Al Jawabra, Alkindi; (2020) Heritage, Conflict and Reconstruction: From Reconstructing Monuments to Reconstructing Societies, the Case of Syria. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

Abstract

This thesis argues that heritage is as much about people as it is about places and objects, employing a qualitative framework and a situated and reflexive ethnographic research strategy; the research can be located at the intersection of critical heritage studies and conflict and humanitarian studies. My aim is to bring two fundamental aspects to the centre of debates developing around the study of heritage in conflict contexts: the first is the conflict-affected people, not just heritage sites and objects, and the second is the study of the future, not just the past. I investigate the meaning and significance of heritage and culture in conflict contexts through a focus on people and their normative cultural practices of everyday life, rather than on heritage sites and objects, and on the present and future rather than on the past. Focusing on Syria, I ask what constitutes heritage for the people of Syria at this moment in time? What does heritage do or what is its role in society? What is the impact of conflict on this heritage? And how can we employ it for the benefit of current and future generations? Through this exploration, I argue that the utilisation of heritage by non-state players in Syria, such as activist groups and extremist religious groups, offers productive examples of people-centered, socially innovative and future-oriented heritage practices. The research suggests that our efforts in conflict contexts should be less about preservation and more about embracing change and finding creative ways to manage the transformation process from a pre-conflict society to a post-conflict society. In other words, our efforts should contribute to both the management of uncertainty and shaping the future. They should tackle issues that matter to conflict-affected people, to improve the quality of their lives, and to increase their horizons of hope and opportunities in assembling better futures.

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