Det Hotade Kulturarvet i Irak och Syrien

Abstract

This thesis could be seen as a compilation and problematization of the research that has been done on the subject through a comparative and analysing study of secondary literary sources, all with a focus on the theory of public archaeology. It means to examine in what way the cultural heritage sector has reacted and chosen to respond to the latest destruction of the cultural heritage in Iraq and Syria. Focus will be put on two aspects of the role of cultural heritage in conflicts; in what way the cultural heritage is used in conflicts and how international and national law and common efforts can affect the role of archaeology in conflicts. The shortcomings of international law will be discussed and problematized as well as the intentional and unintentional destruction caused by various actors in the conflicts, and the reasons behind those actions.