April 21, 2022
In a meeting held on April 19 at the Department of Antiquities (DoA), H.E. Dr. Fadi Balawi, director general of the DoA, and Dr. Pearce Paul Creasman, executive director of the American Center of Research, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and an agreement, both of which aim to preserve, in different ways, Jordanian cultural heritage resources of all kinds over the coming two years.
The agreement adopts implementation of the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property project, which is funded through a grant from the Public Affairs Office of the U.S. Embassy in Amman. This project activates the DoA unit dedicated to preventing illicit and illegal trade of archaeological artifacts and antiquities by building the capacities of DoA staff and by providing the department with tools and equipment to strengthen the effectiveness of its efforts.
The MOU adopts implementation of the Abdoun Community Archaeology Project. Its goal is to develop the archaeological site found within the Japanese Garden in South Abdoun, a neighborhood in Amman. Work at the site, which has remains spanning more than 2,000 years, will include survey, excavation, conservation, rehabilitation, and interpretation in cooperation with local community members and other stakeholders. Eventually, this project will result in presentation of a unique story that will attract visitors and introduce them to another deep facet of Amman’s rich history.
Results and other news of those two projects will be announced in the future.
