I am an assistant professor in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Khartoum, and I participate in various academic activities, including both the theoretical and practical training of undergraduate students as well as supervising graduate students.
In the field of scientific research, I organized an ethnographic and archaeological survey in the Abu Delieg area, in Khartoum State. I am interested in using ethnoarchaeology—a method that involves conducting ethnographic research to develop hypotheses that explore the practices and lifestyles of ancient peoples.
For instance, I have used ethnoarchaeology to study the distribution of archaeological sites in the Butana area of central Sudan. This approach also enabled me to gain a better understanding of hunting scenes from the Meroitic period (300 BC – 350 AD) through the analysis of graffiti found at the Musawwarat es-Sufra site. In another study, I examined traditional Nile fishing techniques along with the methods used for processing and preserving fish during different periods of ancient Sudanese history.
Over the last two years, I have been actively involved in efforts to protect Sudanese heritage from the risks posed by the armed conflict.
Unfortunately, the war has had catastrophic effects on Sudan and its people. The International Organization for Migration described Sudan as facing the largest displacement crisis in the world today. The fighting within cities has destroyed a large part of the country’s infrastructure.
Sudanese heritage—both tangible and intangible—was not safe from these disasters. Tangible heritage facing serious risks of looting and destruction. At the same time, the waves of displacement and the tragic loss of lives have led to the disappearance of many heritage elements and caused dramatic changes in the cultural environment of several communities. This puts many intangible heritage elements at serious risk, threatening their continuity and possibly leading to their permanent loss.
Preliminary reports indicate that the Sudanese National Museum, and other museums in Khartoum and other cities were damaged, including the destruction of parts of their buildings and the loss of their equipment, in addition to looting a large part of their collections.
After the Rapid Support Forces militia were forced out of Khartoum State, colleagues at the National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums began preparing a comprehensive assessment of the museum’s condition, which will be published soon. In cooperation with concerned institutions both inside and outside Sudan, they have also taken practical steps, including filing reports on the thefts, publishing circulars with images and serial numbers of the missing artifacts, and reaching out to regional and international organizations to help prevent the sale of stolen artifacts and recover them if possible.
The most important step to protect not only the history of Sudan, but its present and future, is to stop the war immediately. Every hour passes means more violations and the loss of lives and unique heritage elements that cannot be compensated.
Heritage protection is not only protection for the past, it is also a protection of the national identity and the cultural entity of Sudan. Without peace, efforts cannot be continued to preserve this heritage and inherit it for future generations.
Upon stopping the war, it is necessary for the Sudanese archaeologists to participate immediately in research aimed at promoting the Sudanese identity. The conflicts that Sudan went through were linked in one way or another to the issue of identity, yet the contribution of archaeologists to this debate was limited. I think the opportunity is still available to present a new vision for the unity of Sudan through the unity of its history and cultural origins.
This cooperation began between the Department of Archaeology at the University of Khartoum and the Italian Mission operating at Jebel Barkal by organizing a number of training workshops and public lectures, the last of which was in 2022 in the University of Khartoum, in which we honoured the attendance of the Italian Ambassador to Sudan.
On this occasion, we agreed to develop relations to take an institutional nature, and this was done with the support of the Italian embassy and the administration of the University of Khartoum.
Through this media I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to Professor Emanuele and Professor Francesca for their great efforts in the success of this cooperation. I also thank Mr. Enrico and his colleagues at the Office of International Relations and the Erasmus program for facilitating this project.
During my stay at the University of Venice, I participated in two scientific workshops that have been a special opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss heritage conditions in light of armed conflicts. This visit also gives me a closely looked at the activities of the Italian Mission in Sudan, which extends for more than fifty years, through its archive and documentary works.
Likewise, it was an opportunity to visit archaeological sites and museums in Venice and Rome, which allowed me to identify the Venician and Roman civilization from a new perspective that supports my future research vision.
