In conjunction with the 51^e Rencontre Assyriologique Internationale held in Chicago (July  18 - 22, 2005), the Oriental Institute will host a workshop “The Threat to Iraq’s Cultural Heritage–Current Status and Future Prospects” on Saturday, July 23 2005. This meeting is sponsored by the Oriental Institute's Iraq Working Group and The American Academic Research Institute in Iraq (TAARII). Admission to this session is free–no separate registration is necessary.

        This meeting will address the current situation of archaeological sites and museums in Iraq, measures to stop the looting of sites, and passed or proposed legislation in western countries (U.S., Europe, Japan) to curb the illegal trade of antiquities. Colleagues interested in presenting papers on any of these topics are encouraged to submit a title and brief abstract to Clemens Reichel (email: cdreiche@midway.uchicago.edu; fax: 773-702-9853). Those who already submitted paper abstracts concerning these topics through the official Rencontre webpage will be contacted individually to check on their availability for this date and willingness to present in this venue.

        Participants of the Rencontre who have chosen accommodation in University of Chicago dormitories should note that it is possible to extend their stay until Sunday July 24.

           Following the end of this session, all participants of the Rencontre are invited to attend a reception (1:00 – 2:30 p.m.) with open buffet at the Cloister Club at Ida Noyes Hall.
         
            For access to Oriental Institute project archives and materials before, during, and after the Rencontre, see Access to Collections and Resources at The Oriental Institute during the Rencontre Assyriologique Internationale in July 2005.