Rome, Italy, July 7-11, 2025
The program will meet daily from Monday to Friday
10:00 am - 2:00 pm CET - times may be subject to adjustment
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This course is open to all interested parties and assumes no prior knowledge of the field.听听It is likely to benefit individuals working in, or aspiring to work in, cultural heritage, art administration, museums, provenance research, law enforcement, criminology or customs authorities.
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OVERVIEW
The world of antiquities has been deeply affected by the systematic looting and illicit trafficking of cultural heritage, particularly in regions of the Middle East and North Africa.听听This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the complex problem of antiquities trafficking, examining the motives and operations of looters, traffickers, and dealers.
Drawing on case studies from conflict and post-conflict areas such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria, participants will gain insight into how stolen artefacts are laundered through illicit supply chains before appearing in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide.听听By understanding these processes, participants will be better equipped to recognise and combat art and heritage crimes.
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CERTIFICATION
Participants who complete the course will receive an AUR Certificate of Completione.听This course does not offer institutional Credit Hours.
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About your instructor: Dr. Samer Abdel Ghafour
Dr. Samer Abdel Ghafour is a Europe-based Syrian expert in cultural heritage preservation and combating the illicit trafficking of antiquities.听听He is the founder of ArchaeologyIN, a social media network promoting cultural heritage awareness across ten countries.听听Before moving to Italy Samer worked at the National Archaeological Museum of Aleppo and later served at the Syrian Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums.
He was awarded a Ph.D. from La Sapienza University of Rome with a thesis entitled听Ideologies of the Destruction of Cultural Heritage in the Ancient and Modern Near East.听His research focuses on safeguarding cultural heritage in conflict zones in the Middle East and North Africa, including Syria, where he has been involved in numerous archaeological missions.
He has consulted for a number of notable organisations and projects, including UNESCO, Europol, the British Museum, the Italian Carabinieri TPC, the Dutch National Police, and the Swiss Federal Office of Culture.
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COURSE OUTLINE
Each day will consist of four hours of contact time, comprising lectures, discussions, case studies, and interactive exercises.听听
An optional visit to a relevant site or organisation in Rome will be organised during the week.
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Day 1: The Impact of Looting on Cultural Heritage
The first session will focus on understanding how the destruction and pillage of archaeological sites undermines historical knowledge.听听We will explore examples of looting from the MENA region and its consequences for cultural preservation.
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Day 2: Motivations and Actors in Source Countries
This session will examine the socio-economic factors that drive looters.听听We will analyse how local communities, organised networks, and individual actors contribute to the problem.
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Day 3: Trafficking Networks and Transit Countries
In this session, we will explore the role of middlemen and organised crime networks in smuggling artefacts across borders and discuss the role of corruption and weak enforcement in transit countries.
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Day 4: Market Countries and the Role of Collectors
This session will explore the demand for antiquities in market countries and how it drives the supply chain.听听We will study the role of auction houses, galleries, and collectors in perpetuating heritage crimes; we will also understand the importance of due diligence and ethical collecting practices.
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Day 5: Combating Illicit Trafficking and Future Solutions
The final session will review national and international laws and enforcement mechanisms designed to combat antiquities trafficking.听听We will discuss collaborative approaches involving governments, museums, and NGOs to protect cultural heritage; and how we can consider emerging solutions, including technology and community engagement.
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Please note this schedule may be subject to adjustment.
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COURSE TUITION
鈧�1,495.00 (euros)/participant
MEALS, TRANSPORT, AND ACCOMMODATION
Please note that all participants are responsible for their own transportation, accommodation, and insurance coverage. As a major tourist venue, Rome has an extensive supply of hotel accommodation at all levels, but participants are advised to book as early as possible in order to secure the booking of their choice.
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REGISTRATION:
Please register below.听听
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL/VISA REQUIREMENTS
International participants must be informed about Italian travel information and hold a valid entry visa if required.听
For non-EU citizens, or with your local embassy.
Looting and Illicit Trafficking of Antiquities in the Middle East and North Africa