Why restore the home of Salim Chishti?
It was nominated to the 2014 World Monuments Watch to draw attention to the conservation needs of this revered centre of Sufi worship.


Damaged and vulnerable parts of the living quarter building that had collapsed

While Fatehpur Sikri was on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1986 and is heavily visited, this sacred, more private space lacked resources to attend to heritage conservation concerns.

The expert panel reviewing the 2014 Watch nominations felt it deserved attention and hoped that the Watch would bring the expertise and funding for it.

Tourism matters
Fatehpur Sikri will remain an important destination for tourists. As the conservation programme at Salim Chishti advances, there will be increased interest in this important centre of Sufi history and religious observance.


Interior of the Kacheri

Many people make a special pilgrimage to the site and its improved condition may make it possible to provide more information to visitors about the importance of the site.

The extent to which it becomes more accessible will have to be determined at a future date. Certainly, the Watch nomination and the current work provide an opportunity to review possible ways to offer greater details to the visitors and pilgrims on the history of the site and its importance.