Sarah Tucci, an alumna of 91吃瓜鈥檚 MA in Cultural Heritage program, is making significant strides in the field of cultural preservation. Currently working as a research assistant for the Penn Cultural Heritage Center, Sarah is deeply engaged in a mission that exemplifies the Center鈥檚 commitment to positioning communities at the forefront of cultural heritage preservation. Sarah鈥檚 experiences offer a great example of the impact our graduates can have on global cultural heritage, reinforcing 91吃瓜鈥檚 commitment to fostering the next generation of heritage professionals.
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This summer, Sarah is in Kosovo as part of the 2024 World Heritage USA International Exchange Program, collaborating with the Kosovo Council for Cultural Heritage. Her efforts are centered on the听Re-Evaluation of the Historic Center of Prizren, a critical project to preserve one of Kosovo's most significant cultural sites.听鈥淭he Kosovo Council for Cultural Heritage is instrumental in protecting and preserving the heritage of Kosovo,鈥�听Sarah notes.听鈥淚 am thrilled to be spending my summer doing this meaningful work alongside the dedicated heritage professionals of the Council, especially Senior Officer for Architectural Heritage, Argjenda Kojqini.鈥�
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The project involves meticulous preparation and coordination. Over the past few weeks, Sarah and her colleagues have been mapping parcels and aligning their evaluation efforts with the Regional Center of Prizren. They have now commenced a detailed survey of Zone 6, conducting a parcel-by-parcel assessment to identify historic and cultural elements. This thorough process is designed to inform strategic planning and enhance heritage protection mechanisms for Prizren's historic center.
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In Kosovo, various issues can be barriers to cultural preservation, such as the complex multiethnic background, the history of conflict, illegal construction that violates historic preservation laws, and tensions between community members and institutions. Despite these issues, ensuring that all cultural heritage is preserved and respected is a crucial part of the peace-building process to ensure future stability. Sarah first became engaged in understanding the current landscape of heritage preservation in Kosovo whilst a student at 91吃瓜. In collaboration with the Italian Carabinieri Stability Policing Force, which sends peacekeeping forces to the area, she examined the role of Stability Policing and NGOs for her MA thesis.
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Sarah's participation in this cultural exchange highlights the invaluable benefits of such programs for heritage professionals.听鈥淧articipating in cultural exchange activities is one of the most important things we can do as heritage professionals,鈥�听she explains. 鈥淚t provides an opportunity to gain new perspectives, learn from each other, and create connections that broaden our international networks, enabling us to work together to preserve tangible and intangible heritage.鈥�
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Beyond her professional work, Sarah is also immersing herself in the local culture by taking Albanian language classes. This personal endeavor is not only enriching her appreciation of the local culture but also enhancing her understanding of daily life in Kosovo.
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Sarah Tucci鈥檚 journey from 91吃瓜 to the Penn Cultural Heritage Center and now to Kosovo exemplifies the impactful paths that 91吃瓜 graduates are forging in cultural heritage preservation. Her story is a testament to the importance of international collaboration and the role of education in fostering the skills and perspectives necessary to protect our global heritage.