Vortragende: Tomomi Fushiya, Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw

Sudan’s archaeological heritage faces growing pressure from overlapping political, environmental,
and economic crises. Since the outbreak of armed conflict in April 2023, archaeological sites,
museums, and collections have become increasingly vulnerable to both direct and indirect forms
of damage. Direct impacts include looting, vandalism, and destruction affecting museums and
archaeological sites across the country. At the same time, the conflict has weakened heritage
management and security structures, leaving many sites exposed to increased climate-related
hazards and economic pressures. In this sense, the conflict has accelerated pre-existing vulnerabilities
affecting Sudan’s cultural heritage.
Beyond the immediate impacts of conflict, longer-term processes, such as climate change and
the rapid expansion of gold mining, have further intensified the deterioration of archaeological
sites and historic buildings across Sudan. Socio-political instability has disrupted institutional
protection. While international organisations and archaeological project teams have explored
ways to provide support from outside the country, the role of archaeological professionals on the
ground has become essential. Together with local communities, they have assumed key responsibilities
for monitoring and safeguarding heritage, amidst one of the worst humanitarian crises of
this century.
Drawing on research and collaboration with local communities from the pre-conflict period,
this lecture examines how these intersecting pressures are reshaping the ways archaeological
heritage is understood, managed, and cared for. Particular attention will be given to community-
based initiatives and collaborative efforts, using cases from Old Dongola and the Sikoot
region, which illustrated how the challenges triggered discussions about vulnerability and the
importance of caring for heritage, highlighting persistence and resilience. The lecture will also
touch upon early initiatives that sought to document damage to cultural heritage and raise
awareness during the initial phase of the conflict, including work undertaken through the Sudan
Heritage Protection Initiative (2023–2024), bringing together the efforts and care of civil society
for heritage protection.

Die »World Archaeology Seminars« sind eine regelmäßige Veranstaltung während des akademischen Jahres, die vom ÖAW und ÖAI organisiert wird. Nationale und internationale Forscher:innen präsentieren aktuelle Debatten, neue Methoden, Feldforschung und Theorien auf dem Gebiet der Archäologie. Der Schwerpunkt der Vorträge liegt auf globaler Archäologie, einschließlich aller Themen im Zusammenhang mit interdisziplinärer Forschung und dem Erbe vergangener Gesellschaften. Forscher:innen, Studierende und die breite Öffentlichkeit sind zur Teilnahme eingeladen.

Registration until 19.05.2026: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein.

The lecture will take place in hybrid form. The link is available on the Institute´s website Heritage in a Time of Crisis Conflict, Climate, and Community in Sudan / Heritage in a Time of Crisis Conflict, Climate, and Community in Sudan

Weitere Informationen findet ihr im Anhang:
20260520_einladung_fushiya.pdf