Public Lecture: "Rebuilding Timbuktu's Legacy," Dr. Douglas Park, Monday March 4 (6:30PM), George Washington University

[Jacob Mundy]

Upcoming Lecture on Monday

"Rebuilding Timbuktu's Legacy"Public Lecture by

Dr. Douglas Post Park

Monday, March 4th, 2013

Reception 6:30PM - with Free West African food!Lecture 7:00PM LocationSchool of Media and Public Affairs Building  801 21st Street Room B07 George Washington University

Visiting Lecturer of Anthropology, Rice University Co-Director, The Saharan Archaeological Research Association

Abstract: This is a story of tragedy and conflict where one of Africa’s greatest and oldest sites faced the complete annihilation of its cultural history.  This is also a story of hope and courage, where government officials and private citizens placed their lives on the line in their successful attempt at rescuing one of the largest collections of ancient manuscripts in the world.  This is the story of Timbuktu.

Archaeologist Dr. Douglas Park will go deep into the background of Timbuktu’s capture and takeover by al-Qaeda linked groups and its subsequent liberation by Malian and French troops.  Based upon his personal experience from 13 months of field research at Timbuktu, he will explore why ancient monuments and priceless manuscripts were targeted and destroyed, how many were saved, and what must be done to begin rebuilding the city’s cultural legacy.