IRD Completes Restoration of Historic Kosovo Church

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 5, 2012 CONTACT: MELISSA PRICE 571-366-1596 PRESS@IRD-DC.ORG
ARLINGTON, VA International Relief and Development (IRD) completed the restoration of St. Nicola Church in Bogosevac, Kosovo. The first tour of the restored, historic, culture structure included Atifete Jahjaga, President of the Republic of Kosovo; Tracey Ann Jacobson, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo; and other government and religious leaders. IRD had its start assisting vulnerable people and helping stabilize communities in the Balkans, said Dr. Arthur B. Keys, President and CEO of IRD. We have worked for over a decade to help communities in this region develop understanding and tolerance, and this historic restoration project is an important part of a long-term effort to develop Kosovo and its neighbors. IRDs Kosovo Cultural Heritage Project, funded by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Pristina, Kosovo, seeks to protect important sites and, in the process, create opportunities for dialogue and cooperation in order to foster social unity and stability. In addition to St. Nicola Church, IRD is leading the restoration of the Sheh Zade Old House in Prizen and the Church of St. Stephen in Velika Hoca/ Hocee Madhe. The sites were chosen through careful consultation with local stakeholders, and decisions were based on the sites historical, cultural, and artistic value; the interest of the local population; and the ability of local entities to care for the buildings following their restoration. The restorations are preserving superb examples of traditional architecture with significant cultural and historic importance. IRD works directly with two local organizations, the Kosovar Stability Initiative (KSI) and the Center for Peace and Tolerance (CPT), to increase awareness of the rich history and religious and architectural heritage represented by these sites. St. Nicola Church was built at the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th centuries. It has a rectangular floor plan and is barrel-vaulted with an east-facing apse. Its beautiful murals date from this period. The church was listed as a national protected site in 1956. For more information on IRD, visit www.ird.org, and visit the IRD Voices blog to read first-hand accounts from IRD staff in the field. You can also stay up-to-date on IRDs latest news by following us on Facebook, Twitter (@ird_voices), Flickr, or YouTube. ### IRD is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization responsible for implementing relief, stabilization, and development programs worldwide. IRD's mission is to reduce the suffering of the world's most vulnerable groups and provide the tools and resources needed to increase their self-sufficiency. Specializing in meeting the needs of communities emerging from conflict or natural disaster, IRD partners with donors, local organizations, and many others to deliver sustainable services in agriculture, governance, health, and infrastructure.
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