Projects per year
Abstract
This paper discusses the conception, execution, and outcomes of the first Soviet-Somali histori-cal expedition, in 1971. In due course, the Soviet-Somali Expedition set out to create a ‘usable past’ for Somali nationalism, rooted in the history of Mohammad Abdullah Hassan, a reli-gious and military leader who had fought against the British in Somaliland between 1900 and 1920. The paper investigates how Soviet ideas about the preservation of historical heritage were grounded in Central Asian modes of practice and how these became internalised by Soviet Africanists in their attempts to help reinforce foundational myths in newly independent African states. The paper argues that the Soviet model for the preservation of cultural heritage, as envisioned by Soviet Africanists, aimed to reinforce Siad Barre’s national project for Somalia. Their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, however, because of Cold War constraints and mis-understandings of local realities.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1185-1202 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | International Journal of Heritage Studies |
Volume | 26 |
Issue number | 12 |
Early online date | 23 Sept 2019 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 31 Dec 2020 |
Keywords
- Soviet Union
- Africa
- Somalia
- cold war
- Somali cultural heritage
- UNESCO
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Projects
- 1 Finished
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Winning the Development Endgame: The Political Economy of Soviet Cold War in Africa, 1974-1991
Telepneva, N. (Principal Investigator)
1/09/17 → 31/08/20
Project: Research Fellowship
Activities
- 1 Participation in conference
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State Socialism, Heritage Experts and Internationalism in Heritage Protection after 1945
Telepneva, N. (Speaker)
21 Nov 2017 → 22 Nov 2017Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference