LUGARIT

Can Heritage Be a Path to Peace in Conflict Zones? In an interview with Syrian Anonymous Journalists, LUGARIT’s experts Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj and Eva Ziedan explore the powerful role of heritage—particularly intangible cultural practices—in rebuilding social cohesion and fostering peace in war-affected communities. 🌍 Title: Heritage as a Gateway to Peace 📅 Date: 21 September 2024 📚 Publisher:  LUGARIT + Syrian Anonymous Journalists ✍️ Speakers: Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj and Eva Ziedan EN | ع The interview is in Arabic. An English summary is available on LUGARIT website. المقابلة باللغة العربية 💡 Key insights: As the conversation coincided with the UN's International Day of Peace, key insights emerged: - Heritage as a Dynamic Process: Heritage is not static. It evolves with communities and can offer mechanisms for dialogue and reconciliation, especially in conflict zones like Syria. - Living Heritage and Social Cohesion: Beyond archaeological sites and monuments; traditions, customs, and cultural practices are essential tools in restoring trust and unity among fractured communities. - The Urgency of Action: Waiting for conflicts to end risks losing vital cultural elements by losing the communal practices that held them together. Now is the time to engage in heritage-driven peacebuilding efforts that can shape Syria’s future. - Examples of Resilience: Local communities in Syria have used intangible heritage, such as traditional agricultural practices, to survive and rebuild in the midst of war. Aziz and Eva make a compelling case that heritage, far from being a luxury or afterthought, is central to the survival and revival of Syrian society. 🎧 Listen to the full interview in Arabic to gain deeper insights into the potential of heritage as a peacebuilding tool: 🌐 Link: https://lnkd.in/dA5ByQxk 📷 Photo: Street vendor in Bab Al Faraj, Aleppo, Syria, 2009. Photo © Paolo Arsie Pelanda - Via ShutterStock. #LUGARIT #ThinkTank #HeritageForPeace #CulturalHeritage #Peacebuilding #Syria #InternationalDayOfPeace #RebuildingTrust #ConflictResolution

Democracy and Identity: A Tale of Two Regions—Europe and the Arab World   As we observed the International Day of Democracy on 15 September, we reflect on the unique challenges facing the Arab world in its pursuit of democratic governance. At the heart of these challenges lies a deep and unresolved crisis of identity, which continues to shape the region's political landscape.   In LUGARIT’s latest article, we explore the intersection of democracy and identity in the Arab world, drawing lessons from the long historical evolution of democracy in Europe.   🌍 Title: Democracy and the Emergence of the Modern State   📅 Date: 15 September 2024   📚 Publisher: LUGARIT   ✍️ Author: Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj. Editor (EN): Nihad Alamiri   EN | ع The article is available in both English and Arabic languages. المقالة متاحة باللغتين الإنجليزية والعربية   💡 Key insights   - The crisis of democracy in the Arab world is as much about identity as it is about governance. - Unlike Europe's gradual democratic development, Arab states were born out of post-colonial agreements that left fragile national identities. - Current efforts in the Arab world focus on tolerance rather than equality, with constitutions and social contracts reflecting a mindset of "acceptance" rather than inclusion. - The question remains: How long will it take the Arab world to evolve from this stage of tolerance to a fully realized democracy, where all identities are truly equal?   📖 🎧 Read or listen to the article on LUGARIT website and dive deeper into the complexities of identity, governance, and democracy in the Arab world:   🌐 Link: https://lnkd.in/dSpEmPs6   📷 Photo: Ouided Bouchamaoui (right), co-winner of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize as a member of the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, greets Raimonda Murmokaite, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the UN, at the Security Council meeting on security, development and the root causes of conflict. 17 November 2015. Photo © UN Photo/Cia Pak.    #LUGARIT #ThinkTank #InternationalDayOfDemocracy #Democracy #Governance #ArabWorld #IdentityCrisis #PoliticalReform #DemocraticDevelopment

Democracy and Identity: A Tale of Two Regions—Europe and the Arab World   As we observed the International Day of Democracy on 15 September, we reflect on the unique challenges facing the Arab world in its pursuit of democratic governance. At the heart of these challenges lies a deep and unresolved crisis of identity, which continues to shape the region's political landscape.   In LUGARIT’s latest article, we explore the intersection of democracy and identity in the Arab world, drawing lessons from the long historical evolution of democracy in Europe.   🌍 Title: Democracy and the Emergence of the Modern State   📅 Date: 15 September 2024   📚 Publisher: LUGARIT   ✍️ Author: Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj. Editor (EN): Nihad Alamiri   EN | ع The article is available in both English and Arabic languages. المقالة متاحة باللغتين الإنجليزية والعربية   💡 Key insights   - The crisis of democracy in the Arab world is as much about identity as it is about governance. - Unlike Europe's gradual democratic development, Arab states were born out of post-colonial agreements that left fragile national identities. - Current efforts in the Arab world focus on tolerance rather than equality, with constitutions and social contracts reflecting a mindset of "acceptance" rather than inclusion. - The question remains: How long will it take the Arab world to evolve from this stage of tolerance to a fully realized democracy, where all identities are truly equal?   📖 🎧 Read or listen to the article on LUGARIT website and dive deeper into the complexities of identity, governance, and democracy in the Arab world:   🌐 Link: https://lnkd.in/dSpEmPs6   📷 Photo: Ouided Bouchamaoui (right), co-winner of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize as a member of the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, greets Raimonda Murmokaite, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the UN, at the Security Council meeting on security, development and the root causes of conflict. 17 November 2015. Photo © UN Photo/Cia Pak.    #LUGARIT #ThinkTank #InternationalDayOfDemocracy #Democracy #Governance #ArabWorld #IdentityCrisis #PoliticalReform #DemocraticDevelopment

News - Mapping the Role of Civic Actors in the Education Sector in Syria In times of conflict, the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in education becomes crucial. As Syria navigates its conflict, CSOs are stepping in to fill gaps in the education sector, providing essential services amidst challenging conditions. On August 23, 2024, EuroMed Feminist Initiative and Duderi NGO launched two forthcoming studies on education in Syria. The first study analyses the education sector's post-conflict reconstruction needs, while the second study maps civil society organizations (CSOs) working in education across the country. LUGARIT’s partner, Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj, who led the research team behind the second study, presented key insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by CSOs. His presentation explored how CSOs are bridging gaps left by formal institutions, despite facing significant hurdles in scalability, sustainability, and impact. The study calls for stronger collaboration between CSOs and formal educational institutions to create a more cohesive and inclusive national education system. Transparency in these relationships is essential for promoting peace and citizenship values on a broader scale. 📖 We invite you to read the news post on our website to learn about the findings and their implications. 🌐 Link: https://lnkd.in/d6wNJTNk 📷 Photo: Syrian children attend a class at a makeshift school. 2015.  Photo © Muhammed Muheisen - via Freedom House on Flickr. #LUGARIT #ThinkTank #Syria #Education #CivilSociety #Reconstruction #SustainableDevelopment #PeaceBuilding #MiddleEast

News - Mapping a Disappearing Cultural Landscape: Digital Archiving in Action Preserving cultural landscapes demands innovative strategies, especially as many historic sites face threats from modern development. At the recent RGS-IBG Annual International Conference 2024, LUGARIT’s Consultant, Jadd Hallaj, showcased how digital tools can transform the preservation of endangered heritage. 💡 Key insights from the presentation: - Digital Archiving: Leveraging machine learning and historical maps to identify and document disappearing landscapes. - Community Engagement: Using collaborative digital archives to foster community involvement in the preservation of cultural heritage. - Heritage Preservation: Addressing the impact of urban sprawl on Northern Europe’s historic sites and developing sustainable practices for their protection. These efforts highlight the power of combining technology with community-driven initiatives to protect and revitalize our shared cultural heritage. 👉 Dive deeper into this topic by reading our news post here: 🌐 Link : https://lnkd.in/dQDSsd93 📷 Photo: Historical image of an unidentified island of moated homesteads within the Flemish countryside of Northern Europe. Photo Courtesy of Bernard Pauwels. #LUGARIT #ThinkTank #CulturalPreservation #DigitalArchiving #Mapping #Heritage #CommunityEngagement #RGSIBG2024 #Sustainability

LUGARIT is now on X (formerly Twitter)! 🎉 Follow us @LUGARIT_Impact to stay updated with our latest insights, in-depth analysis, and discussions on the pressing issues impacting the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. By joining us on X, you'll gain access to: - Thought-provoking articles and commentary - Updates on our projects and news - Engaging discussions on peace-building, early recovery, local governance and more Let’s continue the conversation and work together towards a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future. 🔗 Follow us now: https://lnkd.in/d44din7w #LUGARIT #ThinkTank #Research #MENA #InternationalDevelopment #PeaceBuilding #Reconstruction #Recovery #SustainableDevelopment #EconomicDevelopment #LocalGovernance #Urbanism #HeritageManagement #Housing #Communications #GenderMainstreaming #CivilSociety

News - Critical Reflections on Power-Sharing: LUGARIT at the University of Fribourg Conference. Understanding the complexities of power-sharing in conflict-affected regions is essential for achieving sustainable peace. At a recent conference at the University of Fribourg, LUGARIT's Director, Zedoun Alzoubi, shared key insights into the challenges and opportunities of power-sharing in the Middle East. 💡 Key Insights: - The increasing difficulty in securing new power-sharing agreements, particularly in Syria, due to complex international and domestic dynamics. - The varying definitions of durability in power-sharing, from merely ending conflict to achieving effective governance and improving citizen well-being. - The need for these systems to evolve towards greater functionality and inclusivity, with stronger involvement from ordinary citizens and civil society. 📖 For a deeper dive into the discussions and their implications for peacebuilding in the Middle East, read our news post on LUGARIT's website. 🌐 Link https://lnkd.in/dz8FsbgY 📷 Photo: The Peshmerga, a standing military of Kurdistan Region, an autonomous political entity within Iraq. Photo © Farzin hassan - Via Pixabay. #LUGARIT #ThinkTank #Peacebuilding #ConflictResolution #PowerSharing #MiddleEast #Governance #InternationalRelations #Lebanon #Syria #Iraq #Federalism #Decentralization #InclusiveGovernance

Commentary - Beyond Hostility: Exploring the Potential of the Damascus-Ankara Rapprochement The evolving dynamics between Damascus and Ankara could redefine Syria’s future, presenting both challenges and opportunities for all stakeholders. In LUGARIT’s latest commentary, we delve into the potential implications of the rapprochement between the two governments. 🌍 Title: Navigating the Damascus-Ankara Rapprochement: Prospects for a United Syria 📅 Date: 20 August 2024 📚 Publishers: LUGARIT + 180 Post ✍️ Authors: Zedoun Alzoubi and Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj. Editor (EN): Nihad Alamiri EN | ع The article is available in both English and Arabic languages. المقالة متاحة باللغتين الإنجليزية والعربية 🌐 Link: https://lnkd.in/dXbkUgje 💡 Key insights: - Impact on the Syrian Opposition: How this shift challenges the opposition’s reliance on Turkish support and what it means for their strategy moving forward. - Shared Security Concerns: The potential for joint strategies in northeastern Syria, offering a pathway to stability while addressing the Kurdish issue. - Economic Opportunities: The possibility of reopening trade routes between Europe, Turkey, and the Gulf through Syria, which could drive regional economic recovery. - The Refugee Crisis: The complex negotiations needed to ensure safe returns for Syrian refugees and the role of international cooperation in this process. - Armed Factions in Northern Syria: The challenges of reconciling with armed groups in Idlib and northern Aleppo and the potential paths forward. 📖 🎧 Read or listen to the article on our website to explore how these developments could shape a unified and stable Syria. 📷 Photo: A 764km long 3m high concrete wall topped with 1m razor wire runs along most of the Syria-Türkiye border. It is the third longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China and the American-Mexico border wall. Photo © Laith Doghem / TNH - via The New Humanitarian. Photo editing by LUGARIT. #LUGARIT #ThinkTank #Syria #Turkey #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #RegionalStability #InternationalRelations #Refugees #EconomicDevelopment

LUGARIT is Now on SoundCloud! 🎧 LUGARIT is producing audio versions of our commentary articles! You can now listen to our content on both our website and SoundCloud. Whether you prefer reading or listening, we’ve got you covered. 🌐 Follow us on SoundCloud to stay updated and explore our Audio Articles: https://lnkd.in/dtuc7trb 📄 Options: a. Download the PDF article (English + Arabic) b. Listen to the audio article (English) 🎙️ 15 of our past articles are now available in audio format, including: 1.    Souks of the Arab World: From Cultural Heritage to Economic Viability 2.    Bridging Divides: Citizenship and Group Rights in Post-Conflict Syria 3.    Leveraging Living Heritage for Peace-Building 4.    Identity, Citizenship, and the Quest for National Unity in Syria 5.    Exploring the Shift: Centralized to Decentralized Governance 6.    Caught Between Politics and Desperation: Syrian Refugees in Limbo 7.    Beyond Angels and Devils: Syria and the Paradigm of Reconciliation Vs. Partition 8.    The Paradigm of Early Recovery and Peacebuilding 9.    Monitoring the Monitors: Optimizing M&E in War-Torn Regions 10. Economic Fault Lines: Urban-Rural Dynamics and Post-Conflict Recovery 11. Decentralization After the Arab Spring: Prospects for the MENA Region 12. Beyond Intentions: The Humanitarian Fallout of Sanction Overcompliance 13. Reframing Territories of War Through a Gender Lens 14. Rethinking Aid for Early Recovery in Conflict Zones 15. Reimagining Heritage Preservation for Modern Sustainability Going forward, we aim to create audio articles for most of our commentary pieces. #LUGARIT #AudioArticles #SoundCloud #InternationalDevelopment #MENA

Commentary - Souks of the Arab World: From Cultural Heritage to Economic Viability. Historic marketplaces, or souks, in the Arab region are more than just commercial spaces; they are cultural landmarks with deep-rooted significance. However, balancing their preservation with economic revitalization poses unique challenges. 🌍 Title: Historic Marketplaces: Balancing Historic Preservation and Economic Revitalization 📅 Date: 06 August 2024 📚 Publisher: LUGARIT ✍️ Author: Omar Abdulaziz Hallaj. Editor: Nihad Alamiri EN | ع The article is available in both English and Arabic languages. المقالة متاحة باللغتين الإنجليزية والعربية 🌐 Link: https://lnkd.in/d2zXKbbR 💡 Key insights: - The historical role of souks in shaping urban economies and social networks. - The decline of traditional marketplaces due to modern economic shifts. - Ethical and economic considerations in revitalizing these markets. - Five strategic justifications for public investment in souk restoration. - Innovative approaches to ensure that revitalization efforts are sustainable and inclusive. 📖 Discover how these historic marketplaces can be revitalized to serve modern economic needs while preserving their cultural heritage. Read the full article on our website. 📷 Photo: The street markets of Cairo, Egypt. 10 June 2022. Photo © Ivan Moreno sl - via ShutterStock. #LUGARIT #UrbanRevitalization #CulturalHeritage #HistoricPreservation #EconomicDevelopment #Souks #UrbanPlanning #PublicPolicy #InclusiveDevelopment #MENA #ThinkTank