Archaeological practices and social cohesion in post-conflict Iraq: taking stock of the lessons learned for a more inclusive paradigm of action

Several western-funded archaeological projects have engaged with postconflict Iraq with two aims on their agenda: heritage conservation and safeguarding and improving the social cohesion of the country’s fragmented national society. This article reflects on the work of three specific EU-funded projects that carried out activities in the key areas of documentation, conservation, legislation, education, and communication. Conducted between 2016 and 2023, the projects had a significant impact on the Iraqi national social debate and the country’s archaeological practices. Reflexively re-evaluating the final outcomes of these projects, however, the authors argue that future endeavours need to deeply reflect on several key aspects if they wish to further shift archaeological practices towards decolonial and collaborative paradigms. These aspects are: community engagement initiatives; long term commitment and intersectional approaches; and the accountability of local and national authorities vs. international intervention.