Hashemite University professor named 1st Rolex Awards Laureate from Middle East for Petra conservation work
December 02, 2008
Dr. Talal Akasheh, a chemistry professor at the Hashemite University of Jordan and its former Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, has been named the first Middle Eastern Laureate in the 32-year history of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, one of the world’s leading philanthropic programmes. Dr. Akasheh, who earned the global recognition for his work to conserve Petra by assembling a comprehensive geo-archaeological information system, received one of five Rolex Awards for 2008, along with US$100,000 in project funds and a Rolex chronometer at a VIP ceremony in Dubai last week. He and four other recipients from South Africa, Paraguay, the United Kingdom and the United States now join a global network of 110 visionaries from 40 countries who have received vital project support and recognition from the Swiss watchmaker since the Awards were founded in 1976. After devoting 26 years to documenting the ancient monuments of Petra, the 61-year-old Dr. Akasheh is creating an information system that will inform future conservation efforts at the nation’s beloved, yet threatened, historic site. Dr. Akasheh said the money from the Rolex Awards would go towards hiring additional staff to complete the geo-archaeological information system and its database. “I am extremely honored to receive this prestigious international award, which is not just for me but for all of Jordan and the Arab world, and for all who care about Petra,” Akasheh said. “The most important part of this award is that it will lead to other sources of support for the giant job of preserving this beautiful, important place.” The Rolex Award will help complete the most thorough documentation of the site since its rediscovery in 1912 and will help build archaeological and scientific capacity in Jordan, he added. Akasheh thanked the Rolex Awards for their sustained outreach to individuals, NGOs, academia and governments across the region over the last year.