In a pioneering initiative, the University of Oxford hosted a delegation of Iraqi heritage experts representing the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain. The delegation was received by Dr. Bill Finlayson, Director of the Endangered Archaeology and Heritage Project at the University’s School of Archaeology, where they presented efforts to document damage to Iraq’s cultural sites over recent decades.

Professor Zain Al-Abideen Al-Jafar, Dr. Aqeel Ghalib Al-Kharifawi, and Dr. Jaafar Al-Joudhari delivered a research paper titled “Documenting the Destruction of Archaeological Sites by Al-Qaeda and ISIS in Iraq.” The presentation outlined extensive fieldwork involving site visits and detailed documentation of damaged heritage locations, followed by an in-depth discussion session.

During the visit, Professor Al-Jafar and Dr. Al-Kharifawi also presented a nine-volume publication of their work to the team behind the Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa (EAMENA) project. The collection will be added to the School’s library.

The research aligns closely with EAMENA’s mission to document threats and damage to heritage sites across the region. Both sides held preliminary discussions on data-sharing and future collaboration to strengthen documentation and preservation efforts.

The visit was highlighted on the University of Oxford’s official website, reflecting the institution’s interest in such initiatives and underscoring the importance of documenting endangered archaeological sites. It also illustrates the expanding role of institutions like the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain in preserving Iraq’s cultural heritage and historical legacy.

Haidar Al-Mangooshi