Tareq Awwad

This project will explore the history of archeology in Syria and its impact on local archaeological excavation management, methods, and practices, as well as interpretive paradigms in post-independence excavations from 1946 until 2010. The project seeks to situate current practices of archaeological knowledge creation in Syria’s colonial history and key archaeological research projects.

This study will explore post-independence archaeological practice in Syria from three interrelated perspectives:

1) Local communities of practice, including: (a) Syrian archaeologists. (b) The structure, organization, and management of Syrian archaeological missions. (c) The relationships of excavation labourers and archaeological research teams.

2) Excavation methods and techniques. The second part of the study will develop a comprehensive understanding of the aims of Syrian excavations, their overall research strategies, the methods employed, and interpretive frameworks used to narrate results.

3) Foreign institutions. A third component will explore the emergence and development of international research institutions/schools, focusing in particular on policies regarding excavation practices up to 2024.