JOURNAL ARTICLE

Anti-Christian Iconoclasm by ISIS in the Middle East: A Symbolic Spectacle.

  • Published In: Journal for the Study of Radicalism, 2025, v. 19, n. 1. P. 59 1 of 3

  • Database: Sociology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Matusitz, Jonathan 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on ISIS's iconoclastic terrorism against Christian sites in the Middle East, highlighting the group's systematic destruction of cultural heritage as a means to assert control and promote its extremist ideology. It details five case studies of significant Christian sites, including St. Elijah's Monastery and the Virgin Mary Church, which were targeted for their historical and religious significance. The article argues that ISIS's actions are not random but strategically designed to erase the identities of Christian communities and further the group's goal of establishing a global caliphate. It also discusses the broader implications of such destruction on collective memory and cultural identity, emphasizing the ongoing threat to cultural heritage in regions where ISIS remains active. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal for the Study of Radicalism. 2025/03, Vol. 19, Issue 1, p59
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:1930-1189
  • DOI:10.14321/jstudradi.19.1.0059
  • Accession Number:189715697
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal for the Study of Radicalism is the property of Michigan State University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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