Restoration of the Tomb of Samma Noble I, Makli Necropolis, Thatta, Pakistan
Preventing the further degradation of a World Heritage site
The Necropolis of Makli suffered extensive damages in 2010, caused by excessive rains, flooding and
the subsequent influx of 450.000 people who fled the floodwaters and camped at the site. Once
villagers returned to their homes in April 2011, a review of the extant structures was undertaken
through a Damage Assessment Mission by the Heritage Foundation, supported by a grant from the
Prince Claus Fund. It is necessary to use the information gathered during the Damage Assessment
Mission to implement repairs to the extant parts of the Necropolis' Samma Noble I Tomb, lest its
brick masonry walls degrade to a point beyond repair.
One of the largest Muslim necropolises in the world - with a diameter of approximately 8km - the
Makli Necropolis near the old Sindi town of Thatta, is one of the more unusual archaeological sites in
Pakistan. Thatta was controlled by Samma rulers in the fourteenth century when the earliest Sufi
monasteries and mosques at the site were built, several of which are still stand standing. The
elaborate tombs are a testament to the wealth of Thatta, which was a bustling mercantile centre in
the Middle Ages. Thatta and the Makli Tombs were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981.
The results of the Damage Assessment Mission indicate that the tomb of Samma Noble I is one of the
most highly degraded structures of the necropolis. In order to save the extant portions of this unique
architectural form, urgent conservational steps are needed. This project will support immediate
underpinning, stabilisation and re-pointing measures that will protect the fragile brick masonry walls
and halt further degradation. A conservation method will be developed consisting sketches, notes and
instructions, which the site staff will use to ensure that the process is carried out according to a clear
and thorough plan.
Where:
Thatta, Pakistan
When:
As soon as possible
Who:
The Heritage Foundation Pakistan, Yasmeen Lari
Budget:
35.000,- euro