Archive Wars

Discover the intricate dynamics of history and memory in Archive Wars by Rosie Bsheer. Published in 2020, this compelling book spans 277 pages and delves into the selective erasure of historical narratives and the artifacts that bear witness to them. Bsheer examines how the destruction of archival documents and the demolition of both sacred and secular spaces serve as acts of state-building. Following the 1991 Gulf War, Saudi Arabian political elites intensified their efforts in historical commemoration and state formation, shaping a postwar vision for the nation, economy, and identity. This thought-provoking analysis is essential for anyone interested in the intersections of history, politics, and the power of memory. Dive into Archive Wars and explore how the past continues to influence the present.