Free Saturday Forum: The Vanishing Cultural Heritage of Iraq and Syria

Many people in the West remember the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas by the Taliban in 2001. The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 set the stage for widespread damage to that country’s cultural heritage as well. Now, the rise of the Islamic state in Iraq and Syria, and its destruction of sites in the ancient cities of Nimrud and Nineveh, has brought renewed attention to the fragility of cultural heritage in the Middle East.

The forum will examine some antecedents of this intentional destruction, trace a brief history of the Middle East and watch two visual presentations about Iraq and Syria. Besides learning more about these countries, participants will get an update on the current situation. The event is free and open to all adults.