The significance and importance of cultural heritage cannot be understated. To travel, either physically or virtually, is to learn, understand, explore, appreciate and grow.
In November, Debra Brunner attended the AEPJ (European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Heritage and Culture) 2022 European Cultural Routes Incubator Conference in Izmir, Turkey. The week-long conference was attended by fellow Jewish heritage practitioners from across Europe working on the development of their respective Jewish Cultural Heritage Routes.
Delegates at the AEPJ Cultural Routes Incubator Conference, Izmir
Using the emerging Izmir Jewish Heritage Project as a study model and a base to deepen knowledge and understanding of working with stakeholders to inject new life into forgotten heritage sites, was immensely valuable, educational, eye opening and collaborative.
An appreciation of cultural heritage is key to the understanding of different peoples, traditions, belief systems and what these different groups contributed to societies, regions and countries. This transcends across every element of life from the impact on nature, architecture, food, music, religions, art, literature, memorials and more. An understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage is a gateway to bettering civil society and understanding the many fascinating links between cultures and is a journey through time.
Inside the newly restored Algaze Synagogue (1724), Izmir
The Together Plan is working on the development of a Jewish Cultural Heritage Route in Belarus. The project is a community capacity building tool bringing people together in Belarus to help explore the Jewish story. Alongside our historians and heritage practitioners, with the guidance of the AEPJ and with input from the National Library of Israel – a phenomenal resource – we are slowly bringing this 700 year rich and tragic story to life.
Debra will be sharing everything learned with The Together Plan teams in the UK and in Belarus as we continue to work on the development of our Belarus Jewish Cultural Heritage Route.
If you have a story to share with us about Jewish Belarus, or to find out how you can support our endeavours, please contact us at [email protected]
To read more about the AEPJ Incubator in Izmir click here
Workshop with heritage practitioners in the newly restored Sinyora Synagogue, Izmir