Dr Narmeen A. Muhammadameen talks about challenges for work at the Kirkuk Citadel and the importance of this site for local and community identities. The citadel at Kirkuk, the natural focal point of the city with almost one million inhabitants, represents a North Iraqi cultural and archaeological monument of great potential. The relics of the fortified, Late Ottoman town quarter are situated on the summit of an extremely large tell (15,8 ha), rising on the height about 20–30 m on the left bank of the Khasa Sou River. The tell appeared to be an élite residence and regional centre as late as in the Middle-Assyrian (Mitanni) Period (the 16th-14th centuries BC), as textual sources indicate. Although no archaeological data have been obtained from the area so far, much earlier origins of settlement of the tell are highly probable. The heritage area of the citadel witnessed an unprecedented, planned destruction, labelled euphemistically as a „beautification action“ and building of museum of architecture, in the late Saddam era (1997–1998). All three thousands of inhabitants of the citadel, mostly Kurdish and Turkoman, were moved out and the quarter (about 700–850 houses) was completely bulldozed, except of nine isolated monuments and nine small groups of „most valuable“ houses. Subsequently, a part of these structures underwent hard renovations by use of inapropriate methods and materials (in 1998–2003), the citadel area, however, remained unsettled till present and all the architectural remains, both renovated and authentic, are in ruins or seriously endangered. Even in ruins or remodelled, the preserved houses represent a unique specimen of regional, Late Ottoman town architecture, different from that in Baghdad or Arbil. The standing religious monuments (mainly Prophet Daniel Mosque. Great Mosque and Gog Kumbet Tomb) are famous sites of pilgrimage and worship both for Muslims and Christians. The site apparently sustains a not negligible potential for local turism, religious contacts and cultural exchange. The presented project comes from our previous experience in archaeological evaluation of Arbil citadel (2006–2009). It aims generally to 1. gather all available data about historical substance of the citadel building and its archaeological stratification, 2. structure that data to an project of information system of the citadel, and 3. prepare a complex documentation and assessment report about archaeology and architecure of the citadel. The project will mostly rely on non-invasive, intensive methods of archaeological research and recording (archaeological surface survey, collection of surface finds, historical building analysis, remote sensing) and will have following stages: 1. collecting of data (old plans and photographs, satellite and aerial images, oral history, all types of archaeological survey and recording, photogrammetry, possibly geophysical survey) 2. creation and feeding of the information database system based on a digital, three-dimensional model of the citadel (see a demo-version of similar database created for the Arbil citadel http://lfgm.fsv.cvut.cz/citadel/) 3. analysis and interpretation of data in the form of an assessment report which should give a first reliable information about stratigraphy and architecture of the heritage area, as well as of its value and potential for future research. Some proposals for conservation and public presentation of the monuments have to be also a part of the report. Thus, the results could be integrated into the realization phase of the recent masterplan of the Kirkuk city. The proposed project will be carried out in close cooperation with the State Board of Antiquities at Baghdad, Directorate of Antiquities at Kirkuk, with specialist from Salahaddin University at Arbil, Department of Archaeology (Prof. Dr. Narmin A. M. Amin) and several Czech scientific institutions.

Protecting the Past 2 - Towards a better future with cultural heritage

The Citadel of Kirkuk: Reconnaissance and assessment of its archaeological heritage (Kurdish translation)

The Citadel of Kirkuk: Reconnaissance and assessment of its archaeological heritage (English translation)

Dr Narmeen A. Muhammadameen talks about challenges for work at the Kirkuk Citadel and the importance of this site for local and community identities. The citadel at Kirkuk, the natural focal point of the city with almost one million inhabitants, represents a North Iraqi cultural and archaeological monument of great potential. The relics of the fortified, Late Ottoman town quarter are situated on the summit of an extremely large tell (15,8 ha), rising on the height about 20–30 m on the left bank of the Khasa Sou River. The tell appeared to be an élite residence and regional centre as late as in the Middle-Assyrian (Mitanni) Period (the 16th-14th centuries BC), as textual sources indicate. Although no archaeological data have been obtained from the area so far, much earlier origins of settlement of the tell are highly probable. The heritage area of the citadel witnessed an unprecedented, planned destruction, labelled euphemistically as a „beautification action“ and building of museum of architecture, in the late Saddam era (1997–1998). All three thousands inhabitants of the citadel, mostly Kurdish and Turkoman, were moved out and the quarter (about 700–850 houses) was completely bulldozed, except of nine isolated monuments and nine small groups of „most valuable“ houses. Subsequently, a part of these structures underwent hard renovations by use of inapropriate methods and materials (in 1998–2003), the citadel area, however, remained unsettled till present and all the architectural remains, both renovated and authentic, are in ruins or seriously endangered. Even in ruins or remodelled, the preserved houses represent a unique specimen of regional, Late Ottoman town architecture, different from that in Baghdad or Arbil. The standing religious monuments (mainly Prophet Daniel Mosque. Great Mosque and Gog Kumbet Tomb) are famous sites of pilgrimage and worship both for Muslims and Christians. The site apparently sustains a not negligible potential for local turism, religious contacts and cultural exchange. The presented project comes from our previous experience in archaeological evaluation of Arbil citadel (2006–2009). It aims generally to 1. gather all available data about historical substance of the citadel building and its archaeological stratification, 2. structure that data to an project of information system of the citadel, and 3. prepare a complex documentation and assessment report about archaeology and architecure of the citadel. The project will mostly rely on non-invasive, intensive methods of archaeological research and recording (archaeological surface survey, collection of surface finds, historical building analysis, remote sensing) and will have following stages: 1. collecting of data (old plans and photographs, satellite and aerial images, oral history, all types of archaeological survey and recording, photogrammetry, possibly geophysical survey) 2. creation and feeding of the information database system based on a digital, three-dimensional model of the citadel (see a demo-version of similar database created for the Arbil citadel http://lfgm.fsv.cvut.cz/citadel/) 3. analysis and interpretation of data in the form of an assessment report which should give a first reliable information about stratigraphy and architecture of the heritage area, as well as of its value and potential for future research. Some proposals for conservation and public presentation of the monuments have to be also a part of the report. Thus, the results could be integrated into the realization phase of the recent masterplan of the Kirkuk city. The proposed project will be carried out in close cooperation with the State Board of Antiquities at Baghdad, Directorate of Antiquities at Kirkuk, with specialist from Salahaddin University at Arbil, Department of Archaeology (Prof. Dr. Narmin A. M. Amin) and several Czech scientific institutions.

The Citadel of Kirkuk: Reconnaissance and Assessment of Its Archaeological Heritage (Arabic)

Dr Emma Cunliffe brings our attention to the importance of considering the significant damage caused by agriculture, development, irrigation and infrastructure protects to less visible sites and features, such as holloways. The Northern Jazira in Iraq is an area with a long, rich settlement history that includes small early settlements, multi-period tell sites, and a wide variety of later settlement and off-site features. In particular, the region is notable for its network of hollow ways – an extensive network of well-preserved routes connecting the ancient settlements. Some are estimated to be at least 5000 years old, and yet despite substantial landscape change are still visible today. However, over the last 60 years the archaeology of the region has come under increasing threat. Problems include dam inundation and the associated irrigation networks, the intensified farming that follows it, and expanding urbanisation and its accompanying infrastructure. Although some rescue work has been conducted in advance of some infrastructure projects, the extent of the damage these have caused has never been assessed. This paper will review 60 years of landscape change in the area around Tell al-Hawa, using early CORONA satellite imagery and recent Digital Globe imagery. Although we will never have a ‘complete’ record of the past to study, by examining the effects of modern development on the archaeology of the region, it is possible to assess its loss. This paper will conclude by considering the impact this has – and will continue to have – on the study of the history of Iraq, and its implications for heritage management.

Site Destruction in the Iraqi Jazirah: a satellite imagery assessment (English)

Using case studies from his work in the Bazyan Basin, Ricardo Cabral outlines the digital technologies that can be used to survey and explore sites threatened by agriculture, development and industry in Iraq. Recent developments in the field of 3D technologies, including access to low cost volumetric surveys, virtual reality systems and 3D printing, have been gradually transforming the traditional modes of recording, research and dissemination of archaeological heritage. The application of these digital technologies has opened a wide range of possibilities and solutions in the preservation and dissemination of archaeological sites, playing an especially important role in unstable socio-political contexts. It is in this context that the Kani Shaie Archaeological Project, which takes place in Iraqi Kurdistan, has, since 2013, adopted a multi-scale 3D scanning methodology, combining Unmanned Air Vehicles, photogrammetry, GIS and handheld laser scanners for the documentation and preservation of the site and its archaeological remains. The use of these digital tools proved to be not only a solution for the remote analysis of archaeological data, providing greater insight into the archaeological contexts and artifacts, but simultaneously allowed us to develop a virtual reality application that provides an interactive approach to the dissemination of the archaeological heritage to the public. The application of these technologies will assist in the coming years to document in a digital format the threatened and rapidly disappearing cultural heritage of the Bazyan valley.

Using Digital Technologies to Document the Endangered Archaeological Heritage of the Bazyan Basin in Slemani (English)

Dr Tobin Hartnell argues that three key ‘gaps’ are threatening cultural heritage: an interest gap, a caring gap, and a skills gap. He suggests that expanding cultural heritage studies beyond universities is a key priority for the future. After decades of neglect, there is a very active research program for archaeology in the KRG largely led by foreigners. Amongst these foreign projects, there are a few that are specifically designed to strengthen the capacity of existing cultural professionals in the museum and archaeology space. What is missing is support for the next generation of professionals. Traditionally, national and regional governments have supported students financially to gain their education in foreign universities, yet the most effective forms of capacity building will reverse that to emphasize local skills building initiatives and partnerships to bring qualified professionals into the region. This talk will discuss successful models of in-sourcing and consider what has, is, and can be done to support capacity development in the local universities.

Capacity Building for Cultural Heritage in the KRG (Kurdish translation)

Capacity Building for Cultural Heritage in the KRG (Arabic translation)

Dr Tobin Hartnell argues that three key ‘gaps’ are threatening cultural heritage: an interest gap, a caring gap, and a skills gap. He suggests that expanding cultural heritage studies beyond universities is a key priority for the future.

Capacity Building for Cultural Heritage in the KRG (English)

Layla Salih outlines some of the reasons, religious, political and economic, for the destruction of Mosul’s heritage and examines the issues currently hindering plans for prioritisation and reconstruction. Since the beginning of the conflict in Iraq, in addition to the tragic loss of life and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, cultural heritage has been the target of intentional destruction on a staggering scale. We face an appalling situation, which calls for us to live up to our responsibilities. The objective is to expunge any trace of history of the country, along with the identities of its people. It became clear for everyone what happened in Mosul and Nineveh as a whole city, which have been under control of ISIS during June 2014 and till now, and how they started devastating actions from the first month of their invasion; as a result of that, many different sites have been destroyed such as Assyrian cities, religious sites, museums…etc. In this presentation, I try to focus on the outcomes of destruction in order to document that and thinking about the future of heritage sites which have been affected during the war. Work challenges will be different from one site to another, because of questions related to the scale of damage, the current situation for each site, and other aspects which we will discuss together. I’ll also address some of the International conventions in order to show what challenges we will encounter in their application when rehabilitating destroyed heritage sites.

The Destroyed Heritage in Mosul - reality and challenges (Kurdish translation)

The Destroyed Heritage in Mosul - reality and challenges (Arabic translation)

The Destroyed Heritage in Mosul - reality and challenges (English)

Dr Rouhani outlines AMAL’s development of a mobile app: designed to assist and provide tools for risk planning and emergency management and to help professionals and local communities if experts are not available. AMAL in Heritage is a programme for managing disaster and conflict risks for cultural heritage in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Launched by Global Heritage Fund (GHF) and its international partners, AMAL in Heritage responds to the need for a comprehensive programme of cultural emergency management. The increasing number of disasters and conflicts and also the scale of damage to and destruction of heritage places and antiquities in this region have necessitated the use of all possible and latest methods and technologies for reducing risks, managing emergency situation, and recovery. There is a need for a sustainable, cost-effective, and comprehensive platform and toolkit to equip cultural heritage practitioners and volunteers on the ground with the tools, training, and capacity they need to prepare for disasters before they come; respond to them when they arrive; and begin recovering from them after the smoke has cleared. AMAL in Heritage develops plans, tools, and training materials for risk preparedness, emergency response, and recovery of movable and immovable cultural heritage. AMAL in Heritage is supported by a mobile and web application to offer management, data recording, and mapping tools and to deliver technical and training support to local heritage professionals in the region. A survey carried out by GHF for AMAL in Heritage shows that although the use of new online technologies and applications for preparedness, emergency response, and recovery has become a trend in many sectors, including humanitarian, cultural heritage sector has not received enough advantage from this possibility yet. Rapid Damage Assessment is the first element of AMAL’s mobile application that has been developed by AMAL in Heritage partners. This component was considered the most important initial step because a timely response to disaster can reduce the degree and extent of damage and prevent the permanent loss of cultural heritage. The objective of a rapid damage assessment is to identify the extent and impact of the damage caused by the disaster and to identify priorities for intervention. To fill the gap created by the absence of international assistance, Global Heritage Fund is partnering with the Prince Claus Fund, the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH), the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), and the International Scientific Committee on Risk Preparedness of ICOMOS (ICOMOS-ICORP) to launch the ‘AMAL in Heritage’ programme.

AMAL in Heritage: A cultural emergency management tool for MENA region (Arabic translation)

AMAL in Heritage: A cultural emergency management tool for MENA region (English)

Dr Ahmad argues that we should look beyond conflict, to factors such as construction, lack of investment, as well as lack of awareness as being powerful causes of damage to cultural heritage. It is generally believed that the dangers facing cultural heritage come from the terrorist groups. However, there are other dangers to this heritage, no less severe, that need to be treated, in times of peace as in times of war. The different types of danger require different approaches to save the cultural heritage.

The Types of Danger to the Cultural Heritage of the Middle East (English)

Prof. Matthews discusses initiatives by RASHID International to help protect, preserve and raise awareness of Iraq’s cultural heritage. Despite having only been in existence for a couple of months, RASHID already has over 70 members from across the world. RASHID International is a multi-national group of academics, professionals and individuals with an engagement in the cultural heritage of Iraq. In this talk I will present and discuss the aims, objectives, plans and aspirations of this organisation, situating the issues of Iraq’s cultural heritage within a broad international context and including consideration of wider legal issues around destruction and protection of cultural heritage.

RASHID International: Formulating a Future for Iraq's Past (Kurdish translation)

This album contains the podcasts recorded at the second Protecting the Past conference, co-organised by the Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa (EAMENA) project of the University of Oxford with the American University of Iraq in Sulaimani and the University of Sulaimani. It was held in Sulaimani - Iraq on 30-31 October 2016. Participants discussed projects to monitor and protect cultural heritage in Iraq and the MENA region as whole. Podcasts are available in English, Arabic and Kurdish.

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Protecting the Past 2 - Towards a better future with cultura...

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