Stuart Gibson, who previously spoke to the DMA about his work for UNESCO salvaging cultural treasures in war-torn Iraq and restoring destroyed museums will give us an update. In addition, he will include commentary on the current political situation.
Stuart will be speaking about the magnificent archaeological sites of Karakalpakstan region of Uzbekistan – sites dating from 3rd century BC to 4th century AD – and the ecological issues pertaining to their restoration.
Uzbekistan is home to the famous Silk Road cities of Khiva, Samarkand, and Bukhara. He will also discuss the Aral Sea which is also located in Karakalpakstan. The Aral Sea was one of the largest inland salt water lakes in the world until the 1980s when the Soviets diverted the water from the two rivers feeding the sea to the surrounding areas to irrigate the cotton fields. Today the Aral Sea is 10 percent of its original size and in ecological crisis.
In addition, he will include commentary on the current political situation.
Arranged by Martin Skala