Exam 12: Managing Our Heritage

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One of the most well-known examples of the destruction of archaeological material during times of war is the deliberate targeting of cultural heritage sites by the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria. IS militants have intentionally destroyed ancient artifacts, temples, and other archaeological sites, such as the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria and the Mosul Museum in Iraq. These acts of destruction are not only devastating in terms of the loss of irreplaceable cultural heritage, but they also have significant implications for our understanding of the past and for future research and education.

Another example is the damage caused to archaeological sites and artifacts during the conflicts in Afghanistan, where looting and illegal excavation have been rampant. The National Museum of Afghanistan in Kabul was looted during the civil war in the 1990s, resulting in the loss of countless artifacts.

In response to these threats to cultural heritage during times of armed conflict, there are several international agreements and initiatives aimed at preventing the destruction of archaeological material. One of the most important is the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, which prohibits the targeting of cultural heritage sites and objects during war. The convention also requires signatory states to take measures to safeguard cultural property during armed conflict and to refrain from using such sites for military purposes.

Additionally, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has established the World Heritage Committee, which works to identify and protect cultural and natural heritage sites of outstanding universal value. UNESCO also maintains a list of World Heritage sites in danger, which includes sites that are at risk due to armed conflict and other threats.

Despite these international agreements and initiatives, the destruction of archaeological material during periods of armed conflict continues to be a significant problem. Efforts to protect cultural heritage during times of war require ongoing vigilance and cooperation among nations, as well as support for local communities and institutions that are working to safeguard archaeological sites and artifacts.