2002 Press Releases

Parthian Fresco Wall Paintings Restoration Project Inaugurated at Nisa

Nov. 25, 2002

The U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan and the National Administration for the Preservation of Cultural and Historical Monuments inaugurated a project to preserve Parthian fresco wall paintings at the historical site of Nisa on November 25, 2002. The U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan is sponsoring the project, which the Administration for the Preservation of Cultural and Historical Monuments will facilitate.

Ambassador Laura E. Kennedy spoke on the U.S. Government's commitment to assist Turkmenistan in the preservation of its cultural and historical sites. Ambassador Kennedy noted, "In addition to the valuable knowledge this project will add to the academic community of historians and archaeologists, the project will also allow for visitors to Nisa to view the restored and preserved paintings. In this way, visitors will be able to learn about Turkmenistan's place in world history." Director of the Administration Mukhammet Mamedov talked about activities undertaken by the Administration to preserve the historical site of Nisa and presented Ambassador Kennedy with a book on the history of archaeological researches at Nisa by a leading expert on the project. Project facilitator Radmila Denega told the visitors about the history of Nisa and gave an extensive tour of the site.

The goal of the project is the restoration of chipped fresco wall paintings. Since the majority of of the paintings are buried, excavation will be undertaken at the site. The fresco pieces will be matched together in order to restore the original pictures. Facilitators of the project will set up two show-rooms - one with the ancient Nisa style interior, and another one with the restored frescoes exhibited. Information on the history of fresco art at Nisa will be available at the show-rooms. The project will also include the publication of booklets about fresco art at ancient Nisa.

This is the second joint cultural preservation project sponsored by the U.S. and Turkmen governments. Earlier this year, the U.S. Embassy and the National Administration for the Preservation of Cultural and Historical Monuments of Turkmenistan presented a completed mosaic restoration project at the Seit Djemaletdin Mosque in Anau. Funding has been provided by the U.S. Department of State Cultural Preservation Fund.