Cultural heritage and illicit trafficking in a fragmented Middle East

On October 17, the rectorate hall of the University Turin will host a New-Med conference entitled “Cultural Heritage and Illicit Trafficking in a Fragmented Middle East”. The meeting, co-organized by the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) and the University of Turin’s Department of Historical Studies, relies upon the cooperation and support of the Compagnia di San Paolo, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the German Marshall Fund (GMF) of the United States, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

24 international renowned scholars, head of museums, practitioners, and policy makers from 11 countries will gather to analyze the dramatic events that have affected cultural heritage in Middle Eastern countries in recent years. Speakers will also focus on the “human dimension” of this tragedy, and shed light on projects aimed at the rebirth of cultural heritage in the region, such as museums, archaeological excavations, and restoration of damaged monuments.