AEMES Saturday 6th February 2010

Seven Years On:
The Iraq National Museum, Iraq National Library and
Archive & Cultural Heritage in Iraq

Fifth Birkbeck College & British Institute for the Study of Iraq
Mesopotamian Archaeology Study Day

Co-sponsored with Ancient Egypt & Middle East Society (AEMES)

Saturday 6th February 2010
10.00-5.00 pm

Venue:
Birkbeck College, University of London,
Main Building, Malet Street, London WC1E

Organised and chaired by Dr Mariana Giovino, Collège de France

The 2003 US/UK invasion unleashed destructive forces on past, present and future Iraq.

How do we now account for the looting, theft and destruction of Iraq's museums, archaeological sites and libraries?

Expert speakers will investigate this question from a variety of angles including the current state of Iraq's cultural institutions as well as our own attitudes towards the preservation of antiquities, heritage sites and institutions.

The Mesopotamia Archaeology Study Days were first launched in 2006 as a series focusing on the archaeology, art, language and stories of ancient Iraq. Our 2010 event extends the timeline to present-day Iraq and poses questions which involve Iraq’s future.

Participants:
Dr Saad Eskander, Director, Iraq National Library & Archives (INLA),
‘ The Use and the Abuse of Iraq's Official and Historical Records 2003-2009.’

Dr Lamia al-Gailani Werr, Honorary Research Fellow, Institute of Archaeology, University College London,
‘ The Challenges to Heritage Cities in Iraq before and after 2003.’

Professor Peter Stone, Director, International Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies Newcastle University,
'"When everyone's culpable, is anyone guilty?" Looting and responsibility during and before armed conflict.'

Dr Eleanor Robson, Senior Lecturer, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge,
‘ What's it got to do with us? Dealing with Iraqi cultural heritage in the UK’

Khyam Allami, 'Ud Performance

Tea and coffee are provided during the morning and afternoon breaks

Fee: £42 (£21 concessions) Tea & Coffee provided during morning & afternoon breaks

Places are limited so early enrolment is advised

Contact AEMES for further information and booking details:

khepera@tamador.freeserve.co.uk