Zhengzhou, the capital of Central China’s Henan province, is poised to host an illustrious event: The 2023 World Great Rivers Civilizations Forum. Drawing inspiration from the pioneering civilizations that flourished along significant rivers worldwide, the gathering will witness participation from 16 distinguished scholars representing nations such as India, Egypt, and Russia.
Slated to run from Saturday to Monday, the forum underscores the theme “Ancient Civilization Studies in a Global Perspective.” Participants can anticipate insightful keynote speeches addressing a wide array of subjects, spanning archaeological culture, settlement archaeology, the sociology of ancient societies, and environmental, scientific, and agricultural dimensions of archaeology.
China, with its rich tapestry of historical narratives and findings, will contribute to the discourse through the expertise of over 40 of its own archaeologists.
The selection of Henan Province for this forum isn’t serendipitous. Encompassing a history that reaches back nearly 4,000 years, the province played a pivotal role during the Shang Dynasty (c.1600BC-1046BC). With its proximity to the Yellow River, Henan was also instrumental in fostering China’s agricultural heritage. This agrarian culture, incubated along the expansive and awe-inspiring Zhengzhou segment of the Yellow River, eventually disseminated across the country. Yet, challenges persist for this historical province. For instance, it grapples with preserving the ecological sanctity of the Yellow River, which has experienced environmental vulnerabilities.
At a press briefing organized by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Wang Wei, Chairman of the Chinese Archaeology Council and the chief expert overseeing China’s Project to Trace the Origins of Chinese Civilization, elaborated on the nexus between ancient civilizations and river basins. From the grandeur of ancient Egypt and Babylon to the cultural depth of India, many renowned civilizations were cradled by river banks. Wang emphasized the need for holistic research that encompasses multiple regions, stating, “To study world civilizations, we should study them in a global context.” Such an approach forms the ethos behind the forum.
In the backdrop of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese archaeologists have enhanced their global footprint, embarking on 36 collaborative archaeological undertakings in over 20 nations spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Their endeavors have unveiled the enigmas shrouding civilizations like the Mayans, Persians, Egyptians, and Indians. Strengthening the nexus further, collaborations have been fostered with over 40 global scientific institutions, museums, and universities, amplifying the forum’s global influence.
Eager to position the forum as a perennial international occasion, Wang envisions it as both an eminent showcase of archaeological accomplishments and an academic nexus fostering international dialogue.
Expected to play host to approximately 360 attendees, with a balanced mix of foreign and domestic guests, the forum will culminate in the vibrant “Yellow River Culture Month.” This cultural extravaganza promises a bouquet of 28 engaging events ranging from poetry sessions and choral celebrations to dynamic street dance showdowns. Additionally, an international short video contest beckons, aspiring to rekindle the spirit of the Yellow River culture through innovation and creativity.
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