This book explores what to do with heritage that has been destroyed in conflict. It charts a path through the colonial histories and traumatic wars of Syria and Iraq to examine the projects and responses currently on offer and assess their flaws and limitations, including issues of digital colonialism, technological solutionism, geopolitical manoeuvring, media bias and community exclusion.
Drawing on current research into the psychology and neuroscience of trauma and trauma recovery, and taking inspiration from artists and creative thinkers who challenge the status quo, this book envisages gentler, creative and ethically-driven ways to respond to heritage damaged in conflict that recentre people and their hopes, dreams and needs at the heart of these debates.

1 Heritage reconstruction in Syria and Iraq: an introduction
2 Cultural heritage destruction in Syria and Iraq: narratives and nuance
3 Knights in shining armour? Heritage reconstruction projects in Syria and Iraq
4 Dismantling the master's house? Architectural approaches to heritage reconstruction
5 Rhetorical reconstruction: heritage reconstruction in the media
6 From zombies to ghosts: mortality, memory and trauma
7 Embracing ghosts: artistic reflections on conflict and cultural heritage in Syria and Iraq
8 Laying ghosts to rest: community projects in Syria and Iraq
Index