Violins and trowels for Palmyra: Post‐conflict heritage politics

Post-conflict heritage conservation and reconstruction of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Palmyra, are not merely technical processes but also strategic political acts. This study reveals how the Russian Federation leverages these efforts to manipulate the cultural biography of heritage objects, highlighting their role in broader geopolitical narratives. Using extensive ethnographic research, it demonstrates that conservation and reconstruction are pivotal moments in shaping the future of war-torn heritage, offering new insights into the intersection of culture, politics, and violence.

Plets, G. (2017). Violins and trowels for Palmyra: Post‐conflict heritage politics. Anthropology Today, 33(4), 18–22. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8322.12362