by Roma Aatifi
As an intern with the American Center of Research (ACOR) from September to October 2024, I had the opportunity to contribute to the National Cultural Heritage Property Database of The Kingdom of Jordan, an initiative to preserve Jordan’s cultural heritage. Known less formally as the National Inventory Project, it centers around creating a comprehensive digital record of Jordan’s movable cultural artifacts, aiming to protect these items from illicit trafficking and the loss of heritage and narrative. Through detailed cataloging and advanced software, the National Inventory Project has become an essential tool in heritage preservation, aligning with international standards set by UNESCO, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) Red Lists of Cultural Objects at Risk, and the Hague Convention.
As part of my role, I created a report examining the National Inventory’s fundamental purpose in preserving Jordan’s cultural identity, heritage, and historical narratives for the future. I had the unique opportunity to delve into the theoretical aspects of heritage preservation as part of the National Inventory Project. My primary responsibility was to draft a report analyzing how this inventory functions as a vital tool for preserving Jordan’s cultural heritage. Rather than focusing solely on the technicalities of cataloging, my work centered on examining the broader theoretical and legal frameworks that underlie this preservation effort. I also explored how the inventory’s work combats the illegal trade of cultural assets by establishing clear ownership and provenance records, hindering traffickers from exploiting these valuable resources.
The most fascinating aspect of this project was learning about the international legal conventions that highlight the importance of national inventories. I enjoyed exploring how ACOR’s approach aligns with UNESCO guidelines and the ICOM Red Lists to create a secure, accessible, and detailed database. This knowledge enhanced my understanding of how global networks and local efforts converge to support heritage preservation. I thoroughly enjoyed learning how technology can play a pivotal role in preserving cultural heritage. Axiell’s software, for instance, allowed us to document and manage artifacts in both Arabic and English, making the inventory accessible to a broader audience. This multilingual approach is critical to ensuring that local communities are engaged in the preservation process, which fosters a sense of shared ownership and pride in Jordan’s cultural legacy.
I was particularly fascinated by ACOR’s innovative approach to organizing artifacts within the National Inventory. Their meticulous cataloging system preserves the details and stories behind each item. It can serve as a template model for other countries, especially those in post-conflict neighboring regions or areas at risk of future conflict. This inventory framework ensures that cultural heritage can be safeguarded systematically, by means of a resilient digital archive that protects a nation’s identity amid instability.
Lastly, I was interested in learning how digital heritage preservation is becoming the next crucial step in archaeology and cultural heritage. Digitizing artifacts not only preserves their tangible heritage but also captures the intangible aspects of identity and memory that can be carried on to the next generations. By transforming physical heritage into a digital format, institutions like ACOR ensure that cultural narratives and historical connections endure, even as physical objects face threats from time, conflict, or environmental factors.
This internship gave me valuable insights into digital heritage preservation. It also prepared me with practical experience in managing inventories and documenting culture. This participation reinforced my belief that heritage preservation can strengthen national identity and foster cross-cultural understanding. Working with ACOR on this critical project was an educational and fulfilling experience. I am proud to have participated in this research opportunity to help preserve Jordan’s cultural heritage.
Roma Aatifi, originally from Kabul, Afghanistan, is pursuing a master’s degree in sustainable cultural heritage at the American University of Rome. Her thesis focuses on the preservation and reconstruction of cultural heritage in Afghanistan. Following research conducted with the ACOR-coordinated project at Karak, she chose to seek an internship at ACOR because she could see parallels between the challenges Jordan experiences regarding cultural heritage and those faced in Afghanistan.