Paper short abstract:

Through ethnographic encounters and analysis of the Islamic State's propaganda outlets, this paper will explore the creative-destructive processes of intentional unmaking undertaken by the Islamic State and its impacts on relationships to heritage, identity and community at the local levels.

Paper long abstract:

Places are formed through human interactions with space at the same time as those places shape human action; playing a vital role in the formation and realization of identities. Drawing on participant observation and oral histories produced in collaboration with Syrian and Iraqi refugees currently residing in Jordan and Lebanon, this paper will investigate the affects of heritage destruction by the Islamic State. Through ethnographic encounters and analysis of the Islamic State's propaganda outlets, it will establish the creative-destructive processes of intentional unmaking undertaken by the Islamic State and the impacts this has on relationships to heritage, identity and community at the local levels. As such, this paper will highlight the ways in which the Islamic State has specifically sought to establish their own identity through the destruction of the identity of others. It will also highlight resilience in the responses to this destruction by minority groups who have been targeted by this violence: exploring ongoing expressions of heritage and identity, as well as how these are reformulated in response to the destruction of place. This is important because a majority of commentary has focused on the universal value of heritage and the significance of its loss at an international and national level. By refocusing attention on local responses and those who are most directly impacted, this paper will enhance understandings of how the ruination of ruins can work to create and recreate identities and community.