CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt intends to organize an international conference addressing the looting of culture and heritage of the Arab world in May, titled "Cultural Heritage under Threat" in Cairo. Several international organizations are participating, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). On Thursday, the Minister of Antiquities Mahmoud El-Damaty released a statement that the conference, held in cooperation between the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Antiquities, and with the participation of UNESCO, will invite several Arab countries, including Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.
The Minister added that this well-timed conference is organized specifically to highlight the significant amount of destruction on irreplaceable identities and heritage of these countries. He said that the conference would discuss cooperative policies in various areas of archaeological work, particularly facing the looting and smuggling of antiquities.
He added that the conference seeks to come up with effective solutions that should be announced on the international level. The conference will also highlight the frameworks dealing with the cultural property markets- both licit and illicit.
Earlier on Thursday, El-Damaty met with Deborah Lehr, chair of the Antiquities Coalition, and Kate Seeley, vice president of the Middle East Institute, both in Washington DC.
Much of the cultural heritage, which includes ancient antiquities and monuments, have been subjected to looting, destruction, and theft during the past few years because of the lack of security and stability in several countries in the Arab region.
*The Antiquities Coalition and the Middle East Institute are also co-sponsors of the "Cultural Heritage under Threat" conference, as both organizations focus on the preservation of cultural heritage in the Arab world.
(original statement can be found in Arabic here)
The Antiquities Coalition unites a diverse group of experts in the fight against cultural racketeering: the looting and trafficking of antiquities by organized criminals and terrorist organizations.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Egypt Takes the Lead to Combat Looting
The Antiquities Coalition commends the Egypt government’s leadership in the global fight against cultural racketeering – the systematic looting and trafficking of antiquities by criminal organizations or terrorist networks.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry was in Washington the week of February 15 to build support for Egypt’s efforts to combat extremists. In his discussions with the White House and the U.S. State Department, he stressed the importance of cutting off sources of funding to groups such as ISIL and al Qaeda, including from cultural racketeering. These terrorist organizations, as well as organized criminals, are benefiting from the sale of looted antiquities, including those from treasured archaeological sites in Egypt.
Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, Momdouh el Damaty, in partnership with the Egyptian Foreign
Ministry, has mobilized their embassies in countries where demand is high for Middle Eastern antiquities. They are actively partnering with auction houses, internet companies and private collectors to stop the sale of looted antiquities. Egyptian artifacts have been seized as far afield as Belgium, Israel, Spain and the United States. Christies and eBay, for example, have taken steps to ensure they are not sources of illicit antiquities.
In addition, Egypt is convening the countries of the Middle East to develop regional solutions to fight against these terrorist networks. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Antiquities, supported by the Antiquities Coalition and the Middle East Institute, will host a Cairo Summit in May to explore ways to halt terrorist financing though antiquities looting. This Summit will bring together nine countries of the region suffering from cultural racketeering – Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Lebanon, Jordan, and Libya – to join forces in the fight.
The Egyptian government is taking a proactive role in the fight against the cultural racketeers. Ministers Shoukry and el Damaty understand the complexity of the problem and are bringing the resources of two ministries to seek solutions. Bringing together the combined resources of their government in this fight is an important model that we hope all the invited countries will emulate – as well as cooperating government to government to develop regional solutions that will stop this multi-billion dollar industry from putting money into the pockets of organized criminals, armed insurgents, and terrorists.
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| Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, previously Egyptian Ambassador to the United States - speaking at the Embassy in Washington, DC in 2011. Photo Credit: The Capitol Archaeological Institute |
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry was in Washington the week of February 15 to build support for Egypt’s efforts to combat extremists. In his discussions with the White House and the U.S. State Department, he stressed the importance of cutting off sources of funding to groups such as ISIL and al Qaeda, including from cultural racketeering. These terrorist organizations, as well as organized criminals, are benefiting from the sale of looted antiquities, including those from treasured archaeological sites in Egypt.
Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, Momdouh el Damaty, in partnership with the Egyptian Foreign
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| (Left to right} Kate Seelye - Senior Vice President of the Middle East Institute, Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Mamdouh el Damaty, and Deborah Lehr - Chairman, the Antiquities Coalition during recent tip to Cairo, February 2015. Photo Credit: Antiquities Coalition |
In addition, Egypt is convening the countries of the Middle East to develop regional solutions to fight against these terrorist networks. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Antiquities, supported by the Antiquities Coalition and the Middle East Institute, will host a Cairo Summit in May to explore ways to halt terrorist financing though antiquities looting. This Summit will bring together nine countries of the region suffering from cultural racketeering – Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Lebanon, Jordan, and Libya – to join forces in the fight.
The Egyptian government is taking a proactive role in the fight against the cultural racketeers. Ministers Shoukry and el Damaty understand the complexity of the problem and are bringing the resources of two ministries to seek solutions. Bringing together the combined resources of their government in this fight is an important model that we hope all the invited countries will emulate – as well as cooperating government to government to develop regional solutions that will stop this multi-billion dollar industry from putting money into the pockets of organized criminals, armed insurgents, and terrorists.
Friday, February 20, 2015
SCA press release (9-2-2015): The Arab Republic of Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities Organizes an International Conference Next May to Face the Attempts of Tempering with Cultural Heritage
Edited SCA press release (9-2-2015):
"The Ministry of Antiquities Organizes an International Conference
next May to face the attempts of tempering with cultural heritage.
The Minister of Antiquities Dr. Eldamaty discussed the possibility
of organizing an international conference under the name of "Cultural
Heritage under Threat" to be held in Cairo next May. The conference
will be in collaboration between the Ministries of Antiquities and
Foreign Affairs in contribution with the UNESCO. The Antiquities
Minister met the Chairman of the International Coalition to Protect
Egyptian Antiquities (ICPEA) Deborah Lehr and the Vice President of the
Middle East Institute – Washington, Kate Seely, to study the means of
cooperation in the various fields of archaeology work with the subject
of confronting the processes of smuggling and illegal trade of the
cultural properties as a priority.
The Antiquities Minister clarifies that the idea came in this
particular timing due to what many Arab countries face of terrorist
actions, internal and external wars, insecure and instability of
security after the Arab Spring. Many archaeological areas, museums and
cultural heritage objects were negatively influenced due to such
exceptional incidents. The meeting aimed at the coming out of effective
resolutions to be declared internationally in such cases, and how to
deal with markets that illegally trade with cultural heritage objects.
General Supervisor of the "International Organizations" Department
Ahmed Ebeid added that this conference will open the door for
coordination between the affected countries and allows experience
exchange amongst them to protect their invaluable inheritance. It will
also emphasize the actual size of the people's great loss. He also
added that it has been agreed that a number of Arab Countries are
invited like Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.
Other issues also was discussed at the meeting like the means to
support the joint cooperation to participate in adding new Egyptian
Archaeological sites to the Cultural Heritage List and contact with
countries with previous experience at that field like China.
On the other hand, the General Director of the "Repatriated
Antiquities" Department added that there is a possibility that the
ICPEA could support the Egyptian efforts to document the artifacts
saved at the different stores and museums in Egypt through the use of
modern techniques to create a digital database to facilitate the
process of monitoring the registered, smuggled, and offered for sale
objects. He also added that a possibility to present the technical
support for Egypt to using the satellite technology in determining the
encroachments on archaeological sites was also negotiated at that
meeting. "
Original Arabic Language Article can be found HERE
next May to face the attempts of tempering with cultural heritage.
The Minister of Antiquities Dr. Eldamaty discussed the possibility
of organizing an international conference under the name of "Cultural
Heritage under Threat" to be held in Cairo next May. The conference
will be in collaboration between the Ministries of Antiquities and
Foreign Affairs in contribution with the UNESCO. The Antiquities
Minister met the Chairman of the International Coalition to Protect
Egyptian Antiquities (ICPEA) Deborah Lehr and the Vice President of the
Middle East Institute – Washington, Kate Seely, to study the means of
cooperation in the various fields of archaeology work with the subject
of confronting the processes of smuggling and illegal trade of the
cultural properties as a priority.
The Antiquities Minister clarifies that the idea came in this
particular timing due to what many Arab countries face of terrorist
actions, internal and external wars, insecure and instability of
security after the Arab Spring. Many archaeological areas, museums and
cultural heritage objects were negatively influenced due to such
exceptional incidents. The meeting aimed at the coming out of effective
resolutions to be declared internationally in such cases, and how to
deal with markets that illegally trade with cultural heritage objects.
General Supervisor of the "International Organizations" Department
Ahmed Ebeid added that this conference will open the door for
coordination between the affected countries and allows experience
exchange amongst them to protect their invaluable inheritance. It will
also emphasize the actual size of the people's great loss. He also
added that it has been agreed that a number of Arab Countries are
invited like Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.
Other issues also was discussed at the meeting like the means to
support the joint cooperation to participate in adding new Egyptian
Archaeological sites to the Cultural Heritage List and contact with
countries with previous experience at that field like China.
On the other hand, the General Director of the "Repatriated
Antiquities" Department added that there is a possibility that the
ICPEA could support the Egyptian efforts to document the artifacts
saved at the different stores and museums in Egypt through the use of
modern techniques to create a digital database to facilitate the
process of monitoring the registered, smuggled, and offered for sale
objects. He also added that a possibility to present the technical
support for Egypt to using the satellite technology in determining the
encroachments on archaeological sites was also negotiated at that
meeting. "
Original Arabic Language Article can be found HERE
Monday, February 16, 2015
United Nations Takes a Stand on Cultural Racketeering
Brava to Irina Bokova, Director General of Unesco, and the United Nations!
This past week, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a Russian-led resolution calling for countries to halt the import of illicit cultural property from Iraq and Syria, in order to cut off a key funding source for the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the Al Nusra Front (ANF), and other Al-Qaida affiliated organizations.
Resolution 2199 (2015) sends a strong message by the international community that individuals must not risk funding terrorists by purchasing these blood antiquities, and countries should also close their borders to them during this time of crisis. As ISIL spreads it tentacles into other Middle East countries, antiquities imported from Egypt, Libya, Lebanon, and Turkey, for example, should also be carefully scrutinized to ensure their legitimacy.
Irina Bokova has taken a strong stance against cultural racketeering, and in particular, antiquities looting being used to fund terrorist activities. Slowly but steadily she has worked to lay the foundation for action on this crime against humanity.
After the resolution passed, she called it a “milestone for enhanced protection of cultural heritage in Iraq and Syria,” Cultural racketeering, the systematic theft of antiquities by organized crime, “fuels the conflict by providing revenues for armed groups and terrorists. This resolution acknowledges that cultural heritage stands on the front line of conflicts today, and it should be placed on the front line of the security and political response to the crisis,” Bokova noted.
The resolution condemns the destruction and smuggling of cultural heritage in Iraq and Syria by ISIL and ANF, “whether such destruction is incidental or deliberate, including targeted destruction of religious sites and objects.” The Security Council, of which the United States is a permanent member, decided “that all Member States shall take appropriate steps to prevent the trade in Iraqi and Syrian cultural property and other items of…historical, cultural, rare scientific and religious importance illegally removed from Iraq since 6 August 1990 and from Syria since 15 March 2011.”
 |
| (Image from UNESCO) |
Irina Bokova has taken a strong stance against cultural racketeering, and in particular, antiquities looting being used to fund terrorist activities. Slowly but steadily she has worked to lay the foundation for action on this crime against humanity.
After the resolution passed, she called it a “milestone for enhanced protection of cultural heritage in Iraq and Syria,” Cultural racketeering, the systematic theft of antiquities by organized crime, “fuels the conflict by providing revenues for armed groups and terrorists. This resolution acknowledges that cultural heritage stands on the front line of conflicts today, and it should be placed on the front line of the security and political response to the crisis,” Bokova noted.
The resolution condemns the destruction and smuggling of cultural heritage in Iraq and Syria by ISIL and ANF, “whether such destruction is incidental or deliberate, including targeted destruction of religious sites and objects.” The Security Council, of which the United States is a permanent member, decided “that all Member States shall take appropriate steps to prevent the trade in Iraqi and Syrian cultural property and other items of…historical, cultural, rare scientific and religious importance illegally removed from Iraq since 6 August 1990 and from Syria since 15 March 2011.”
 |
| A Syrian Kurdish woman crosses the border between Syria and Turkey in September 2014. The UN Security Council has made a new resolution in a show of international resolve to confront the threat posed by the militants who overran parts of Syria and Iraq. (Image from Strait Times) |
While the Security Council has requested that the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), take the lead in coordinating these efforts, the United States is also playing an important role. But there is always more that can be done. For one, the US should move quickly to shut its borders to illicit antiquities from the entire region, since ISIL and ANF-smuggled pieces are being traded far beyond their territory. And to aggressively investigate and shut down the underground networks that trade in these illegal obtained antiquities.
 |
| Damage to the Great Mosque in Aleppo, one of Syria's oldest, shows the burning of its library containing thousands of rare religious manuscripts. (Image from NY Times) |
In addition, to support this spirit of this resolution, Secretary Kerry could continue to raise awareness about the linkages of antiquities looting and terrorist financing. One way to show support is by the United States swiftly signing the Cultural Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Egypt that will allow the State Department to direct Immigration and Customs Enforcement to stop the import of looted antiquities from Egypt. And by proactively seeking to conclude cultural MOUs with additional countries in the region to help shut down this multi-billion dollar illegal trade.
Irina Bokova is a hero in the heritage community for her tireless efforts to bring attention to this critical issue but more important, for taking steps to resolve it. She deserves the full and active support of the United States in this fight.
 |
| Director General of UNESCO Irina Bokova (Image from UN News Centre) |
Thursday, February 5, 2015
From Plunder to Preservation: The Untold Story of Cultural Heritage, World War II, and the Pacific
A Conference Marking the 70th Anniversaries of the Battles of the Coral Sea, Midway, and Guadalcanal
Thursday, November 8, 2014 – Friday, November 9, 2014
Organized by The National Trust for Historic Preservation
Terressa Davis
A lifetime has now passed since the United States entered the Second World War on 8 December 1941. The recent 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor revived interest in World War II, and in particular, the Pacific Theater of Operations. With 2012, 2013, and 2014 also commemorating major battles, focus on the War in the Pacific has only continued to increase.
The Pacific Theater —with its Kamikaze suicide bombings, guerrilla tactics, and nuclear weapons — was a take-no-prisoners fight to the death through island jungles exotic to both the Americans and Japanese. Because the war was fought between civilizations, cultural heritage was a major target, and thus a major casualty.
The FBA, New Orleans Chapter, has assembled a nationally recognized group of speakers, including archaeologists, historians, and lawyers. They will discuss the Empire of Japan’s pillaging and destruction of Asian treasures from Mongolia to Singapore. And they will shed light on the United States’ plan to first destroy —and ultimately spare —historic Kyoto; South Korea's efforts to recover their looted artworks; the fight to prevent the desecration of major battlefields; and the environmental time bomb of sunken battleships, and gravesites themselves, in pristine South Pacific waters.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED PANELISTS
William Cook, J.D., Associate General Counsel, National Trust for Historic Preservation
Tess Davis, J.D., Archeologist, Lawyer and Affiliate Researcher, University of Glasgow, Scotland
Ricardo J. Elia, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Archeology, Boston University
Laura Gongaware, J.D., Bland & Partners, PLLC
Larry Murphy, former Lead Marine Archaeologist for the National Park Service; expert witness in underwater cultural heritage cases.
John Stubbs, Director of Preservation Studies, Tulane University School of Architecture
Mark J. Spalding, President, The Ocean Foundation
Ole Varmer, Attorney-Advisor, International Section, Office of the General Counsel, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Elizabeth Varner, J.D., Executive Director of the National Art Museum of Sport
Thursday, November 8, 2014 – Friday, November 9, 2014
Organized by The National Trust for Historic Preservation
Terressa Davis
A lifetime has now passed since the United States entered the Second World War on 8 December 1941. The recent 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor revived interest in World War II, and in particular, the Pacific Theater of Operations. With 2012, 2013, and 2014 also commemorating major battles, focus on the War in the Pacific has only continued to increase.
The Pacific Theater —with its Kamikaze suicide bombings, guerrilla tactics, and nuclear weapons — was a take-no-prisoners fight to the death through island jungles exotic to both the Americans and Japanese. Because the war was fought between civilizations, cultural heritage was a major target, and thus a major casualty.
The FBA, New Orleans Chapter, has assembled a nationally recognized group of speakers, including archaeologists, historians, and lawyers. They will discuss the Empire of Japan’s pillaging and destruction of Asian treasures from Mongolia to Singapore. And they will shed light on the United States’ plan to first destroy —and ultimately spare —historic Kyoto; South Korea's efforts to recover their looted artworks; the fight to prevent the desecration of major battlefields; and the environmental time bomb of sunken battleships, and gravesites themselves, in pristine South Pacific waters.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED PANELISTS
William Cook, J.D., Associate General Counsel, National Trust for Historic Preservation
Tess Davis, J.D., Archeologist, Lawyer and Affiliate Researcher, University of Glasgow, Scotland
Ricardo J. Elia, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Archeology, Boston University
Laura Gongaware, J.D., Bland & Partners, PLLC
Larry Murphy, former Lead Marine Archaeologist for the National Park Service; expert witness in underwater cultural heritage cases.
John Stubbs, Director of Preservation Studies, Tulane University School of Architecture
Mark J. Spalding, President, The Ocean Foundation
Ole Varmer, Attorney-Advisor, International Section, Office of the General Counsel, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Elizabeth Varner, J.D., Executive Director of the National Art Museum of Sport
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