Fall 2026 Presentations & Courses

 

The Cultrual Heritage of the Middle East in Danger

TBA 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon - Online Class from October to December - Simon Fraser University


Since the beginning of the most recent conflicts, cultural heritage has been the target of intentional destruction in various parts of the Middle East. The instructor has travelled extensively through the region in the past and has photographically documented its extraordinary landscapes, astonishing architecture, historical sites and cultural heritage

CONTENTS

Weeks 1-2: Some antecedents of wholesale destruction of cultural heritage • A brief History of the Middle East • Cultural Heritage of Iraq

We will look at some underlying causes to the wholesale destruction of cultural goods and look at the generalized destruction of cultural heritage throughout history from the Siege of Jerusalem, through the devastation caused by Nazi Germany and various Communist regimes in the 20th century, to the destruction of the cultural heritage of Afghanistan. We will then trace a brief account of the Middle East over time, to get a better understanding of the region and learn about the situation in these countries today.
Since the beginning of the conflict in Iraq in 2003, its cultural heritage has been the target of intentional destruction, such as the looting of the National Museum of Iraq, the building of an American base in the archaeological site of Babylon and the bombing of the golden dome of the al-Askari Mosque in Samarra. Attacks against the culture of Iraq have recently seen a dramatic escalation. Following the brutal destruction of many invaluable cultural items at the Mosul Museum and of the Mosque of the Prophet Jonah, and the bulldozing of the ancient Assyrian cities of Nimrud and Nineveh by militants of the ISIL, the destruction of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hatra marks a turning point in the cultural cleansing underway.

Week 3-4: Cultural Heritage of Syria and Lebanon

The situation in Syria has stabilized recently, however the human suffering and loss of cultural heritage from 2010 to 2025 is incalculable. An analysis of satellite imagery indicates that 290 cultural heritage sites in the country, whose history stretches back to the dawn of civilization, have been damaged by its ongoing civil war. To date, five UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Palmyra, the Crac des Chevaliers, Bosra, the Ancient Villages of Northern Syria and Aleppo including the Aleppo Citadel—have suffered damage and destruction. In addition to this, ancient cities such as Ebla, Mari, Dura-Europos and Apamea, among many others, have suffered from looting, where thieves have even used bulldozers and heavy machinery to remove objects from important archaeological sites.

Lebanon underwent immense destruction during the Lebanese Civil War from 1975 to 1990. The situation in Lebanon has been deteriorating rapidly, further aggravated by the most recent conflict with Israel, which is devastating Southern Lebanon and Beirut. We will explore cultural heritage sites in the country, such as Baalbek, Byblos, Tyre, whose history stretches back to Antiquity; see the ruins of crusader castles, the remains of the city of Anjar, founded during the Umayyad period; and discover the beauty of the Holy Valley of Ouadi Qadisha and the Forest of the Cedars of God.

Week 5: Cultural Heritage of Yemen

At the crossroads of spice and incense routes, Yemen is one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions in the world. It has now been tragically touched by the winds of modernity. From these records, he has prepared a new multi-image video presentation which will take you on a musical and photographic journey that showcases sites from mountains with fortress-like villages on the top of the peaks, to picturesque urban settlements with ancient skyscrapers made from stone and mud, where people live on top of their animals. We will journey from deserts to fertile valleys, from the shores of the Arabian Sea to colorful markets filled with sounds, fragrances and faces from 1001 Nights, everywhere witnessing the ancient wisdom and art from the land of the Queen of Sheba

Week 6 Cultural Heritage of Iran and Afghanistan

The instructor travelled extensively through Iran in 1999, 2002 and 2015, astonished at the rapid change the country has undergone in the last decade, despite the imposition of sanctions by numerous governments and the UN Security Council. The current conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has put many important cultural heritage sites in danger, albeit given the current “fog of war”, it is difficult to assess the actual damage that has occurred. Peter Langer went to Iran specifically to document many of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, which now might be in peril, and in this part of the course, we explore archaeological sites of ancient Persia and Mesopotamia: Pasargadae, the first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus II the Great; Persepolis, a 2500-year-old reminder of the might of the Persian Empire; the perfectly preserved Armenian Monastic Ensembles, located in the North of the country; the beautiful Persian Gardens; and masterpieces of Islamic architecture in Ardabil, Tabriz, Yazd, Esfahan and Kashan. We also take in modern Tehran. Discover the real Iran, home of a warm and fascinating people living within an ancient and sophisticated culture.

Peter Langer has also travelled through Afghanistan in the past and has photographically documented some cultural sites in Kabul and Bamiyan. We will look at some places, such as the National Museum in Kabul and the Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley. The site is also testimony to the tragic destruction by the Taliban of the two standing gigantic Buddha statues, which shook the world in March 2001.

What You Will Learn

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

  • • Outline the longer history of cultural the destruction of cultural heritage around the world.
    • Get an overview of the long history of the Middle East and the specific countries covered in the course.
    • Identify where and how cultural destruction has taken place in the Middle East and Western Asia in recent years.
    • Identify UNESCO World Heritage sites in Danger in the region.

How You Will Learn

  • Participation in Zoom seminars
  • Enjoy stunning multi-image musical video presentations
  • Participation in written discussions with other students
  • Supplementary resources accessed through Canvas
  • Reflective essay (applicable only to certificate students)

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Remarkable Cities of the World - Part 3

TBA 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon - Online Class from October to December 2026 - Simon Fraser University


Join us for a number of urban adventures through some of the World’s most remarkable cities, visiting Krakow, Cairo, Mumbai, Lima, Buenos Aires and Valparaiso. On this series of virtual journeys you will explore stunning urban landscapes, learn about the UNESCO World Heritage sites they contain and discover an amazing diversity of peoples and cultures. Each week we will view a number of multi-image presentations that evoke the incredible beauty each city has to offer. The instructor will share sightseeing highlights, curious anecdotes and some of the secrets each place has to offer. Potential travellers to these cities will gain a useful, deeper understanding of its subtleties.

CONTENTS

Week 1: Krakow, Poland

In today’s class we explore Kraków, one of Poland’s oldest and most beautiful cities, is renowned for its exceptionally preserved historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the royal capital of Poland, it boasts a wealth of medieval architecture, including the magnificent Wawel Castle and Europe’s largest medieval market square. Further evidence of the town's fascinating history is provided by the remnants of the 14th-century fortifications and the medieval site of Kazimierz with its ancient synagogues in the southern part of town. We shall explore the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which stands as a powerful reminder of the Holocaust and one of the most significant places of remembrance in the world. Rich in history, culture, and artistic heritage, Kraków remains a living testament to the Poland's enduring legacy.

Week 2: Cairo, Egypt

Egypt is one of the oldest tourist destinations on earth, ever since the Ancient Greeks and Romans started to come here to admire its magnificent monuments. We explore Cairo, Egypt’s sprawling capital, a city where thousands of years of history meet the vitality of modern urban life. As the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ancient Memphis and its Necropolis—including the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx—it offers unparalleled access to some of humanity’s most celebrated monuments. Tucked away amid the modern urban area of Cairo lies one of the world's oldest Islamic cities, with its famous mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains. Founded in the 10th century, it became the new centre of the Islamic world, reaching its golden age in the 14th century. Along the banks of the Nile, Cairo remains a vibrant center of culture, learning, and enduring civilization.

Week 3: Mumbai, India

We will explore Mumbai, India's largest city and financial capital. The city is also home to remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites that reflect its rich cultural heritage. The city's Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles showcase an exceptional blend of architectural styles, with The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station, being one of the most outstanding examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India. We shall also explore the magnificent rock cut temples of Elephanta, Ajanta and Ellora, which date back more than a millennium. Together, these landmarks highlight Mumbai's unique historical legacy, complementing the energy and dynamism of one of the world's great urban centers.

Week 4: Lima, Peru

Lima, the capital of Peru, is a vibrant coastal city where colonial heritage and contemporary culture come together. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features magnificent churches, monasteries, and elegant Spanish colonial architecture that reflect its importance as the former capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Although severely damaged by earthquakes, this 'City of the Kings' was, until the middle of the 18th century, the capital and most important city of the Spanish dominions in South America. Many of its buildings, such as the Convent of San Francisco (the largest of its type in this part of the world), are the result of collaboration between local craftspeople and others from the Old World. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Lima is also celebrated for its world-renowned cuisine and serves as a gateway to Peru’s rich archaeological and cultural treasures.

Week 5: Buenos Aires Argentina

Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina, is a city where European elegance blends with Latin American energy. Known for its grand architecture, lively cafés, and rich cultural life, it is a birthplace of tango and a hub for art, literature, and gastronomy. From the colorful streets of La Boca to the stately avenues of Recoleta, Buenos Aires offers a captivating mix of history, creativity, and urban charm. We will also explore the notorious UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Former Navy School of Mechanics in Buenos Aires, which was used as an extermination centre during the time of the military dictatorship.

Week 6: Valparaíso, Chile

We conclude our course in Valparaíso, Chile’s historic Pacific port city, is renowned for its colorful hillside neighborhoods, vibrant street art, and bohemian spirit. Its historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects the city’s rich maritime heritage and unique urban landscape, shaped by steep funiculars and winding alleyways overlooking the bay. Long celebrated as a center of culture and creativity, Valparaíso remains one of South America’s most distinctive and captivating cities. In its natural amphitheatre-like setting, the city is characterized by a vernacular urban fabric adapted to the hillsides that are dotted with a great variety of church spires. It contrasts with the geometrical layout utilized in the plain.

What You Will Learn

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

  • Describe ways in which history, tradition and modernity intertwine to create the vibrancy of these cities
  • Identify several UNESCO World Heritage sites within these cities
  • Appreciate the incredible diversity within each of these remarkable cities
  • Get insights useful to travellers 

How You Will Learn

  • Participation in Zoom seminars
  • Enjoy stunning multi-image musical video presentations
  • Participation in written discussions with other students
  • Supplementary resources accessed through Canvas
  • Reflective essay (applicable only to certificate students)