Necessary conditions for integrated approaches to the post-conflict recovery of cultural heritage in the Arab World

Abstract

Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has been a dominant theme over the past half century; yet, cultural heritage continues to be generally overlooked by mainstream postwar reconstruction practices and policies-perceived and treated as a luxury that cannot be afforded by societies coping with multiple overriding priorities during conflict. After analysing the inherent interconnectedness of war and cultural heritage, this paper unearths nine specific deficiencies in policies, practices, and their implications. It then draws upon the efforts to protect and recover cultural heritage, and broader processes of postwar reconstruction, to offer ways forward through critical lessons that seek to advance academic discourse and act as guidance for good practice. These lessons emphasise the need for: a shared vision; integration of cultural heritage into the wider responses; sustained political and financial support; local capacity; participation of Indigenous actors; recognition of complementarity between replacement and conservation approaches; prioritisation of quality over speed of recovery; conservation codes and legislation; and finally, appreciation of belief and religion.

Heritage Reconstruction Planning, Sustainability Dimensions, and the Case of the Khaz’al Diwan in Kuwait

“…Armed conflicts, especially in the MENA region, have continued, causing ongoing severe destruction to historic structures. The reconstruction planning processes of many such structures has continued with debates on what is appropriate and what is inappropriate [18,20,23].…”

“…The Warsaw Recommendation [4] aligned the restoration of cultural assets with the principles of sustainable development and the 'build back better' approach. This is especially important for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which have experienced heritage destruction due to armed conflicts since the last decades of the 20th century [18,20]. Studies have indicated various aspects of the post-conflict reconstruction of cultural heritage from approaches and methods for recording, inventory formation, and condition assessment of damaged structures and identifying priorities in their reconstruction [21], to the political underpinnings of reconstructions and the importance of the engagement of local communities in the reconstruction processes [22,23].…”

Post-war Planning for Urban Cultural Heritage Recovery

“…To be successful, post-war recovery must be driven by an integrated strategy that integrates developmentalism with social change and reconciliation. This concentration is a result of my comprehensive and deliberate approach to post-war reconstruction as a concept through strategy and experience [2,11,12].…”

“…The growing number of armed conflicts around the world is one of the most serious threats that negatively affect the cultural heritage. Since 2004, there have been thirty active armed conflicts in the middle east [1,2]. Syria's armed conflict has impacted every part of the Syrian people's lives.…”

Picking up the pieces: Transitional justice responses to destruction of tangible cultural heritage

“…Psychosocial recovery premised on discursive mechanisms that recognise core beliefs of antagonistic communities about their material surroundings are a feature of contemporary practice. 18 Heritage is seen as having a latent potential 'as a medium for social healing' and bridge-building through greater awareness of shared traditions. 19 Some heritage scholars now argue that TJ represents a potential means to 'reframe' the legacies of past physical devastation of heritage.…”