Institute of Media Monitoring supports international project „Palmyra – Imagination Oasis”

„Palmyra – Imaginations Oasis” is a slogan for all-year celebration of the 50th anniversary of initiating the archaeological research in the ancient town. A special element of the Polish celebration is exhibition “Imagination Oasis – 50 years of Polish archaeologists in Palmyra”. It will be held in the Warsaw Royal Baths Park. The exhibition will include photos, unique ceramics, sculpture replicas, original notes of prof. Michałowski as well as virtual reconstruction of the Allat temple, which was discovered by Polish researchers.

Palmyra is one of the world’s biggest and most important archaeology centres. Ruins of the ancient Palmyra are often compared to Italian Pompeii. The place enjoys a well-deserved reputation of the jewel of Syrian tourism industry. Palmyra is an ancient town, located in the centre of Syria. It was established in an oasis in the northern part of the Syrian desert. Mentions of Palmyra can be found in the Old Testament. The town was flourishing during the reign of the Roman Empire. Unfortunately, numerous wars impeded the growth and caused a collapse of the oriental town. 

50 years ago prof. Kazimierz Michałowski, whom some people call the “father of Polish Mediterranean archaeology” established a Polish mission in the town. Over a span of half a century the Polish Archaeology Mission has contributed to many excavations, discovering unique relics of the ancient world and the extinct culture. The Polish archaeologists’ achievements have been widely acclaimed not only by the scientific circles. Works are still carried on.

The exhibition is on view from June 24th till August 28th 2010. Accompanying will be archaeological workshops for children and lectures on archaeology issues given by Poland’s top experts.
 
The anniversary events held in Poland are organised by Warsaw University, Archaeology Institute, the Archaeology Institute’s Friends Foundation, and Kazimierz Michałowski Mediterranean Archaeology Centre.

Honorary patronage was taken by the Chancellor of Warsaw University, UNESCO, the Syrian Embassy in Warsaw, the Polish Embassy in Syria and the Ministry and Science and Higher Education.

Institute of Media Monitoring is a partner of the events.

The project coordinator is Marcin Wagner of Warsaw University Archaeology Institute.