The 10th International Conference
on the History & Archaeology of Jordan
“CROSSING JORDAN”
Under the patronage of HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal
The tenth triennial conference on the History and Archaeology of Jordan will convene in Washington, D.C. May 2007. This marks a remarkable continuity in the presentation of historical, anthropological and archaeological research results from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, keeping scholars and the informed public up to date on the status of Jordan’s considerable cultural heritage.
Beginnings
Initiated by HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal in 1980 at Oxford, England, the series of conferences has occurred every three years in a variety of international venues – Amman, Irbid and Petra, Jordan; Tübingen, Germany; Lyon, France; Turin, Italy; Copenhagen, Denmark; Sydney, Australia. For the first time, in 2007, it will be held in North America, home to the scores of American and Canadian institutions sponsoring excavations in Jordan. More than at any other time or in any other venue, this series of conferences makes possible interchange among scholars from around the world and with their Jordanian counterparts who are often unable to attend conferences held outside the country.
Conference
The conference will occupy five days, consisting of several opening speeches by Jordanian and American dignitaries, a plenary lecture on opening day by an esteemed scholar working in Jordan who will focus on the conference theme of “Crossing Jordan,” 16 major sessions of papers (with time slots for 126 presentations), evening receptions, a gala banquet under royal patronage, and a half-day bus tour in Washington, D.C.
Purpose
In Jordan, American and other foreign researchers are met with unconditional hospitality and this conference is one way to acknowledge the spirit of international cooperation fostered in the country. It is also an important opportunity to convene and discuss current work and plans for the future. In addition to the conference theme of “Crossing Jordan,” presenters will also concentrate on the conservation and presentation of sites and monuments. There are thousands of archaeological sites in Jordan, three of which are designated as World Heritage sites, most notably Petra. Site reports, updating conference attendees on excavation progress over the years since the most recent conference in Petra in 2004, will also be presented.
Planning
Planning for the conference takes place through the Department of Antiquities, directed by Dr. Fawwaz al-Khraysheh, and the American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR), whose director is Dr. Barbara A. Porter. Several committees are hard at work to ensure an exciting and productive event. Since ACOR’s founding in 1968, more than 125 archaeological and anthropological projects have been affiliated with the center which receives funding from the U.S. government for its programs, including support for fellowships for American scholars in Jordan. Given the role that ACOR has played for more than 35 years, the institution is honored to assist in bringing “Crossing Jordan” to the United States and to ensure that the published papers be a fitting tribute to American-Jordanian relations. See also the Planners and Committees section of the website.
Public Lectures and Conference Volume
The planning committees are also developing an outreach program for the general public in conjunction with the scholarly conference. This will allow major scholars in the field the opportunity to inform the public of the latest research in the history and archaeology of Jordan. In addition, a volume on American contributions to the history and archaeology of Jordan will appear at the conference.
Conference Basics
Dates: Wednesday, May 23-Monday, May 28, 2007
Place: Washington, D.C.
Host Institution:
The Elliott School of International Affairs
at the George Washington University
Located at 1957 E Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Theme:
“Crossing Jordan” – with a focus on the many peoples and their cultures who “crossed Jordan” and on the conservation of Jordan’s cultural heritage.
Organizing Institutions:
The American Center of Oriental Research
The Department of Antiquities of Jordan
In cooperation with:
The American Schools of Oriental Research, Canada
ACOR is tax exempt as a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions can be sent to:
ACOR, P.O. Box 2470, Amman 11181, JORDAN – 962 6 5346117 / ACOR@go.com.jo
or ACOR, Boston University, 656 Beacon Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02215-2010 – 617 353-6571 / ACOR@bu.edu / www.bu.edu/acor
Conference Web Site: www.ICHAJ.org