Heritage and Archaeology Diwan 10 Explores Ancient Civilisations and Material Culture in Jordan
The tenth Heritage and Archaeology Diwan, under the theme Ancient Civilisations and Material Culture in Jordan, took place on 13–14 October 2026 at the University of Jordan in Amman. Held under the patronage of the President of the University of Jordan, Prof. Nathir Obeidat, the event brought together researchers, academics, and early-career scholars from Jordan and international universities to share their research and discuss current developments in archaeology and heritage studies.
The Diwan was organised by the University of Jordan in cooperation with CBRL, the French Institute for the Near East (IFPO), the German Protestant Institute of Archaeology (GPIA), and the American Centre of Research (ACOR). Continuing an initiative established to raise awareness of archaeological and heritage research in Jordan, the tenth edition provided a platform for knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and the presentation of emerging research.
The two-day programme featured 19 research papers across four scientific sessions, alongside an exhibition of five research posters. The presentations explored Jordan’s archaeological record, the material evidence of past societies, and the ways in which research, conservation, interpretation, and technological innovation can contribute to understanding and safeguarding cultural heritage.
Key Themes
The programme addressed a diverse range of subjects, including:
- Archaeology, Material Culture and Ancient Technologies
- Heritage Interpretation, Museums and Public Engagement
- Heritage Conservation, Documentation and Adaptive Reuse
- Epigraphy, Historical Sources and Cultural Exchange
The scientific sessions brought together contributions from researchers affiliated with the University of Jordan, Yarmouk University, the Hashemite University, Al-Balqa Applied University, the Lebanese University, and Calvin University, alongside independent researchers.
Among the topics presented were the interpretation of religious iconography in the Iron Age Southern Levant; the application of artificial intelligence to heritage storytelling; the role of community participation in the management of archaeological sites; and the use of digital games to reconstruct historic environments. These contributions demonstrated the breadth of current research and the different methodologies being applied to the study, interpretation, and conservation of cultural heritage.
The poster exhibition complemented the oral presentations by showcasing ongoing research into living heritage conservation in northern Jordan, the interpretation of complex multi-period urban sites in the Levant, the geographical distribution of Nabataean material culture, Neolithic lithic technology at Tell Abu Suwwan, and the architectural analysis of Khan ‘Unaiza.
Since its establishment, the Heritage and Archaeology Diwan has sought to encourage dialogue between students, recent graduates, early-career researchers, and established specialists working in archaeology and heritage. By providing opportunities to present research, exchange ideas, and engage with different approaches to heritage practice, the initiative supports the development of research networks and contributes to the wider understanding of Jordan’s archaeological and cultural heritage.
The tenth edition reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between universities, research institutes, and heritage organisations in advancing archaeological research, promoting innovative approaches to heritage interpretation, and supporting the conservation and sustainable management of cultural heritage in Jordan and the wider region.
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About the Diwan
Since March 2018, the IFPO, CBRL, GPIA, and ACOR, in cooperation with the Department of Antiquities and Jordanian Universities, initiated an event – “Salon” or “Diwan” or “table ronde” – to increase awareness of research on heritage and archaeology in Jordan. It aims to include students and fresh graduates to discuss the latest developments and themes in archaeology and heritage practice in association with invited specialists. Suggested topics could be cultural heritage, archaeological studies, conservation, documentation, sites and museums management, architectural and urban heritage, etc.
Previous Diwan Events:
