Call for Papers is now open for the upcoming workshop in Beirut “The Changing and Enduring Face of the Ancient Near East: The Impact of Migration and Imperialism through the Ages”

”The Changing and Enduring Face of the Ancient Near East: The Impact of Migration and Imperialism through the Ages” workshop on 24-26^th of August 2022 in Beirut, Lebanon.

The ancient Near East witnessed the rise and fall of many empires and the movement and settlement of different peoples. Each of these episodes of shifting powers and demography influenced the region and its local population in some manner and to varying degrees. Amidst political, economic and societal change, identities are reconsidered, lifeways are altered, and social hierarchies are negotiated. What were the consequences of imperialism and migration on the region and its peoples at different periods in its history? And how can we explore and interpret this impact through the archaeological record?

This workshop invites scholars of Near Eastern archaeology whose research centres on exploring the patterns of change and continuity within local societies, cultures and populations between the Bronze Age and the late Roman period. Different methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches to this topic of research are welcome, including theoretical, material, epigraphic and scientific approaches. 

Themes of discussion include:

• imperial and colonial dynamics 
• migration and mobility 
• increased connectivity
• differences in local responses to and experiences of new powers (e.g. urban vs. rural settings)
• the role of agency and authority in adopting, resisting or imposing change
• negotiations of social standing among local elites 
• individual and group lifeways and identities.

Organizers

This event is jointly organized by the Finnish Institute in the Middle East (FIME) and the University of Helsinki’s Centre of Excellence in Ancient Near Eastern Empires (ANEE). 

Venue and excursion sites

The workshop will be held at the Lebanese National Library (LNL), in Beirut, on the 24^th and the 25^th of August, 2022, and will be followed by a day-long excursion to the Bekaa valley on the 26^th of August, 2022. In Bekaa valley, we visit the archaeological sites of Baalbek and Anjar, as well as the famous local Ksara winery. The program of the first and second workshop days also includes visits to two museums within Beirut: the National Museum of Beirut and the American University of Beirut Archaeological Museum.

Remote participation

While the workshop is projected to be fully held in person, a hybrid format is also being considered. Scholars interested in giving an online presentation are as such encouraged to submit an abstract while indicating their virtual attendance.

How to apply

We hereby welcome abstracts (max. 400 words) for 25-minute paper presentations to be submitted by the 28^th of March, 2022. Please submit your abstract through the form below. 

Application timeline

Deadline for submitting abstracts: 28^th of March 2022 (Midnight Helsinki time UTC +02:00)

Selected papers will be announced by mid-April.

Registration period for selected speakers opens on April 25^th, 2022.

Registration period for selected speakers closes on May 23^th, 2022.

Registration for general attendance opens on June 15^th, 2022.

Registration for general attendance closes on the 31^st of July 2022.

The workshop takes place in Beirut between 24-25^th of August 2022, and includes a day-long excursion to Bekaa valley on 26^th of August.

Costs

The workshop is free of charge for the selected speakers and audience. 

A modest fee for the excursion to the Bekaa valley will be requested from those who wish to participate. 

Attendees are kindly asked to arrange and cover their own travel expenses and accommodation. 

Coffee breaks and lunch will be offered at the venue. Dinner is not included. 

Practical Notes:

• The workshop will consist of a series of presentations and discussions on relevant themes (August 24-25), followed by a day-long excursion to visit the archaeological sites of Baalbek and Anjar, as well as the Ksara winery in the Bekaa valley (August 26). Participants are kindly asked to sign up for the day trip upon registration. A modest fee for the excursion to the Bekaa valley will be requested. Details will be communicated with participants at a later date.
• The registration period for selected speakers will be between April 25, 2022 and May 23, 2022.
• There is a possibility to attend the workshop program on August 24-25 as audience. Registration for general attendance opens June 15, 2022 and ends on the 31^st of July, 2022. 
• A walking tour of Beirut, as well as two museum visits will be arranged on August 24 & 25. The latter include the National Museum of Beirut and the American University of Beirut Archaeological Museum. Transportation to and from the museums as well as entrance fees for registered participants will be covered by the workshop organizers.

Further Information:

Due to recent events in Lebanon, and Beirut in particular, we understand that some may have reservations about visiting the country. We would like to reassure everyone that should there be any concern for attendees’ safety and well-being, we as organizers would not proceed with the event. We hope that scholars of the ancient Middle East remain encouraged to also share their research in the region that they study. 

Should you have additional questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the organizers at sandra.nassereldine@fime.fi.

We look forward to welcoming you all in Beirut this summer.

Organizing Committee:

Dr. Irina Piippo (FIME, Director)                  Dr. Vana Kalenderian

Dr. Antti Lahelma (ANEE, vice-Director)     Sandra Nasser El-Dine (FIME, Researcher)

Featured image: FIME archives.