Monastery heritage as a tool for reconciliation pre-post earthquake: The case of Saint Simeon Monastery

Abstract

Preserving heritage ensures it is passed to future generations, cultural heritage is crucial in shaping community’s identity through this journey. Religious heritage has huge importance in continuation and give sense of belonging within religious communities. Monastery heritage has a crucial role in safeguarding the rich past and traditions of monastic communities, with a focus on their religious and societal significance. Antioch is a city, a home of coexistence. Beside the city’s rich culture, the city is known as central point promoting reconciliation through three main monotheistic religions. The city has faced several earthquakes in history, it was completely destroyed and later rebuilt again. Unfortunately, recently an earthquake occurred and destroyed not only the historical religious buildings but the greatness of coexistence. Reconciliation is the key of healing after the disaster by fostering unity, comprehension and collaboration. Saint Simeon Monastery in Antioch is a significant example of resilience, rebirth, and reconciliation, as evidenced by the references to its response to challenges in its history. Preservation of the monastery should include physical and psychological strategies so that the place can welcome everyone, heal, and coexist with its values and characteristics post-challenge. The research aims to create a framework to increase cultural awareness within the community about the importance of Saint Simeon Monastery as religious heritage site. This will promote to build the bridge of reconciliation post-earthquake. Method of the study includes both quantitative and qualitative research to examine the significance of Saint Simeon Monastery’s religious history brings communities together in Antioch after the earthquake.