Lost Sanctity: The Impact of Al-Askari Shrine Destruction in Iraq on Sectarian Conflict | ||
| International Journal of Advanced Studies in World Archaeology | ||
| Volume 7, Issue 1, June 2024, Pages 1-10 PDF (627.9 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ijaswa.2024.299402.1044 | ||
| Author | ||
| Ehsan Kandil* | ||
| Faculty of Communication, Educational and Humanities School Universitat Internacional de Catalunya | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Intentionally destroying cultural sites, especially those with religious importance, weakens communal unity and fuels conflict. The bombings of the Al-Askari Shrine in Iraq in 2006 and 2007 demonstrate these dynamics. This study investigates the consequences of the destruction of the Al-Askari Shrine on sectarian tensions in Iraq and evaluates the reactions of local and international parties. It also outlines the most effective methods for safeguarding religious sites as recommended by UNESCO. A comprehensive literature review was performed by searching databases such as JSTOR for publications published between 2001 and 2022 that addressed the research goals. Thematic analysis was conducted on papers, reports, and documents. The results indicate that the bombings increased violence, whereas reconstruction efforts facilitated reconciliation. The UN has created policy frameworks that prioritize security, education, dialogue, and cooperation between religious and state entities. The study concludes that effectively safeguarding religious heritage requires holistic, preventative approaches. By nurturing understanding and resilience in societies, cultural sites can be preserved to mitigate tensions and advance peace in periods of instability or conflict. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Religious heritage sites; religious intolerance; intentional destruction; Al; Askari mosque | ||
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