Making Change towards Inclusive Societies: The Soft Power of Community Archaeology in Building Cultural Heritage in Mozan, Syria

Yara Moualla,Gayle Mcpherson

doi:10.3390/su11174670

Abstract

This paper investigates the soft power of community archaeology in transforming isolated and diverse communities into a more inclusive society, by reviewing community archaeology as a concept, and as a process, through the case of inclusive cultural heritage in Mozan, Syria. A theory of change underpinned key interventions in Mozan to track shifts in the social behaviour of locals from cultural isolation towards participation, partnership and inclusion, while investigating the process of establishing understanding, acceptance and mutual trust within communities. The research adopted an ethnographic study and used qualitative research methods. These relied primarily on direct observations and open ended, semi-structured and in-depth interviews with local communities, an archaeological mission and governmental and civic stakeholders involved in the area. The fieldwork research was informed by conducting a review of literature on the impact of culture and heritage in social contexts, social inclusion and cultural diplomacy. The paper demonstrates how the contribution of community archaeology in soft power change has assisted personal and community empowerment through inclusive cultural heritage on an individual level while strengthening social networks to mobilise the impact on the community as a whole. It reveals how such a project enhanced dialogue, increased awareness, and built and contributed to mutual understanding in order to support a shift in the harder area of symbolic community thinking and attitude, against a backdrop of conflict, war and isolation and builds the basis for inclusive cultural heritage tourism.

Highlights

they know more about Mozan. (The) Soft Power of Community ArchaeologySince the contemporary term ‘heritage’ is a reflection of what has been constructed by past societies, based on their needs and ambitions, as well as upon a set of social and cultural values and norms, the concept of heritage can be considered a symbolic product of a social construction that has the ability to make change in societies
We know more about the ancient Urkesh, but they know more about Mozan. (The) local community can tell us a lot about the territory and by working with them we can learn a lot about how ancient Mozaniens used to manage the land.”
We discussed how community archaeology can deal with the nature, cause and consequences of social exclusion and conflict, empower social and cultural participation and discuss its soft power in enhancing opportunities, access to resources while empowering everyone’s voice and respect of rights

Summary

Introduction

Since the contemporary term ‘heritage’ is a reflection of what has been constructed by past societies, based on their needs and ambitions, as well as upon a set of social and cultural values and norms, the concept of heritage can be considered a symbolic product of a social construction that has the ability to make change in societies. This can be achieved by reflecting who they are, and reflecting who they would like to become.

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Conclusion