Free Talk by Dr Habab Idriss Ahmed
Sudan is located in Northeast Africa, at the crossroads between Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the Red Sea region. This strategic location made it a meeting point of different civilizations and cultures for thousands of years, connecting Africa with the Mediterranean world and the Middle East. Throughout history, Sudan has witnessed the rise of remarkable civilizations such as the Kingdom of Kush, the Christian Nubian kingdoms, and the Islamic sultanates. As a result, the country possesses exceptionally rich and diverse cultural heritage, including archaeological sites, historic cities, museums, traditional practices, and cultural landscapes that reflect the long and complex interactions between different peoples and cultures.
However, this heritage is currently facing serious threats due to the war that began in April 2023. The conflict has severely affected museums, archaeological sites, and cultural institutions, particularly in major urban centres, but also in areas previously considered relatively safe. Many museums have been damaged, looted, or occupied, leading to the loss and dispersal of invaluable artefacts. In addition, the widespread displacement of communities has reduced site protection and monitoring, increasing the risks of destruction, illicit excavations, and looting. These circumstances have placed Sudan’s cultural heritage in an extremely vulnerable situation and highlight the urgent need for national and international efforts to safeguard it.
Sat 14 March 11am-12pm Doors open 10.30am