World History Assignment 2 - Modern Archaeology
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THE RECOVERY OF IRAQ'S LOOTED HERITAGE:
A MORAL DUTY & A GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY Ilham Shashaah
World History to the End of the 15
th
Century
November 8, 2023
1
The Iraq Museum in Baghdad holds more than just ancient artefacts; it embodies Iraq's rich and diverse cultural heritage, showcasing the origins and development of human civilization.
In 2003, amidst the chaos and insecurity of war, the museum was subjected to the horrors of looting, with thieves and smugglers exploiting the situation to steal thousands of priceless treasures. This loss was not only a catastrophe for Iraq but also for humanity, as these objects represented our collective memory and identity
1
.
Yet, amidst this tragedy, a remarkable story of hope and heroism emerged. A team of Iraqis and American military forces joined forces, driven by a shared commitment to recover and
restore the stolen items. Their collaboration demonstrated how cooperation, compassion, and culture can triumph over violence, greed, and destruction
2
.
The successful recovery of Iraq's looted treasures was not merely a logistical operation; it
was a moral imperative and a global responsibility. The stolen objects transcended mere art or artefacts; they were symbols and expressions of human history and culture, representing the achievements of ancient civilizations like the Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Persians. They reflected the interactions and influences of diverse peoples who inhabited and traded in Iraq, including Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Mongols, and Ottomans. These objects held significance
not only for Iraqis but for the entire world, embodying the diversity and unity of our shared human experience
2
.
The recovery and restoration efforts were not merely about salvaging the past; they were about preserving and enriching the present and future. By restoring these treasures to their 1.
“Arts & Culture News and Features | Smithsonian Magazine.” Smithsonian Magazine.
Accessed November 8, 2023
2.
Arraf, Jane. "Iraq Reclaims 17,000 Looted Artifacts, Its Biggest-Ever Repatriation."
International New York Times
(2021): NA-NA.
3.
Higgins, Valerie. "Plunder and Looting: Some Historical Reminders."
The Palgrave Handbook on Art Crime
(2019): 409-437.
2
rightful home, the Iraqis and the American team safeguarded not just physical objects but also the cultural identity and heritage that bind us together
3
.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the looting of the Iraq Museum in 2003 stands as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of war on cultural heritage
3
. Yet, the story of its recovery offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the face of destruction, cooperation, compassion, and a commitment to preserving our shared history can prevail. It is a clear lesson that resonates deeply
with the present and future generations, reminding us of the fragility and resilience of human history and culture, and of our collective responsibility to safeguard and celebrate it. As the human race moves forward, it is paramount that we remember our shared heritage not just as a collection of objects, but a living tapestry that connects us across time and space. It is our responsibility to protect and nurture this tapestry, ensuring that the lessons of the past and the dreams of the future remain intertwined for generations to come.
1.
“Arts & Culture News and Features | Smithsonian Magazine.” Smithsonian Magazine.
Accessed November 8, 2023
2.
Arraf, Jane. "Iraq Reclaims 17,000 Looted Artifacts, Its Biggest-Ever Repatriation."
International New York Times
(2021): NA-NA.
3.
Higgins, Valerie. "Plunder and Looting: Some Historical Reminders."
The Palgrave Handbook on Art Crime
(2019): 409-437.
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3
Bibliography
1.
“Arts & Culture News and Features | Smithsonian Magazine.” Smithsonian Magazine.
Accessed November 8, 2023
2.
Arraf, Jane. "Iraq Reclaims 17,000 Looted Artifacts, Its Biggest-Ever Repatriation."
International New York Times
(2021): NA-NA.
3.
Higgins, Valerie. "Plunder and Looting: Some Historical Reminders."
The Palgrave Handbook on Art Crime
(2019): 409-437.
1.
“Arts & Culture News and Features | Smithsonian Magazine.” Smithsonian Magazine.
Accessed November 8, 2023
2.
Arraf, Jane. "Iraq Reclaims 17,000 Looted Artifacts, Its Biggest-Ever Repatriation."
International New York Times
(2021): NA-NA.
3.
Higgins, Valerie. "Plunder and Looting: Some Historical Reminders."
The Palgrave Handbook on Art Crime
(2019): 409-437.