Urkesh Community Archaeology Project: A Sustainable Model from Syria
Giorgio Buccellati, Hiba Qassar
Chapter from the book: Bonnie, R et al. 2023. Living Communities and Their Archaeologies in the Middle East.
Part of
Chapter from the book: Bonnie, R et al. 2023. Living Communities and Their Archaeologies in the Middle East.
This chapter discusses the community archaeology approach in Urkesh, which has been instrumental in turning the site into a source of pride and common identity for a mosaic of communities living next to it. It discusses the sustainability of the Urkesh community project, showing how these communities became more engaged in site activities despite the physical absence of the archaeological team. The concept of inheritance as tied to living inheritors is illustrated with examples from the interaction between archaeologists and the local communities. Finally, the chapter illustrates the resilience of the project in adapting to a situation of crisis, highlighting one particular programme designed to empower local young people amid the global pandemic and the impact of Syrian conflict on their lives.
Buccellati G. & Qassar H. 2023. Urkesh Community Archaeology Project: A Sustainable Model from Syria. In: Bonnie, R et al (eds.), Living Communities and Their Archaeologies in the Middle East. Helsinki: Helsinki University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33134/HUP-19-9
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Published on Sept. 29, 2023