HUMAN REMAINS IN MUSEUMS, in terms of heritage, ethics and politics. Untying the missing items of Soliman Al-halabi, "the Syrian fanatic" – RHPAT

This project aims at realizing a large-scale study of the inventory of the patrimonial heritage represented by the patrimonialised human remains and of its impacts on the present, using the example of Suleiman Al-Halabi, also known as ‘the Syrian fanatic’, murderer of General Kléber in 1801 during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign. The scientific objective is twofold. First, it is about the team-building of archives, so far very scarce, with the intention to show the diverse issues of the ‘Life of Suleiman Al-Halabi at the museum’ both in space and time. Then, it is about creating, testing and refining a method of inquiry in the context of a research-action which is the most efficient from the heuristic point of view and from that of social changes. In addition, this method would be transferable to other remains. The cross-disciplinary approach settles in the Natural History Museum in Bourges, an inclusive place of discussion with a global outlook, by dealing first with the issues of the colonial legacy and those of the ‘knowledge of decolonization’, their interference with the construction of identities conveying stereotypes about racism and the controversial character of the terrorist. Then, the issue of the interpretation of the respect for human dignity regarding these unique and sensitive artefacts of the museum, also objects of scientific study about the human race will be dealt with. To do so, the project rallies different partners, whose knowledge and skills complement one another – scientists, artists whose expertise helps questioning and improving the way we look at the world, and citizens, whether they be museum visitors or not, such as the Syrian civil society or high school students, inquiring minds and those interested in these issues. Borrowing from the humanist tradition, this project therefore defends the idea that raising awareness, educating and sharing knowledge, including on sensitive topics, are essential elements in the creation of an open-minded society, able to overcome societal tensions. All in all, it is about answering three questions – to what extent is the story of Suleiman Al-Halabi at the museum a way to analyse today’s reasonings about human remains in museums? How can it be grasped fittingly? How does it refine the way we see the world?