Archaeological Explorations in Syria 2000-2011. Proceedings of ISCACH-Beirut 2015 (original) (raw)
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2020, Harrassowitz Verlag Wiesbaden , 2020
This paper presents the current situation of archaeology in Syria, the main reasons that have contributed to the destruction of Syrian archaeological sites and the efforts of Syrian archaeologists, apart from the archaeological missions working in Syria, to alleviate this damage, particularly in the raising of awareness about the importance of Syrian heritage. Moreover, this paper presents the book, A History of Syria in 100 sites, which contains information about 103 Syrian archaeological sites that have been excavated by archaeological missions.
Syrian heritage: Past and present
This paper is a review of the threats to the cultural heritage of Syria, recently brought to the forefront of current events because of the armed conflict happening there. We will discuss archeological sites designated as UNESCO (United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Sites and focus on the damage done to Syria’s cultural heritage not only in the past, specifically during colonial times, when foreign museums acquired so many artifacts of Syrian heritage, but that which continues to the present day. Sadly, the pillaging of historical artifacts continues into present times, albeit with new and more efficient methods. Current political instability in the country has considerably increased the incidence of looting, leaving the cultural heritage in a very critical situation.
Palmyra and Dura-Europos: The Archaeology of Syria from Ancient Cities to Modern Destruction
2022
This module will explore Syrian archaeology through two key sites: Palmyra and Dura-Europos. Palmyra, the “Venice of the Sands”, is well known as a Syrian Oasis site and famous for its monumental remains and for stories of its Queen, Zenobia. Many of the monumental remains were infamously and spectacularly destroyed by ISIS during the Syrian conflict. Also justifiably famous is the site of Dura-Europos, the “Pompeii of the Syrian Desert”, at which were found nineteen ancient religious buildings including an early Christian house church and a synagogue, both decorated with elaborate paintings. Dura-Europos is famed as an ancient crossroads of culture, where many religions were practices and languages spoken, from Hebrew and Greek and Latin to Aramaic and Safaitic. Like Palmyra, Dura-Europos has suffered catastrophic damage since the start of the Syrian conflict, but at Dura this has largely been in the form of extensive, and often organised, antiquities looting. Tracing their excavation histories, this module will investigate both what is known of each of the sites and how we have come to know it. We will work with the primary records of the archaeological archives of the sites, and learn in detail about their material culture, textual, and architectural remains. Using those remains—things like papyri, inscriptions, architecture, ceramics, and sculptures—we will examine the economic and religious lives of people at the sites (all texts will be examined through their English translations). We will then examine how the sites have been used and displayed since their ‘discovery’, including how their objects are displayed in museum collections. We will study the recent destruction of the sites and consider why they have been targets, and the way their destruction links (e.g.) to the global trade in illicit antiquities. Museum and archive visits will be incorporated where possible. In this module, students will acquire a deep familiarity with the archaeological remains of Roman-period Syria, develop a critical knowledge of archaeological archives and how to use them, including in the digital archives. Students will also gain a broad survey of the history of archaeological practice in the Middle East, and the entangled relationship of archaeology and politics, particularly during the twentieth century. Finally, students will develop a knowledge of the global framework of cultural heritage protection that exists through national governments and international bodies such as UNESCO, through the case studies of the failures of those protections in Syria.
Early Islamic Syria: an archaeological assessment (TOC, Preface & Index)
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In this book I endeavour to offer a concise account of Islamic archaeology as it has developed and is today in the region of geographical Syria-Palestine. The region offers the archaeologist particular attractions in dealing with an Islamic past as a result of the tremendous advances made in relevant archaeological research in the last few decades. This work proposes new ways of understanding and interpreting the first Islamic centuries in Syria-Palestine, based on clear and verifiable information gleaned from a range of archaeological discoveries.
Assyriology in Crisis Navigating the Challenges of Archaeology Amidst Political Turmoil in Syria.
The Quarterly of Political Memories, 2024
Assyriology, which involves the study of cuneiform script and ancient Near Eastern cultures, represents a crucial interdisciplinary field encompassing archaeology, anthropology, history, and linguistics. This field provides profound insights not only into ancient histories and civilizations but also into the languages, literature, and religious practices of these societies. Syria has played a pivotal role in the development of Assyriology due to its strategic geography and rich archaeological heritage, containing artifacts and inscriptions that illuminate the complexities of ancient Mesopotamian cultures. Furthermore, the historical and cultural connections between Iran and Mesopotamia underscore the significance of Assyrian heritage as a shared treasure. However, the recent political instability in Syria has posed significant challenges to the protection of cultural heritage and the advancement of Assyriology. The destruction of archaeological sites, the looting of historic artifacts, and severe limitations on research have become critical threats to the field. This editorial serves as an invitation for collaborative reflection and joint action to safeguard humanity's shared heritage, particularly within the context of Middle Eastern archaeology.