Digitally Mediated Iconoclasm: the Islamic State and the war on cultural heritage

The Islamic State's (IS) destruction of cultural heritage, particularly at pre-monotheistic sites like Palmyra and Nimrud, is not merely a physical act but a digitally mediated one. The study introduces the analytical framework of 'Digitally Mediated Iconoclasm' (DMI), which captures the three stages of destruction—before, during, and after—as both evidence and a perdurable digital archive. Through an analysis of IS propaganda, including videos and photographs, the research reveals how the group strategically uses photographic and audio-visual techniques to build tension around heritage destruction while allocating significant resources to produce digital content. This framework advances understanding in heritage and media studies by demonstrating the dual role of DMI as both a tool for destruction and a lasting record.

González Zarandona, J. A., Albarrán-Torres, C., & Isakhan, B. (2017). Digitally Mediated Iconoclasm: the Islamic State and the war on cultural heritage. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 24(6), 649–671. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2017.1413675