The Politics of Preservation

MoMA PS1 presents an afternoon of programming that examines the destruction of Iraqi heritage by the allied forces during the Gulf wars. Scholarship and mainstream attention surrounding the destruction and preservation of cultural heritage in Iraq have tended to focus largely on antiquity. This critical conversation expands this scope to not only address archeological sites and artifacts, but to also focus on the living contemporary culture of Iraq, posing questions about how culture is perceived, instrumentalized, and valued during times of war and occupation.

Medical anthropologist Omar Dewachi, whose research focuses on the intersection of global health, the history of medicine, and political anthropology, leads the discussion. He is joined by Zahra Ali, Zainab Bahrani, David Harvey, and Zainab Saleh. Following the presentations, participants will come together in a conversation moderated by Ali.

The discussion is followed by a concert from renowned Iraqi maqam vocalist Hamid Al-Saadi performing with the celebrated ensemble Safaafir featuring Amir ElSaffar.