The Looting Continues: A Forum on the Archaeology and History of Iraq
Photograph: Leah McKenzie
The Australian public has been inundated with media coverage of the conflict in Iraq, including the shocking news of the looting of the National Museum in Baghdad. There is, however, little information about Iraq, its society or history, making it difficult for the public to understand the international importance of recent impacts on the cultural heritage of Iraq.
This forum describes Iraq's cultural heritage from its earliest beginnings through to recent times, showing its continuity and importance to the cultural identity and pride of Iraqis today. It explores the past and current risks to Iraq's cultural heritage and outlines what Australia and the international agencies are doing for the rescue of cultural property and the reinstatement of cultural heritage management in Iraq.
The Looting Continues was initiated by the Cultural Reference Group on Iraq and hosted by Melbourne Museum on 14 September, 2003.
Speakers
Dr Leah McKenzie
Member, Cultural Reference Group on Iraq.
Dr Nabil Sulaiman
Secretary of the Australian Arabic Council.
Ms Marilyn Truscott
Past President of Australian ICOMOS (The International Council on Monuments and Sites).
Tom Harley
Chair of the Australian Heritage Commission.