Category: History

### A time trip: rediscovery of Gaza’s cultural treasures

The exhibition “Sauvés saved de Gaza” at the Institute of the Arab World (IMA) in Paris constitutes an immersion in the history of a region often perceived through the prism of conflicts. By exhibiting artefacts like Byzantine mosaics and amphorae, the IMA reminds us of the richness of a cultural heritage which is spread over more than 5,000 years, while testifying to the resilience of a people in the face of adversity.

These objects, true witnesses of a flourishing past, evoke the commercial dynamics which anima Gaza over the centuries, contrasting with the modern tragedies which afflict it. By highlighting the notion of “cultural resistance”, the exhibition stresses that art can serve as a rampart in the face of forgetting and oppression, making Gaza not only a symbol of struggle, but also a bastion of creativity and identity.

With more than 70 % of the historic objects in Threatened Palestine, this exhibition represents a call for the preservation of our common heritage. It requires redefining Gaza as a place of vibrant history, inviting the world to recognize and defend the cultural treasures which, beyond the museum walls, constitute an essential part of our quest for peace and inclusiveness.

** Madagascar: The heritage of the 1947 insurrection at the dawn of a new century **

On March 29, 2025 will mark the 78th anniversary of the Malagasy insurgency against French colonization, a crucial stage which still resonates today in the struggles for social justice and the recognition of historical rights. This tragic event, although carrying a spirit of resistance, leaves a heavy footprint in the collective memory of the Malagasy, exacerbated by inequalities that are always present. Through the poignant account of Miarina, a young Malagasy, we note that the memory of the insurrection is both celebrated and instrumentalized, raising questions about political manipulation and the true meaning of the struggle for dignity. Globally, parrals can be traced with contemporary movements like Black Lives Matter, where the heirs of oppressed demand justice and equality. The 1947 insurgency should not only be regarded as a tragedy, but as a call for action to build a future inclusive, by honoring the past while working to correct the present injustices.

### Rediscover the great wall of Benin City: a monument to the African heritage

The great wall of Benin City, often overlooked, turns out to be an engineering masterpiece and a powerful symbol of the African heritage. Erected in the 15th century by the Edo people, this impressive structure extends over more than 16,000 kilometers, testifying to artisanal know-how and a mastery of materials that compete with those of emblematic constructions such as the Pyramids of Egypt. Unfortunately, its importance has often been ignored in historical stories, largely because of the colonial perceptions which distorted the true richness of African civilizations.

Today, recognition of the Great Wall by UNESCO and other bodies highlights an increasing desire to reassess African contributions to World Heritage. More than just historical rehabilitation, rediscovering this wall opens the way to rewarding cultural exchanges and a celebration of diversity. It embodies the resilience of African peoples in the face of stereotypes, echoing contemporary struggles for cultural recognition.

By raising the voice of this architectural wonder, we transform our understanding of history and weaves bridges of understanding and creativity around the world. The Great Wall of Benin City is not just a vestige of the past: it is a living monument that calls us to honor and integrate all cultures in the collective story of humanity.

** Argentina: Declassification of archives, a step towards reconciliation? **

On March 24, 2025, Buenos Aires was the scene of an immense demonstration commemorating the 49th anniversary of the 1976 military coup. The event took a particular dimension with the announcement of the declassification of the military archives by President Javier Milei, promising a long-awaited transparency on the atrocities of the dictatorship (1976-1983). This gesture raises questions about Argentina’s ability to face its past, especially in a tense political context where the government is accused of diverting attention from economic and social crises. The emblematic figures of the struggle of human rights, like mothers and grandmothers in the May Place, continue to recall that the quest for truth goes beyond simple declassification, inviting society to a collective commitment to a living memory. While Argentina wonders about its future, could this historic turning point really promote reconciliation, or is it a simple symbol without concrete consequence?

** The memory of Casablanca: a museum at the heart of urban and social changes **

On February 27, Casablanca inaugurated its memory museum, nestled in the splendid villa Carl Ficke, a silent witness to the city’s urban and social transformations since the beginning of the 20th century. This new cultural space offers a fascinating immersion in the history of this Moroccan metropolis, through an exhibition of photographs, archives and works revealing the intercultural exchanges that have shaped it.

While nearly 60 % of its population lives today in informal urban areas, the museum encourages a reflection on the challenges of urbanization and the evolution of Casablanca identity. By combining preservation of heritage and modernity, this institution aspires to become a crossroads of exchanges for future generations and a reflection of local specificities in a globalized world. More than a simple place of exhibitions, the Museum of Memory asserts itself as a headlight of hope, lighting the path to an in -depth understanding of the roots and mutations of Casablanca.

### The Congo Inquiry Commission: a call for action

The recent report of the Commission of Inquiry on the Congo offers much more than a summary of the historic tragedies of this country; It arouses an awareness of the injustices that last today. At the heart of this analysis is the question of colonial heritage and neocolonial policies, which continue to affect millions of Congolese, more than half of whom live with less than one dollar per day, despite the natural richness of their land.

This report, accessible while being rich in historical contexts and data, challenges not only Western nations on their past role, but also on their current responsibilities towards Africa. By traveling in international and media spheres, it could catalyze movements in favor of essential reforms and strengthen struggles for human rights.

In short, this historical survey is an impose a potential turning point for the Congo, inviting everyone to reflect on their own responsibility in the construction of a fairer and united future. While the pages of history are rewritten, responsibility and collective commitment become more crucial than ever.

### Pink: the prehistoric face that redefines our story

A major paleontological discovery recently emerged from the depths of the Sierra de Atapuerca in Spain: the fossil of a face, nicknamed “Pink”, over a million years old. This vestige could upset our understanding of human evolution in Europe, suggesting that our ancestors already lived in the continent well before the 40,000 years generally accepted. The first analyzes suggest belonging to a previous species, potentially a common ancestor of Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis, resulting in reflections on our roots. Pink is not limited to a simple fossil; It represents a reflection of our shared history and raises crucial questions about our modern identities and the dynamics of our ancestors. Faced with this revelation, scientists and society must revisit not only our past, but also our perception of humanity. Pink is now a symbol of a future where discoveries bring us closer and challenge us in our place in the great story of evolution.

** Martyrs day in Egypt: a celebration of the past, a bridge towards the future **

On March 9, Egyptian military museums opened their doors for free to honor martyrs and veterans, illustrating a strong gesture of recognition from the armed forces. This initiative is not only a commemoration, but a call for civic education around the complex and rich history of the country. By plunging into the stories of bravery and sacrifice, visitors, especially the younger generations, are invited to reflect on their national identity in a context where social and political crises persist.

At the same time, this celebration raises questions about the national and international perception of military heroism. In a world marked by increasing tensions, these events play a key role in promoting a feeling of belonging and pride. While Egypt relies on cultural tourism to revitalize its economy, free access to these historic sites is transformed into a development lever which, beyond collective memory, can shape a more united future. In this context, respect for the past stands out as a foundation to build a cohesive and enlightened society.

** The spectrum of the past: when a bomb of the Second World War reminds Paris in Paris **

On March 7, 2025, the Gare du Nord de Paris was the scene of an unexpected discovery: a 500 kg bomb dating from the Second World War. Although traffic quickly resumed, this event highlights a disturbing inheritance still present under our feet. With around 300,000 tonnes of non -neutralized ammunition in France, this situation questions the management of the past in the face of modern infrastructure and security challenges. By resonating with the French collective conscience, this discovery invites you to reflect on the impact of history on everyday life, revealing both community resilience and the need to aware of society in the face of an always alive legacy. While Parisian life resumes its course, it is essential to keep in mind the lessons of the past which continue to shape our present.

** An interrupted trip: reflections on a committed past and a complex present **

On March 7, 2024, the discovery of an unploded bomb near the Gare du Nord in Paris sparked a situation of chaos and disorganization for millions of passengers. This unexpected event, much more than a simple incident, highlights the persistence of the vestiges of the Second World War on our territory and raises crucial questions about collective memory. While crisis management is a major challenge, travelers, forced to adaptability, must navigate in this disturbed context. This incident pushes us to reflect not only on public security and logistical efficiency, but also on the future of urban mobility in a society still marked by a tumultuous heritage. An awareness is necessary to consider how our past continues to influence our daily trips and our collective future.