University of Utah Frontiers of Science: Safeguarding Heritage Sites in the Middle East

Dr. Blythe McCarthy, Andrew W. Mellon Senior Scientist, Department of Conservation and Scientific Research of Freer & Sackler. The Smithsonian’s Museums of Asian Art 

Damage to archaeological and historic sites is ongoing on a grand scale in the Middle East due to the current conflicts in the region.  Ranging from ISIL’s full-scale destruction of Palmyra to looting of artifacts at archaeological sites, every instance of damage results in lost opportunities to learn about previous cultures.  Loss of cultural heritage also has societal and economic implications as heritage can be used as a peacebuilding tool to bring together those of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds and act as a resource for cultural tourism.  World-wide, people are working to do what they can to preserve what remains and discourage further destruction.  Activities underway include efforts to document buildings and sites and their destruction, to carry out protective measures such as sandbagging mosaics for stabilization, and to train Iraqis in conservation techniques to help them take an active role in the preservation and restoration of their heritage.   In this lecture, Blythe McCarthy of the Smithsonian’s Freer|Sackler will discuss these and other aspects of programs to protect and preserve cultural heritage in Iraq and Syria that she worked on during her recent experience as a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the Department of State's Cultural Heritage Center.