Wilding showcased his conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding historical sites in Iraq, Syria, and Saudi Arabia, which face threats of neglect, misappropriation, and deliberate destruction.
London-based curator, photographer and filmmaker Richard Wilding took the audience on a visual odyssey across the Middle Eastern regions of Iraq, Syria and Saudi Arabia in his talk “Endangered Heritage of the Middle East” at the Xposure International Photography Festival in Sharjah.
During the talk, Wilding shed light on the rich cultural and historical heritage of Iraq and North-East Syria, emphasising the devastating impact of Daesh (ISIS) on these areas and the ongoing efforts towards restoration. Through slideshows, he highlighted the recognition and preservation of Saudi Arabia’s heritage sites, including its vibrant costumes and living spaces, much to the fascination of the audience.
Wilding, who has been actively involved in heritage preservation projects across Asia and North Africa since 2010, commenced his visual exploration with iconic landmarks such as the Erbil citadel in Iraq and the Yezidi shrine of Sheikh Adi in Lalish. He poignantly juxtaposed his own photographs with images captured by British photographer Anthony Kersting in the 1940s, underscoring the profound destruction inflicted upon these historical sites over the years.
Transitioning to northeast Syria, Wilding showcased the region’s poignant struggle amidst destruction, highlighting his work through ‘Eye on Heritage,’ a platform he co-founded to support local filmmakers in Syria and Afghanistan.
In Saudi Arabia, Wilding emphasised his collaboration with the ‘Mansoojat Foundation’ to preserve the kingdom’s traditional costumes and crafts. As a trustee of the foundation, he played a pivotal role in bringing to life the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia through initiatives such as the book “Traditional Costumes of Saudi Arabia.”
Over the course of 13 years, Wilding meticulously documented traditional costumes, crafts, archaeology, and architecture in Saudi Arabia, showcasing the vibrant cultural tapestry of mountain tribes such as Jahdaly, Bani Malik, and Asir. He also highlighted the positive impact of heritage preservation on local communities, citing examples from his expeditions across the kingdom.
Starting an expedition to various parts of the kingdom in 2010, Wilding had come across the pristine oasis of Al Ula on the Yemeni border which is now being promoted by the Saudi government as a nature tourism destination.
Wilding also presented the handmade beads of the Bani Sa’ad tribe and the elaborate costumes that gave its women financial security; the flower men of Al Bahah with their floral headgears; and monumental rock-cut tombs in Hegra that are remnants of the Nabatean civilisation.
While acknowledging that unbridled tourism can spoil the magical beauty of Hegra like it has done to Jordan’s Petra, another Nabatean landmark, he said the positive side to the story is that it will support the crafts and help the local people make a living. “Heritage has a positive impact on communities,” he concluded.
As the eighth and largest edition of Xposure draws to a close at the Expo Centre Sharjah on March 5, Wilding’s enlightening presentation serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding and celebrating the rich heritage of the Middle East.
