Diane C Siebrandt - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Conference Presentations by Diane C Siebrandt

Orientalism during the Iraq War: The Occupation of Archaeological Sites The paper will discuss th... more Orientalism during the Iraq War: The Occupation of Archaeological Sites The paper will discuss the main objective of my PhD thesis, which is to examine and analyse if Western factions have managed archaeological sites in Iraq in an Orientalist manner over the course of time. From the ninetieth century, European and American archaeologists have explored Mesopotamian ruins seeking verification of Biblical and Classical stories that are associated with the roots of Western civilization. For more than a century, scholars collected and analysed artefacts without local consultation, and what emerged was a narrative that was controlled and dominated by the West. Colonial occupation of Iraq before and after World War One allowed for continued Western influence and oversight of Iraqi sites. Yet by the time foreigners finally relinquished control over to the Iraqis, and participated in a more balanced academic relationship, the country was embroiled in domestic and international conflict and imposed sanctions. Archaeological sites and the Iraqi cultural heritage community suffered as a result, with the added issue of almost full disengagement with their international peers. When coalition military forces entered Iraq in March 2003, the only plan set in-place appeared to be winning a war, with minimal consideration given to other operations. The failure to have a strategy lead to the occupation of the archaeological sites of Ur, Babylon and Kish, which revisited the earlier notions of colonial control over land and peoples. These three sites are represented as case studies in my thesis in order to explore notions of Orientalism, specifically issues of power and control. My thesis aims to determine if the history of colonialism influenced the epistemology of the coalition military forces who occupied archaeological sites, and thus shaped their interactions with the local heritage community. Through the use of semi-structured interviews with coalition war veterans and Iraqi cultural heritage personnel, I strive to answer the question, 'Was the construction of coalition military bases on Iraqi archaeological sites driven by an Orientalist discourse during the Iraq War?'

The Blast Walls of Baghdad This paper examines the destructive forces of the 2003 Iraq War, and h... more The Blast Walls of Baghdad This paper examines the destructive forces of the 2003 Iraq War, and how they had direct and indirect consequences on the daily lives of Baghdad's population. During the height of the conflict, the city was under a constant threat of attack. It was patrolled by heavily armed foreign and domestic military and law enforcement agencies, and peppered with checkpoints that forced traffic to snake for miles through the streets and alleyways of Baghdad. A journey between one's home and the market that at one time took 10 minutes, was drawn-out into a gruelling hour-long journey. One of the significant contributing factors to such delays, was the concrete blast walls that were erected around and throughout the city, which forced detours for pedestrians and vehicles alike. The walls altered the cityscape into a maze of grey fortifications that segregated neighbourhoods and changed how the people functioned within the new public-space. The walls, non-human actors in the play of life, forced the populous to adapt and evolve with the new changes within the city. One coping mechanism was the introduction of murals and random paintings that turned the flat grey slabs into colourful renditions of contemporary Iraqi life, and ancient Mesopotamian icons. Yet, was it artwork or merely a pretty band-aid plastered on a broken city? This paper explores how Baghdad's inhabitants have co-evolved with the city's changing landscape since 2003, and how the blast walls that were initially a foreign intrusion and a sign of the occupier, became accepted as commonplace and incorporated into functioning public life, and where they are today.

Examining Initiatives to Reconstruct Artefacts Destroyed in the Mosul Museum This paper discusses... more Examining Initiatives to Reconstruct Artefacts Destroyed in the Mosul Museum This paper discusses the Mosul Museum, Nineveh, Nimrud, Khorsabad, Hatra, sites that have been damaged or destroyed by members of the so-called Islamic State. Widely released media productions show the systematic demolition of ancient relics, be it for propaganda and shock value, or religious beliefs. Some artefacts that had withstood 3,000 years of civilizations were gone in a cloud of explosive dust or at the end of hammer-wielding terrorists. The sight of this cultural destruction incited anger and disbelief not only in the cultural heritage community, but for a general worldwide audience as well. What has been lost is irreplaceable, however there are two initiatives that are using digital images and archival photographs in order to recreate the artefacts that were destroyed. One is an international organization called Project Mosul, and another is an American artist named Michael Rakowtiz. There are few known publications about museum's collections, and even fewer photos, which make the reconstructions difficult. However, as a result of the time I worked in Iraq, I visited the museum and each of these sites in 2008, and have been able to provide my images to both these enterprises. While this does not bring back the objects, nor stop the current destruction, it can assist in showing the world what has been lost. This paper briefly discusses the artefacts as they appeared pre-destruction, and will answer audience questions.

Presentation at the National Trust Victoria and Deakin Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies Sympo... more Presentation at the National Trust Victoria and Deakin Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies Symposium. This paper addresses the question of how should we best approach sites that have contested and difficult histories? The example that will be discussed here is the archaeological site of Ur, modern day Tell el-Mukayyar, located in the southern Dhi Qar Province of Iraq. The remains of Sumerian, Akkadian and Babylonian cultures were excavated from Ur almost 100 years ago, revealing antiquities that still hold international scientific and historical significance today. Not only did Ur host ancient civilizations, it was also subjected to foreign and domestic military occupation and conflict damages. Starting with British military forces after World War One, through the Iran-Iraq War, the First Gulf War, up to the US-Coalition occupation during the 2003 Iraq War, Ur and its Iraqi caretakers have been subjected a series of violations and Orientalist ideologies. My current research focuses on the 2003 Iraq War, and is addressing these issues by using Actor-Network Theory (ANT). ANT seeks to explore relations within networks of cooperation and understanding between human actors and nonhuman actors through concepts of ownership, power, control, and knowledge. ANT is best understood as being represented as shared linkages that are significant to each other. For the case of Ur, I will examine the relationships that existed between coalition personnel and Iraqi archaeologists, and their specific group and collective connections to the archaeological site of Ur, and ultimately, what this means for the future of Ur and other sites in Iraq.

Presentation at the Association of Critical Heritage Studies Conference: This paper will highligh... more Presentation at the Association of Critical Heritage Studies Conference: This paper will highlight a theoretical approach that is best capable of creating positive relationships between foreign military troops, indigenous cultural heritage specialists, and cultural heritage sites during times of conflict. Actor-network theory (ANT), which examines patterns of connections between human and nonhuman actors, is suggested here in order to establish heterogeneous networks between cross-cultural groups and archaeological sites. ANT forms connections between humans and nonhumans as being equally significant in order to understand processes by which relationships between the social and the material are built. This paper will concentrate on examining what relationships existed between U.S. and coalition military troops, Iraqi cultural heritage professionals and the ruins of ancient Babylon during the Iraq War. ANT will demonstrate how treatment of the site guided the human relationships that existed between coalition members and Iraqis through feelings of ownership, power, control, and knowledge. This paper further aims to examine how ANT could have been applied during the war in order to create bonds of understanding between the different epistemological structures that existed between the two groups and the ruins of Babylon. Creating positive linkages can be crucial for protecting cultural heritage sites, promoting cultural awareness between diverse groups, and creating cross-cultural understanding that can ultimately mitigate conflict in areas where cooperation is present.

Presentation at the Fourth World Congress for Middle Eastern Studies Conference: This paper will ... more Presentation at the Fourth World Congress for Middle Eastern Studies Conference: This paper will present the results of an assessment of one case study in my PhD thesis, which focuses on examining the roles and relationships that existed between US/Coalition military forces and local cultural heritage professionals during the Iraq War. For this paper, I will discuss the relationships that existed between coalition forces and Iraqi caretakers of the archaeological site of Ur in southern Iraq. The former US/Coalition military Camp Adder/Ali Airbase was located approximately one kilometer from the site. At the start of the 2003 war, a fence was erected around the perimeter of the military base, which included the archaeological footprint of Ur. In late 2008, military forces stationed at the base announced that the fence surrounding the site would be moved, and control of the area would be turned back over to the Iraqi government. Prior to a transfer of site control in April 2009, a site survey was completed by a joint American-Iraqi inspection team in order to document site conditions and propose protection projects for the ruins. The joint survey provided a rare opportunity for conflict resolution cooperation across lines of cross-cultural, ethnic, and occupational differences, which will be discussed in this paper.

Presentation at "Iraq 10 Years On: Intervention, Occupation, Withdrawl and Beyond" conference: Ev... more Presentation at "Iraq 10 Years On: Intervention, Occupation, Withdrawl and Beyond" conference: Everyone is familiar with the looting of the Iraq Museum in Baghdad in April of 2003, while this was a devastating incident, there are many cultural sites located throughout the country that also suffered from a variety of other problems between 2003 and 2012. These range from targeted bombings of sites, unlawful construction of modern structures on ancient ruins, and severe conservation neglect of sites due to fear of conservators visiting volatile provinces. Each of these has led to varying degrees of damages to many of Iraq’s cultural heritage sites. This paper will discuss the different types of destruction inflicted on cultural heritage sites in Iraq, including ancient archaeological ruins, modern and historical cultural material, and religious sites. I will provide examples outlining lessons learned over the course of the past decade, what was done properly, and what could have been done better. Why were the ruins of Babylon used as a military base, and what was the impact on the site? Was tearing down the numerous Saddam Hussein murals and statutes ultimately beneficial to the Iraqi population? The bombing of the Al-Askari Mosque in Samarra incited Sectarian violence, could this have been prevented? From these and other examples, we should be able to piece together a plan to prevent or at lest mitigate a repeat of past mistakes.

Presentation at the Archaeological Institute of American Meeting: Last year I had the privilege ... more Presentation at the Archaeological Institute of American Meeting: Last year I had the privilege of presenting a paper at the AIA annual meeting on the challenges facing cultural heritage preservation initiatives in post-conflict Iraq, and highlighting U.S Government sponsored programs. This year, I will present significant achievements that have been reached through U.S. Government programming at the American Embassy in Baghdad. U.S. Embassy Baghdad has a leadership role in fulfilling the Strategic Framework Agreement for a Relationship of Friendship and Cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq objective of assisting Iraq to “preserve [its] cultural heritage and protect archeological antiquities.” The primary goal of all U.S. cultural heritage based programming is to provide Iraq’s cultural heritage professionals with the capacity to care for their country’s rich historical sites today, and in the future. Through our Iraqi Cultural Heritage Project, and other efforts, we are funding the Iraqi Institute for the Conservation of Antiquities and Heritage, providing U.S.-based training and research materials for Iraqi cultural heritage specialists, sponsoring major upgrades to Iraq’s National Museum, and assisting Iraqi efforts to preserve important sites including Babylon. In addition, the embassy facilitates communication between international cultural heritage institutions and Iraqi antiquities experts, while projects in the provinces are supporting structural improvements for local museums and historical buildings. U.S. support for cultural heritage initiatives in Iraq has established a sound framework for even greater international assistance in the future.

Presentation at the Archaeological Institute of American Meeting: I present the challenges facin... more Presentation at the Archaeological Institute of American Meeting: I present the challenges facing cultural heritage preservation initiatives in post-conflict Iraq, and measures currently being taken to address the problem. The main issue is the plight of cultural heritage preservation in a country suffering from 30 years of living under a dictatorship, sanctions, embargos and wars. Cultural heritage awareness is not a priority for a country focusing on more pressing life essential needs such as security, sanitation, water, education, transportation and international relations. Despite many obstacles, there are dedicated professionals willing to face the challenges of assisting Iraq with its cultural heritage preservation needs. At this time, Iraq is reliant on the assistance of international subject matter experts that are able to lend support in the areas of creating stronger public awareness throughout the country; making sure there is a current legal framework supporting cultural heritage needs; progressively managing archaeological and historical sites and museums; and providing funding for programs and projects. My work at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is assisting Iraq’s cultural heritage professionals by participating in cross-cultural and interagency working groups to address Iraq’s greatest cultural heritage needs; facilitating U.S. and international support and partnerships to revive connections with Iraqis; coordinating U.S. Government cultural heritage programs; and engaging with local and international media to present objectives and outcomes regarding cultural heritage issues in Iraq. These efforts are providing the means to spread awareness about Iraq’s cultural heritage, yet a wider audience must be reached, which is one of the goals of presenting this paper.

Presentation at the World Archaeology Congress: This paper presents the results of a successful p... more Presentation at the World Archaeology Congress: This paper presents the results of a successful partnership between American and Iraqi military and civilian personal that coordinated to preserve the ancient city of Kish. In 2007, a cross-cultural, inter-agency working group was formed to address the issue of a modern Iraqi military facility located on the sensitive cultural heritage site. The Department of the Army 3rd Squadron/73rd Calvary Regiment, based in the Al Hillah Province at the time, was tasked with assisting an Iraqi Army Company to relocate away from their location on the ancient site. The regiment contacted the Cultural Affairs Office at U.S. Embassy Baghdad, seeking guidance on how to remove the modern buildings while avoiding causing damage to the ruins. I present the steps that were taken to assist in this endeavor, including coordination with the proper Iraqi antiquities authorities, conducting an assessment of the site, providing technical guidance to the troops, and the professional relationship that was the result of the initial interaction. Iraq was experiencing instability during the time of this project, which posed unique challenges, but did not deter the work. The dedication of all personal involved in the project, and the foresight of the regiment to establish contact with the proper authorities, is an excellent example of proactive situational awareness in preserving an important archaeological site in Iraq. These efforts have helped provide the means to spread awareness about Iraq’s cultural heritage and encourage inter-agency, cross-cultural cooperation.

Papers by Diane C Siebrandt

This paper examines the history of the military usage of the archaeological site of Ur, which is ... more This paper examines the history of the military usage of the archaeological site of Ur, which is located in southern Iraq, and how military operations affected the ruins and the local Iraqi caretakers. Iraqi archaeologists were restricted in their abilities to engage in the tangible heritage of the site due to both foreign and domestic military occupation and control of the ancient ruins over the course of time. This paper outlines the manner in which the social opportunities and privileges of the Iraqi archaeologists and the local community were affected by the actions of Iraqi and US/coalition armed forces. Further, this paper looks at the restrictions that were placed on Iraqis from gaining entry to the site, and how this was in violation of cultural heritage laws that serve to protect cultural property. The complexities of warfare presented their own set of challenges, and yet a few positive examples of cross-cultural cooperation emerged.

Archaeological sites throughout Iraq have suffered from a variety of ailments for many years. Sta... more Archaeological sites throughout Iraq have suffered from a variety of ailments for many years. Starting in 2003, the Iraq War compounded existing problems and created more. With the spread of unrest throughout the country, Iraqi cultural heritage experts encountered difficulties traveling to, and gaining access to archaeological sites, some of which were being used as military bases and outposts. This chapter discusses how the disruption of access to sites by the Iraqi cultural heritage community contributed to a breakdown in social cohesion, as well as communal tensions.

Australia ICOMOS Historic Environment , 2014

Baghdad was once one of the most important cultural capitals of the world. It housed a multicultu... more Baghdad was once one of the most important cultural capitals of the world. It housed a multicultural population, and featured a landscapes rife with mosques, shrines, churches, museums, educational institutions, markets, parks and historical sites. The city played host to international cultural festivals and supported the art and science industries for generations. Local and international communities who called Baghdad home connected emotionally with the venues located throughout the city. This paper will discuss how Baghdad’s population created a sense of belonging and identification with the city, concentrating on three cultural sites connected to the local and international communities. Different conflict events have altered the sites over time, but not the values people have placed on them. This paper will examine the sense of place before and after conflict in relation to the sites, and some of the measures that have been taken to remedy lost connections.

Archaeology, Cultural Property, and the Military, 2010

When people picture the United States armed forces in Iraq, the image most likely to come to mind... more When people picture the United States armed forces in Iraq, the image most likely to come to mind is one of armed conflict. However, there is another side not so widely known – the role the military has in cultural heritage awareness. One may stop to ponder this statement, reaching back in particular to April 2003, when the US military did not stop the looting of the Iraq National Museum. It was not a matter of not wanting to do anything, but rather one of the soldiers taking enemy fire and not having enough backup to enter the Museum. One might ponder further why the Department of Defense did not seem to act sooner on a statement put out in January 2003 by the Archaeological Institute of America warning that military conflicts put cultural heritage at risk; or why a military base was built on the ruins of ancient Babylon, resulting in the US colonel in charge having to offer an apology for damages caused to the site. Much has changed in the last five years, and while this book chapter does not ask for the exoneration of the military’s past mistakes in not doing more to protect Iraq’s cultural heritage sites, it does highlight the efforts now being made to support programs aimed at preserving and protecting vulnerable sites. America’s armed forces, working with the Cultural Affairs Office at US Embassy Baghdad, have been proactively engaging in cultural heritage issues ranging from site preservation to site protection and overall awareness. Military units serving in-theatre have taken the initiative in understanding the historical value of Ancient Mesopotamia and in supporting efforts to save archaeological and historical sites throughout Iraq. The removal of modern buildings from the ancient city of Kish and supporting site surveys conducted by the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage and the US Department of State subject matter experts are two examples of US military involvement. America’s armed forces are also fully engaging in multi-agency working groups aimed at supporting and promoting cultural heritage awareness initiatives throughout Iraq. This work moves toward building strong relationships and providing the means to preserve the remains of one of the world’s most important chapters of human civilization.

Published presentation,from the German Archaeological Institute conference: There are many challe... more Published presentation,from the German Archaeological Institute conference: There are many challenges involved with protecting cultural heritage sites, but adding events such as war, reconciliation, fluctuating security situations, and social changes requires special attention, which is the case in Iraq. Since 2003, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has worked with Iraqi antiquities authorities on a wide range of preservation projects throughout the country. Embassy personnel recognized the need to not only support tangible preservation projects, but more importantly, to provide state-of-the-art training opportunities to help shape a new and upcoming class of cultural heritage specialists. The embassy has provided the means in which cultural heritage specialists from across Iraq are able to engage in long term preservation projects that will ultimately benefit an international audience. From rehabilitating a large portion of the Iraq Museum, and supporting the Future of Babylon Project, to establishing the Iraqi Institute for the Conservation of Antiquities and Heritage, I will discuss how each of these embassy sponsored projects is bringing Iraqi specialist’s one stop closer to preserving their rich cultural history.

Talks by Diane C Siebrandt

This presentation focused on discussing the issues of antiquates looting and smuggling in Iraq. I... more This presentation focused on discussing the issues of antiquates looting and smuggling in Iraq. It touched on understanding laws and international conventions that protect antiquities, such as the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. However, it also addressed some lesser-known mandates that have been in place since 2003. Participants were provided with information about organizations that work on and/or track antiquities looting issues, and how to seek and implement international partnerships with different entities through grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, as well as conferences and meetings. This presentation also focused on providing participants with useful examples of how to raise awareness about antiquities looting issues and some of the tools available to Iraqi cultural heritage experts who can in-turn educate others about the problems facing heritage sites.

There are many challenges involved with protecting cultural heritage sites, but adding events suc... more There are many challenges involved with protecting cultural heritage sites, but adding events such as war, reconciliation, fluctuating security situations, and social changes requires special attention, which is the case in Iraq. Since 2003, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has worked with Iraqi antiquities authorities on a wide range of preservation projects throughout the country. Embassy personnel recognized the need to not only support tangible preservation projects, but more importantly, to provide state-of-the-art training opportunities to help shape a new and upcoming class of cultural heritage specialists. The embassy has provided the means in which cultural heritage specialists from across Iraq are able to engage in long term preservation projects that will ultimately benefit an international audience. This talk at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science highlights my experiences as the U.S. State Department’s cultural heritage liaison officer at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq since 2006, building partnerships between Iraqi and American civilians, academics, military personnel, and government officials that will help ensure the preservation of some of Iraq’s most significant archaeological sites, including Babylon.

Book Reviews by Diane C Siebrandt

Australia ICOMOS Historic Environment , 2014

Archaeology, Cultural Property, and the Military, 2010