Cultural Cleansing and Iconoclasm Under the Islamic State

2019 ◽  
pp. 181-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Isakhan ◽  
José Antonio González Zarandona ◽  
Taghreed Jamal Al-Deen
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Religious Conflict ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Human Suffering ◽  
Heritage Sites

This chapter analyzes the destruction of heritage perpetrated by the "Islamic State" (IS) in Iraq and Syria. It takes as its empirical focus the targeting of both Yezidi and Christians and their heritage in Iraq and Syria. To date, little attention has been paid to the intersection between the human suffering and the heritage destruction undertaken by the IS. This chapter also examines the cultural cleansing undertaken by the IS against these two fragile minorities by also looking at the iconoclastic acts against the tangible representations of their heritage. This chapter situates the discussion within the conceptual framework of heritage, community, and violence, by arguing that attacks on heritage sites in conjunction with genocidal pogroms or ethno/religious conflict occur precisely because heritage plays such a critical role as the tangible manifestation of the community.

The ritualization of heritage destruction under the Islamic State

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 212-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofya Shahab ◽  
Benjamin Isakhan
Keyword(s):  
Social Norms ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
New Recruits ◽  
State Functions

This article develops the conceptual framework of the ritualization of heritage destruction to analyse and interpret the targeting of pre-monotheistic heritage sites and artefacts by the Islamic State. It draws upon anthropological studies of initiation rituals in violent male cults alongside literature on heritage destruction to conduct a systematic analysis of key Islamic State propaganda outlets. The analysis reveals that the heritage destruction wrought by the Islamic State functions as part of a broader process of ritualization that is instrumental in forming bonds between members and ensuring their allegiance. Such rituals serve multiple purposes: they physically and ideologically separate new recruits from existing social norms and laws; they breed a deference to leadership and create a unified identity towards the potentiality of violence; and they situate heritage destruction itself within a complex symbolic kaleidoscope of prescribed actions and specific attire, invoking connections to an imagined past and repeating the actions of their forbearers. The article concludes by noting that such analysis of the ritualization of heritage destruction is not only vital to understanding how groups such as the Islamic State successfully transform ordinary young men into a violent jihadist communitas, but also in further understanding, and responding to, such attacks on heritage sites.

scholarly journals Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence for Designing Accessible Cultural Heritage

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 870
Author(s):  
Galena Pisoni ◽  
Natalia Díaz-Rodríguez ◽  
Hannie Gijlers ◽  
Linda Tonolli
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Interaction Design ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Review Analysis

This paper reviews the literature concerning technology used for creating and delivering accessible museum and cultural heritage sites experiences. It highlights the importance of the delivery suited for everyone from different areas of expertise, namely interaction design, pedagogical and participatory design, and it presents how recent and future artificial intelligence (AI) developments can be used for this aim, i.e.,improving and widening online and in situ accessibility. From the literature review analysis, we articulate a conceptual framework that incorporates key elements that constitute museum and cultural heritage online experiences and how these elements are related to each other. Concrete opportunities for future directions empirical research for accessibility of cultural heritage contents are suggested and further discussed.

Kulturgüterschutz im System der Vereinten Nationen

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Human Memory ◽  
Cultural Property ◽  
Armed Conflicts ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Humanitarian Law ◽  
World Heritage Sites ◽  
Human Rights Protection ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Terrorist Groups ◽  
Core Elements

The images of the destroyed Buddha statues of Bamiyan, of the ancient city of Palmyra lying in ruins, and of destroyed World Heritage sites in Timbuktu have received much attention from the international public. At the same time, these cases also reflect a new dimension in the conduct of armed hostilities today, which is increasingly aimed at destroying cultural identities or heritage. Therefore, in addition to the issue of preserving the world's cultural heritage, especially in the context of human rights protection and international humanitarian law, the protection of cultural property is seen as an increasingly important task for the United Nations and its institutions. Pieces of Art, significant written documents, memorials, and places of worship are deliberately destroyed in conflicts by armed or terrorist groups, such as the so-called Islamic State, as they represent core elements of cultural identity. The increasing number of reports on the loss of priceless cultural assets in Syria, Iraq and Mali exemplify this. Increasingly, violent non-state actors are deliberately using the destruction of cultural property as a means of warfare and even "ethnic cleansing." For the international community, this makes the protection of cultural property in armed conflicts and in the field of restoring statehood at the same time increasingly significant. The preservation of this global human memory is one of the greatest challenges of modern social, political, and legal discourses. Although the use of the destruction of cultural property to divide societies, even to erase a collective memory or destroy social structures, has long been part of warfare, this aspect has been insufficiently considered by the media public and especially in academic discourse. With contributions by Frederik Becker, Dr. Manuel Brunner, Paul Fabel, Dr. Martin Gerner, Dario Haux, Ruth Lechner, Prof. Dr. Antionette Maget Dominicé and Vincent Widdig.

scholarly journals A Conceptual Framework for Integration Development of GSFLOW Model: Concerns and Issues Identified and Addressed for Model Development Efficiency

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Chen ◽  
Sajjad Ahmad ◽  
Ajay Kalra
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Flow ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Data Communication ◽  
Flow Simulation ◽  
Creek Watershed ◽  
Surface Water Flow ◽  
Computation Algorithms

Abstract. In Coupled Groundwater and Surface-Water Flow (GSFLOW) model, the three-dimensional finite-difference groundwater model (MODFLOW) plays a critical role of groundwater flow simulation, together with which the Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System (PRMS) simulates the surface hydrologic processes. While the model development of each individual PRMS and MODFLOW model requires tremendous time and efforts, further integration development of these two models exerts additional concerns and issues due to different simulation realm, data communication, and computation algorithms. To address these concerns and issues in GSFLOW, the present paper proposes a conceptual framework from perspectives of: Model Conceptualization, Data Linkages and Transference, Model Calibration, and Sensitivity Analysis. As a demonstration, a MODFLOW groundwater flow system was developed and coupled with the PRMS model in the Lehman Creek watershed, eastern Nevada, resulting in a smooth and efficient integration as the hydrogeologic features were well captured and represented. The proposed conceptual integration framework with techniques and concerns identified substantially improves GSFLOW model development efficiency and help better model result interpretations. This may also find applications in other integrated hydrologic modelings.

scholarly journals Conceptual Framework for On-site Digital Interpretation Developments in Cultural Heritage Sites

2022 ◽  
Vol 07 (01) ◽  
pp. 64-84
Author(s):  
R. Wimalasuriya ◽  
A. Kapukotuwa ◽  
G. Ranasinghe
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
World Heritage ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
World Heritage Sites ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Heritage Site ◽  
Five Phases ◽  
Cultural World ◽  
Heritage Interpretation

On-site heritage interpretation plays a vital role in cultural heritage sites in conveying the significance and multiple heritage values to the visitors. In an era where the world is transforming with innovative digital applications, the heritage sites are also being integrated with digital interpretation techniques to deliver a better interpretation and new dimensional experience to the visitors. Though multiple digital solutions are available, not all the techniques are appropriate, applicable and feasible to every site. Besides, neither proper worldwide principles nor framework has been exerted for these digital heritage interpretation developments. Therefore, this study is focused on building a generic conceptual framework to select the most appropriate digital interpretation technique(s) that fit the context of the heritage site, giving special reference to the six Cultural World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. The relevant qualitative and quantitative data were gathered via in-depth interviews, field observation, literature survey and a visitor survey questionnaire. The main themes and sub-themes derived through the thematic analysis were adopted as the theoretical framework for the research to analyze the collected data of the six Cultural World Heritage Sites and the selected digital techniques. Based on the results, the study recommends appropriate digital techniques for each Cultural World Heritage Sites of the country. Further as aimed, the study presents a conceptual framework for on-site digital interpretation developments for cultural heritage sites by categorizing the 24 criteria derived for data analysis under five phases namely ‘Prepare’, ‘Assess’, ‘Design’, ‘Implement’ and ‘Sustain’.

The destruction and looting of cultural heritage sites by ISIS in Syria: The case of Manbij and its countryside

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-260
Author(s):  
Adnan Almohamad
Keyword(s):  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Documentary Evidence ◽  
Income Source ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Power Stations ◽  
Primary Documents ◽  
The Rich ◽  
The City

AbstractThe Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) occupied the city of Manbij and its countryside from 23 January 2014 until 12 August 2016. During this period, the region suffered greatly as ISIS monopolized control and brutally imposed its ideology. Fierce battles were fought for the control of oil wells, bakeries, mills, dams, and power stations, all of which were sources of revenue. Antiquities were soon recognized as another potential income source. This article demonstrates the ways in which ISIS began to administer and facilitate the looting of antiquities through the Diwan Al-Rikaz. Within this diwan, ISIS established the Qasmu Al-Athar, which was specifically responsible for looting antiquities. Based on interviews conducted in 2015 and primary documents, this article studies the specific ways in which ISIS facilitated the quarrying and looting of antiquities in Manbij and the rich archaeological sites of its countryside. Further, by examining the damage at a previously undocumented archaeological site, Meshrefet Anz, the looting of antiquities under the direct supervision of the Diwan Al-Rikaz is studied. Using documentary evidence including ISIS’s internal documentation as well as photographs collected by the author between 2014 and 2016, the article demonstrates the methods used by ISIS, reveals its financial motivations, and bears witness to the damage done at specific Syrian heritage sites.

CONTEMPORARY ISLAMIC ICONOCLASM – A THREAT TO WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (XVIII) ◽  
pp. 145-157
Author(s):  
Dariusz Rozmus
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Human Being ◽  
The West ◽  
Religious Background ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
The People ◽  
The Face ◽  
World Cultural Heritage ◽  
Local Traditions

The vast destruction of the heritage sites in Syria and Iraq caused by the activities of ISIS may not only be attributed to fanatical iconoclasm with a religious background. The ideologists of the jihad movements in the so-called Islamic State intend to introduce one, unified version of Islam. In their world, there is no place for democracy, secularity, nationalism (even for patriotism) and other “abominations” of the West. Monuments which constituted elements of local traditions were destroyed with the application of huge resources. In the face of the tragedy of people, considerations in the field of broadly conceived culture may only supplement a description of unspeakable tragedies which were caused by the wars in the Near East. However, we may examine this question in such a way as not to separate the people from their heritage, for a human being is an integral part of his or her culture. “This isn’t a choice between people or stone,” said Deborah Lehr, chair of Antiquities Coalition. “Culture is part of who these people are, and this, ironically, is the cradle of civilization.”. Due to the situation which occurred, the stock-taking and digitalisation of artefacts and architectural monuments assumes huge significance. These proceedings should be also conducted with the use of the most recent methods of satellite teledetection.

scholarly journals Visitors’ Experience, Place Attachment and Sustainable Behaviour at Cultural Heritage Sites: A Conceptual Framework

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piera Buonincontri ◽  
Alessandra Marasco ◽  
Haywantee Ramkissoon
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Place Attachment ◽  
Heritage Sites

scholarly journals The Characteristics of National Leadership for an Islamic State in the Light of Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nighat Akram, Abdul Rehman Khan
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Role Model ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Literature Survey ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Leadership Qualities ◽  
Effective Leader ◽  
National Leadership ◽  
A Chain

Allah sent a chain of Prophets with revelations to transfer humanity from a state of jāhiliyya to one of Islam. Allah says in the noble Qur’ān: "I have not created the Jinn and Ins (human beings) except to worship me" (Al-Qur'ān 51:56). Human beings must, therefore, live according to the laws of Allah. This can best be done in the framework of the Islamic state, the natural habitat of Muslims. Strengthen of a state depends upon best qualities of prime leaders. The purpose of this study is to determine the key attributes of the leaders and administrators in the light of the life of Holy Prophet (SAW), The paper has analyzed the concept of leadership as observed through literature survey about the leadership qualities of our beloved Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), his Sahāba (R.A) by citing Qur’ānic verses and giving the examples from the life of Holy Prophet (SAW). The study has proposed a conceptual framework for an effective leader based upon the characteristics such as firmness, truthfulness, reliability, selflessness, ethics, loyalty to the organization, passion, moderation, humility, fairness and mercy which can be set as a role model for day’s administrators etc.

scholarly journals AUTOMATIC DAMAGE DETECTION FOR SENSITIVE CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES

2016 ◽  
Vol XLI-B5 ◽  
pp. 215-219
Author(s):  
D. Cerra ◽  
J. Tian ◽  
V. Lysandrou ◽  
S. Plank
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Observation Data ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Detection Techniques ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
First Results ◽  
The Media ◽  
Earth Observation Data ◽  
Processing Techniques

The intentional damages to local Cultural Heritage sites carried out in recent months by the Islamic State (IS) have received wide coverage from the media worldwide. Earth Observation data is an important tool to assess these damages in such non-accessible areas: If a fast response is desired, automated image processing techniques would be needed to speed up the analysis. This paper shows the first results of applying fast and robust change detection techniques to sensitive areas. A map highlighting potentially damaged buildings is derived, which could help experts at timely assessing the damages to the Cultural Heritage sites in the observed images.

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