Community Archaeology Challenges and Perspectives from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: The Case of Faida (Duhok Governorate)
Francesca Simi, Università degli Studi di Udine, francesca.simi@uniud.it,
ORCID: 0000-0003-4607-7428
Kovan Ihsan Yaseen, Duhok Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage, kovan.yaseen@su.edu.krd
Daniele Morandi Bonacossi, Università degli Studi di Udine, daniele.morandi@uniud.it,
ORCID: 0000-0003-0065-7427
ABSTRACT –
In the past ten years, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has experienced a new wave of archaeological projects working in its territory. Thanks to this “renaissance” of archaeological research, the region became a laboratory for experimenting with new methodologies and approaches in the field. However, so far only a few virtuous attempts have been carried out in the direction of community engagement, outreach and Public Archaeology more in general.
The paper presents the experience of the Land of Nineveh Archaeological Project (LoNAP) of the University of Udine in the Governorate of Duhok (KRI – Kurdistan Region of Iraq), where since 2021 it has promoted a series of activities aimed at understanding and improving the local community’s perception of the Faida Archaeological Complex. The preliminary results highlight the positive response of the communities and the immense potential for public engagement at archaeological sites in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
