Latest news with #Icom
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Middle East's cultural treasures vulnerable to conflicts
AP Image The Paris-based International Council of Museums had issued an emphatic warning after the first bomb strikes: There was a "growing danger" for museums and their employees in Israel and Iran. The Icom, which consists of 8,000 museum professionals worldwide, including members from Israel and Iran, had demanded that both sides adhere to international conventions for the protection of cultural heritage, even in the event of conflict. "However, we can do no more than admonish and warn," the president of the Icom's German Nntional committee, Felicia Sternfeld, told DW. Did this appeal have an impact? The news situation on the ground is thin, with only sparse information coming out of Iran in particular, as the government allows hardly any foreign journalists to enter and severely restricts the press. However, one thing seems certain: Contingency plans were activated in both countries at the start of the Israel-Iran conflict. As much as possible, experts worked to secure, remove and relocate cultural assets. It is currently unclear whether there has been any damage. National Museum in Tehran evacuated Iran has a rich cultural heritage. This includes 28 Unesco World Heritage Sites and about 840 museums, 300 of which are under the administration of the culture ministry. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Aged 50-85 With No Life Insurance Could Get This Reassured Get Quote Undo "Iran has a well-organized and professional heritage authority," Judith Thomalsky, the head of the Tehran branch of the German Archaeological Institute, said in an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio. Thomalsky's office has been operating from Berlin since 2023, when thousands of Iranians protested the regime and the German Federal Foreign Office withdrew staff from German institutions as a precaution. The Institute itself continues its work on the premises of the German Embassy in Tehran with local staff, and Thomalsky maintains as much contact as possible with her Iranian network. Barbara Helwing, director of the Museum of the Ancient Near East in Berlin and Thomalsky's predecessor from 2000 to 2014, is also an expert on Iran. She told German regional broadcaster RBB that she was in contact with her colleagues at the National Museum until recently; there has been occasional radio silence because the Iranian regime had shut down the Internet. "We know that the museum and its two large buildings near the Foreign Ministry have been emptied," Helwing said. She added that she has seen photos showing empty display cases. Sandbags shielding important exhibits The Iranian National Museum is not only the oldest but also the most important museum in Iran. Comprising two buildings with three halls each, it houses more than 300,000 archaeological finds from pre-Islamic [before 7th century CE: Eds.] and Islamic times, including many objects made of stone, ceramics, glass and metals. "In Iran, the relationship with cultural heritage is very close," Helwing said. The country's cultural identity is based on a long history and the awareness that the first real-world empire in history, the ancient Persian Empire (around 550 to 330 BCE), originated in Iran. According to Helwing, all portable museum objects were hastily transported into the cellars. The nonmovable artifacts, mainly stone objects, were covered with sandbags to protect them from strikes and flying debris. Unlike in Israel, there are no bunkers in Iran — neither for people nor for valuable art treasures. Protecting archaeological sites that are often located in open areas has proved far more difficult. "You can't really protect them," Helwing said. "You can only hope that they are far enough away from potential targets." Is the famed Taq-e Bostan rock relief in danger? According to the English-language Tehran Times, Taq-e Bostan, an archeological complex from the era of the Sasanian dynasty (224-651 CE) that includes a one-of-a-kind monumental rock relief, faces particular danger. The newspaper reported that the Israeli Air Force bombed a weapons depot just two kilometers away from the complex. The resulting shock waves and vibrations may have damaged the site, Helwing said, though she lacked more precise information. "Iran's Department of Antiquities knows what it needs to do," said Judith Thomalsky, a historian who focuses on prehistoric times and who has spent over 20 years working in Iran. She also believes that it isn't possible to protect open archaeological sites such as the Persepolis complex, the Bisotun inscriptions and Takht-e Soleyman, or "Throne of Solomon," an archaeological site. She told the Berlin daily Tagesspiegel that, though she doesn't believe that cultural assets face an acute threat, it is impossible to know how things may develop. Institutions in Israel, for their part, activated emergency plans following the first Iranian counterattacks. For instance, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art secured its collection of Israeli and international art in underground storage, the French Magazine Beaux Arts reported. It is planning to reopen its doors on July 3. It is already possible to visit Jerusalem's Israel Museum again, which with its 500,000 objects is one of the largest in the Middle East. The museum website informs visitors that it is equipped with safe rooms that are located in the museum in case of emergency. Unesco Heritage Committee meets in Paris Israel is currently home to nine Unesco World Heritage Sites, including the White City of Tel Aviv, a neighbourhood with numerous buildings in the Bauhaus architectural style, the Masada mountaintop fortress and the Old City of Acre. "To our knowledge there has been no damage to archaeological artifacts under the management of Israel Antiquities Authority, nor to objects in museums," the authority has stated, as reported by both Tehran Times and The Times of Israel. World heritage sites are under formal protection of the international community. The 1954 Hague convention regulates the protection of cultural material in armed conflict, while the 1972 Unesco World Heritage Convention governs conservation of cultural assets among nations. From July 6-16, the Unesco World Heritage Committee will be holding its 47th session in Paris. Among other things, experts will discuss potential future Unesco cultural heritage sites. The session will be livestreamed. The Israel-Iran conflict was not on the agenda as of June 30.
The Star
02-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Preserving heritage in a digital age
AS DIGITAL technology transforms daily life, Malaysia's museums face the challenge of remaining relevant. This issue was central to the Malaysia International Museum Day 2025 seminar in Kuala Lumpur, themed 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.' Held in Kuala Lumpur, the event brought together regional cultural custodians, academics and community voices to reimagine the role of museums. Museums are no longer just quiet halls of the past; they must become dynamic hubs for learning, innovation and dialogue, declared International Councils of Museums Malaysia (Icom) chairperson and Department of Museums Malaysia director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim. He said museums were uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between tradition and technology. International Museum Day, celebrated annually on May 18 since 1977, also emphasises the need for museums to adapt and innovate to remain relevant, he added. The celebration spans 158 countries and sees participation from over 37,000 museums worldwide. Museums face the challenge of remaining relevant. — Photos: ONG SOON HIN/The Star Youth and new technologies Kamarul's keynote outlined three key strategies to guide the evolution of Malaysia's museums: protecting intangible heritage, engaging youth and adopting new technologies. While most visitors associate museums with ancient textiles or dusty heirlooms, the essence of culture often lies in what cannot be touched – rituals, songs, dialects, craftsmanship, and storytelling traditions. 'Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is increasingly at risk, and museums are uniquely placed to act as stewards of this fragile heritage,' said Kamarul. This, he said, resonated with the call to harness 'youth power' and their growing role in shaping the future of museums. 'Our youth are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. 'It is crucial we understand how to harness this energy and creativity to ensure museums remain relevant and appealing to future generations,' he emphasised. The exterior of Muzium Negara in Kuala Lumpur. Teaching intangible heritage In his keynote address, Icom executive board member Prof Zhao Feng said teaching ICH and training intangible inheritors in both universities and museums were equally important. He hopes to build a platform for this at universities and museums, especially in the Asia-Pacific. 'The plan is to offer courses in ICH worldwide. For example, a two-week course inviting people from five countries to show their techniques, share their cultures and experience themes around typical textile techniques,' said Prof Zhao, who is also Unesco Silk Road Heritage chairperson. Regional experience The Philippines' National Museum Network significantly adapted during the Covid-19 pandemic, enhancing its digital engagement. Its Museums deputy director- general Jorell Legaspi noted a 400% increase in website traffic in just one year by offering virtual tours, livestreams and downloadable materials, reaching even remote areas. He said more than 20 museums across the archipelago focused on improving digital infrastructure alongside physical galleries, providing free admission and enriching visitor experiences. However, Legaspi cautioned about the complexities of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR), emphasising the need for tech developers to align their strategies with museum goals. Ultimately, he said, the transformation of cultural institutions would require collective effort from various sectors to thrive in the 21st century. Local museums are urged to learn and improve visitors' experience. Smart collaborations Offering a 'non-museum community' perspective, independent management advisor Penny Ong Lean-Ping suggested that the Department of Museums Malaysia work with Higher Education Ministry or tertiary institutions. 'Imagine final-year IT or Multimedia students lending their skills to digitalise and transform our museums, fulfilling academic requirements while addressing a national need. 'This infuses youthful energy and cutting-edge skills directly into our heritage sector,' she said. Ong also drew inspiration from international models for what she termed 'open museums.' Her visit to the Dunhuang Grottoes in China was a revelation, she shared. 'They offered three distinct experiences: live performances bringing grotto characters to life, a breathtaking VR 360-degree rotating theatre, and the actual site visit. 'Malaysia, too, is rich with open museums in historic Melaka, the charming streets of George Town in Penang, and countless old towns with stunning architecture. 'These aren't just sites; they are immersive experiences waiting to be curated, protected and presented with innovative flair.' Ong also raised concerns about the valuation of artefacts in private museums, emphasising the need to assess their cultural significance alongside monetary value. 'Statistics show 44 private museums in Malaysia, about 20% of the total nationwide. 'My worry is that artefacts, especially those unique to specific tribes, may be undervalued,' she said. Legaspi (centre) in a panel discussion with moderator and Icom Malaysia secretary Janet Tee SIew Mooi (left) and National Museum of China research fellow and curator Joan Ma Min. — Courtesy photos. Next generation of curators From TikTok reels to Instagram takeovers, youth-led digital narratives can breathe new life into Malaysia's storied past. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said by integrating digital technologies, local museums could enhance the visitor experience, engage with diverse communities and ensure cultural narratives were preserved. 'The National Unity Ministry is committed to ensuring our museums reflect the values of inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability and diversity. 'We will work closely with the Department of Museums to develop and implement strategies that align with these principles,' he said. For example, he cited, all museums should digitise their collections and provide virtual and augmented reality experiences, interactive digital exhibits, mobile applications, and online platforms along with community engagement.
