Thursday, Apr. 20, 2017 – Thursday, Apr. 20, 2017

06:30 PM
US/Central

While ISIS threatens the history and cultural identity of the populations under its control, people are fighting their influence in every way they can--for example, by defending their cultural heritage. This presentation will document how an important archaeological site in northeastern Syria, ancient Urkesh has become a beacon of hope. It is the only foreign expedition that has remained active in Syria throughout the entire time of the war, and still is today.

Urkesh was a city-state of the Hurrians within the Mesopotamian cultural sphere. While the Hurrian population died out thousands of years ago, their cultural heritage is still felt as deeply alive: the close collaboration between the expedition and the local stakeholders has become a model of its kind, showing how archaeology can communicate values and help fostering a proud sense of identity.

This evening's lecture presented by Crossroads Cultural Center will be given by three distinguished experts. Dr. Giorgio Buccellati is Director of the Mesopotamian Lab at UCLA's Cotsen Institute of Archeology. Dr. Marilyn Kelly-Buccellati is director of the Mozan/Urkesh Archaeological Project in Syria. Dr. Charles Stewart is Associate Professor of Art History at the University of St. Thomas.