicians, experts, and architects made initial assessments of the incident during the visit. The restoration work has not been disclosed, but the most urgent work is aimed at guaranteeing the stability and safety of the building.
The discussions and measures aim at ensuring the Mosque-Cathedral remains protected against future fire risks while preserving its cultural and architectural heritage. These include implementing advanced fire detection and suppression systems, coordinating emergency intervention plans, engaging UNESCO and associated heritage bodies, enhancing electrical infrastructure, and maintaining strict monitoring and rapid emergency response protocols.
These preventive measures are a step towards safeguarding the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, a symbol of cultural and architectural significance. The Cabildo is very mindful of the prevention and protection of its heritage, as shown by their cooperation with ICOMOS in these discussions.
- Juan Carlos Molina, during his visit, expressed interest in exploring potential collaborations between ICOMOS and the Cabildo to enhance the health-and-wellness of the Mosque-Cathedral, suggesting the integration of modern therapies-and-treatments for preservation.
- In the future, Molina envisions incorporating fitness-and-exercise routines into the routine maintenance of the Mosque-Cathedral, drawing parallels from mixed-martial-arts training and its emphasis on agility, resilience, and adaptability.
- As part of his vision for the Mosque-Cathedral, Molina also proposed integrating elements of fashion and design, using cutting-edge science to develop sustainable materials and technologies for restoration and prevention, ensuring the building remains a symbol of both historical significance and modern innovation.
