Islamist Iconoclasm and Its Imperial Aims
On the destruction of ancient artworks.
April 8, 2015
On the destruction of ancient artworks.
The recent destruction by Islamic State (IS) of ancient artworks and the murder of the Charlie Hebdo cartoonists have led to sloppy-minded comparisons with the iconoclasm of 8th-century Byzantium and other similar movements. These comparisons, writes Edward Rothstein, are mere exercises in moral relativism, and overlook an important distinction:
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Login or SubscribeOn the destruction of ancient artworks.
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