Heritage Under Fire: From Conflict to Understanding, Memory, and Reconciliation

This course examines the intricate relationships among the past, politics, and contemporary archaeology in conflict zones, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa regions. Discussions will include the political and moral agendas entangled in cultural heritage advocacy, the biases inherent in interpreting cultural heritage, and the use of history and archaeological evidence to legitimize societal divisions, as well as how factors such as colonialism, nationalism, terrorism, and armed conflicts impact heritage. How can archaeology contribute to fostering reconciliation and healing?