University in Geneva Marks 60th Anniversary of Swiss Research on Sudanese Civilization

Geneva – Sudanhorizon

Sudan’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, Ambassador Hassan Hamid, addressed the opening ceremony on Friday of an exhibition on Sudanese civilization marking the 60th anniversary of Swiss archaeological research in Sudan, held under the theme: “Memories and Impressions: Sixty Years of Swiss Archaeological Research in Sudan.”

The Permanent Representative expressed the gratitude and appreciation of the Government and people of Sudan for the historic contributions of Charles Bonnet, who dedicated six decades of his life to researching and exploring Sudan’s ancient civilizations.

In this context, Ambassador Hamid highlighted Bonnet’s latest archaeological discoveries related to the ancient Kingdom of Kerma, describing it as one of the oldest civilizations in human history, flourishing between approximately 2500 BC and 1500 BC.

He added that this ancient Sudanese civilization maintained external relations with other contemporary civilizations and kingdoms, including the Hyksos, Ancient Egypt, and other regions of Africa. He noted that without the efforts of Professor Bonnet and fellow African scholars and researchers, the world might never have fully recognized Sudan’s pioneering civilizational heritage.

The ambassador also reviewed what he described as the devastating impact of attacks on Sudan’s cultural heritage by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including the destruction of museums, particularly the Sudan National Museum, as well as the looting and smuggling of numerous rare archaeological artifacts outside the country.

In this regard, he commended the ongoing efforts of the archaeological mission, closely supervised by Professor Bonnet and his team in coordination with UNESCO and relevant institutions, to help recover these invaluable cultural assets and support the restoration of museums.

Ambassador Hamid stressed the importance of resuming archaeological exploration activities and renewed his appreciation for University of Geneva, University of Neuchâtel, and the archaeological mission for their role in uncovering and presenting Sudan’s rich civilization to the world.

The opening ceremony was attended by Professor Charles Bonnet, along with a number of archaeologists and researchers who participated in his exploration missions, which began in 1956.

Also addressing the gathering were Enrica Bordignon, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Geneva; Anne Mayor, Director of the African Archaeology and Anthropology Laboratory; Nathan Badoud, Director of Archaeological Services for the Canton of Geneva; and Xavier Droux, Head of the Sudanese-Swiss-French Kerma Doukki Gel Archaeological Mission. Members of the Sudanese community in Geneva were also present at the event.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=15003