As the 28th International Conference of the Arab Council of the Union of Arab Archaeologists approaches, renowned Islamic archaeology professor Dr. Mohamed El-Kahlawy has issued a strong warning: Arab heritage in Gaza, Sudan, and Lebanon is facing unprecedented danger, and urgent action is needed to protect it.
The conference, scheduled for November 22–23, 2025, under the Association of Arab Universities, will focus on the theme: “The Heritage of Gaza, Sudan, and Lebanon: Between the Dangers of War and the Vision of Rescue.”
Speaking exclusively to SEE News, Dr. El-Kahlawy—who also serves as president of the Arab Archaeologists Council—emphasized that heritage is not just about monuments and museums, but about the identity and memory of nations. He described the protection of cultural heritage in conflict zones as both a national duty and a moral obligation.
“Heritage is not silent stone,” he said. “It holds the stories of people, civilizations, and values. When war destroys it, it destroys part of our identity. Saving it is not optional—it’s a duty we all share.”
El-Kahlawy noted that threats to heritage are not limited to war. Climate change, rising sea levels, desertification, and the illegal trade in antiquities are also accelerating the loss of Arab cultural assets. He stressed that protecting heritage begins with society itself, through education and awareness. “Public awareness is the strongest line of defense. Communities must feel responsible for preserving their own cultural legacy,” he added.
For the first time, the conference will also explore the use of artificial intelligence in archaeology and museum management. El-Kahlawy described AI as a powerful tool for digital documentation, 3D reconstruction, and site management, but warned that it must be used carefully to protect authenticity and prevent misuse.
He also highlighted the Arab Council’s recent accomplishments. Over the past few years, the council has established more than 17 regional centers for heritage preservation, restoration, and training in various Arab countries. It has launched the Heritage Panorama Project in partnership with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, created a 25,000-volume library, and organized cultural workshops for children to build awareness of their heritage from a young age.
El-Kahlawy proudly shared that the council’s Journal of Arab Archaeologists has been indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, a major achievement that places Arab archaeological scholarship on the international academic stage.
Closing the interview, El-Kahlawy offered a powerful reminder: “Heritage is the collective memory of our nations. If we don’t protect it, we risk forgetting who we are. This is a responsibility we must carry today—for ourselves and for future generations.”
professor Dr. Mohamed El-Kahlawy
professor Dr. Mohamed El-Kahlawy
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