Q | In your opinion, what are the elements and influences that constitute Galle Fort’s architecture and design?

A | Galle Fort is one of the largest living forts built by Colonial powers in South Asia, and it has a very unique character. This uniqueness is a result of the many influences continuously at play across the five centuries since its early development. The Portuguese first established the Fort in its earliest form in the late 16th Century, essentially for defense purposes. It was, however, developed the most after the Dutch took control of it in the 17th century, as a colonial township and a trading hub. The British occupied it from late 18th century to mid 20th century, when Ceylon gained independence. They were more focused on Colombo and they made fewer interventions in the already well developed township of Galle Fort. The colonial powers occupying the Fort changed over time. Throughout this period, however, there was a constant presence of some indigenous - Sinhalese and Tamil - and other trading communities - from Arabia, India and the Far East. All these communities lived in close proximity and harmoniously. Under this multitude of influences, the architecture of Galle Fort developed to reflect a mixed and shared heritage. This is evident in its architectural form - while the building facades carried ornamentation and visual references of the dominant architecture styles from Europe at the time, the layouts of the buildings and architectural elements like verandahs, internal courtyards, and screens were adaptations brought on by social and climate considerations.

Recognizing this uniqueness UNESCO declared Galle Fort a World Heritage Site in 1988, citing it as “the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European Architectural styles and South Asian traditions.”

Q | In your opinion, share the alternative influences that contribute to Galle Fort’s history and unique character?

A | Galle was a strategic trading port long before the Portuguese fortified it. The earliest record describing it as a trading hub goes back to the 2nd century. Some historians have theorized that Galle is the actual fabled land of Tarshish, from where King Solomon procured gems, peacocks and cinnamon. While that is a theory under dispute, it is an undeniable fact that traders from Persia, the Indian peninsula and the Far East spent considerable time in the town of Galle before its colonial occupation.

History records the presence of these traders in Galle Fort too, from its early inception. There are records of Sinhalese, Malay,Tamil and Moor communities in the Fort. There is also no record of conflict between these culturally diverse communities of different religions and ethnicity. The resulting cultural assimilation can be seen not only in architecture, but also in the living heritage of the Galle Fort - in its crafts, cuisine and living communities. The Moorish descendants of the Arab traders who first settled here are still present in the Fort and seem to have been one of the most dominant non-colonial influences in Galle Fort. The first time I visited Galle Fort, I took a picture from the rampart walls which represented its beauteous mixed heritage. The Doric gable of the Dutch reformed church, the Gothic gable of the British All Saints Church, the traditional tiled roofs of Sri Lanka, the pointed arches of the old Portuguese church bell tower and the finial of the Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist shrine can all be seen sitting quite harmoniously in one frame. And a little further to the east stands the very unique Meeran Jumma Mosque - just over a century old in its current form, of which its architecture is very reflective of the cultural melting pot Galle Fort has always been.

Q | As an architect, how would you recommend the Galle Fort to be maintained and preserved for its heritage and historical value?

A | Galle Fort has continuously inhabited a township since its inception. Consequently, its buildings have been historically repurposed many times. This continues to date whilst garnering a lot of interest in repurposing privately owned properties for tourism. In the public realm infrastructure has been upgraded, of which some public buildings have been restored and repurposed such as the Dutch hospital and the ongoing conservation work on the ramparts. So, a lot is being done to revitalize this township. There is a regulatory framework in place to preserve the street facades and archaeological remains. But we need a wider, carefully reflected conservation strategy addressing authenticity in preservation. Galle Fort is a world heritage site. It is important that its historical value and authenticity is maintained through the many interventions required for its revitalization.

As an architect, I believe that two areas need greater focus towards preserving authenticity. Firstly, a central, comprehensive, and open resource for historical record of the built infrastructure in Galle Fort that brings together, unifies, and builds upon the many different records that already exist which would help inform and sensitize all stakeholders better. Secondly, there is a palpable divide between the original Galle Fort community and the new inhabitants. It’s important to consider how the
old and the new communities of the Fort can be brought together in an equitable space with participation. This requires special design consideration which will help maintain authenticity through continuity and sharing of the culture and stories of the Fort. 

Q | What meaning does the Galle Fort possess in the contemporary for you, and how does it frame the multiplicity of the Fort today?

A | Galle Fort has become a place
of travel for both domestic and foreign tourists. Events such as the Galle Literary festival bring international attention contributing more tourists to the Fort that create opportunities for visitors to truly experience the historical spaces within the Fort intimately, whilst creating economic opportunities for the locals. However, the divide between the visitors and the original Galle Fort residents is quite apparent. I think it is crucial to integrate the
local community in Fort’s activities. The visitors experience the authentic Galle Fort culture through the local community thereby, accentuating the shared heritage further.

Q | The Galle Fort has since adapted from its original purpose as a defense Fort, and its architecture has been reused in recent history to reflect contemporary Sri Lankan interests. From your perspective, how does architecture play an active role in transforming the parameters of the cultures they exist in?

A | Architecture is shaped by the culture of its times and in turn, affects the culture of its time by defining identities. Traditionally, the Galle Fort community was a tightly knit one. Many factors have contributed to their migration. Change of ownership and interest in tourism has brought a visible divide between the original community, the visitors and the new owners. I think while planning and repurposing buildings for tourism or any other, it’s important to safeguard the patterns of usage and identity of the locals. Design should ensure that they are invited into the restored spaces and not be alienated from them. Historically, Galle Fort has been a place where different cultures met and co-existed harmoniously and equitably. That’s a value to be embraced. It will ensure that Galle Fort stays authentic and continues to evolve as a living fort rather than simply transforming into a curated tourist experience.

Ruchi Jeyanathan is a chartered Architect with over 30 years of work experience as a practicing architect, interior designer, lecturer and researcher. Recognised by industry and academia, Ruchi is regularly invited to speak at design fora and as a guest lecturer at architectural and interior design universities in India and Sri Lanka.