Abounaddara Withdraws from French Museum Research Over Colonial Remains
Abounaddara has withdrawn from a research initiative with the French National Museum of Natural History, protesting the museum's decision to retain the remains of Soliman al-Halabi, labeled as a "Syrian fanatic." The organization called for al-Halabi's remains to be repatriated to Syria and for his posthumous naturalization. While the museum claimed to uphold the "principle of dignity," the research revealed otherwise. Ethical issues were cited by the museum, which failed to address the concerns raised. Al-Halabi, known for assassinating General Kléber in 1800, has become a symbol of colonial narratives, notably featured in the Lumière brothers' 1897 film.
Key facts
- Abounaddara withdrew from a research program with the French National Museum of Natural History.
- The withdrawal protests the museum's preservation of Soliman al-Halabi's remains as a 'Syrian fanatic'.
- Abounaddara petitioned for the return of al-Halabi's remains to Syria and his posthumous naturalization.
- The museum had claimed to hold the remains per the 'principle of dignity' but the research program found otherwise.
- The museum raised its own 'ethical and conservation concerns' instead of remedying the situation.
- Soliman al-Halabi assassinated General Kléber in 1800 and was executed by impalement.
- The Lumière brothers' 1897 film 'Assassinat de Kléber' enshrined the colonial stereotype of the treacherous Syrian.
- Abounaddara participated in documenta 14 in 2017 and chose 1897 as their Daybook date.
Entities
Artists
- Abounaddara
- Soliman al-Halabi
- Dork Zabunyan
Institutions
- French National Museum of Natural History
- documenta 14
- ICOM (International Council of Museums)
- French National Research Agency
- Le Monde
Locations
- France
- Syria
- Aleppo
- Cairo
- Egypt
- Ottoman Empire