Archaeology Now presents Senan Shaibani Marsh Arabs Project with grand opening of a Mudhif on Rice University campus Sept. 9

Hosted by Rice University in partnership with the Arab American Educational Foundation and Iraqi community groups with support from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston WHAT: Archaeology Now, the Houston affiliate of Archaeology Institute of America, presents the Senan Shaibani Marsh Arabs Project, kicking off with the Sept. 9 grand opening of a traditional Mudhif constructed on the campus of Rice University. This wide-ranging project, hosted by Rice University, is in conjunction with the Arab American Educational Foundation and Iraqi community groups, with support from the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Nothing symbolizes the Arab Marsh culture more fully than the Mudhif. For Marsh Arabs, this 5,000-year-old structure, the reed house, is more than just a public hall where tribes welcome guests, settle community affairs, hold religious ceremonies and exchange information. These large buildings, with their barrel-vaulted ceilings, are also a symbol of pride for these tribes. They are constructed entirely of reeds from the marshlands between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Iraq. The columns and components of a Mudhif built in Houston were shipped from Iraq on the USS San Antonio to Rice University where they are now being assembled into final form. The public is invited to the grand opening of the Mudhif, where visitors can learn about this ancient culture, tour the structure, enjoy light refreshments, and mingle with those who helped construct the Mudhif, preserving 5,000 years of history. The grand opening is the kick-off for a series of cultural events titled the Senan Shaibani Marsh Arabs Project scheduled during the fall, including music, food, films, poetry, family days and more. Three open houses for the Mudhif will also be held starting Sunday, Sept. 17, which are free and open to the public and are family friendly. WHEN: Mudhif Grand Opening is Saturday, Sept. 9 from 10 am. - 1 p.m. Additional Mudhif open house dates: Sunday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct 14, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. WHERE: Rice University Campus, located beside the Moody Center for the Arts 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005 Link to map here. WHO: Additional support comes from the Arab American Cultural & Community Center in Houston, the Arabic Immersion Magnet School, the Khudari Group, Aramco, Noble Construction, The City of Houston through the Office of Cultural Affairs and Office of International Tourism, Pennebaker LLC, Baker Botts, Quan Law Group, The Bilateral Chamber, and Humanities Texas. WHY: This project is a cultural ecology and preservation project and demonstrates how pivotal the ecology of a region is to a culture, acting as a bridge to preservation of the built environment as a tool for preserving cultural identity. The American Gulf Coast is experiencing environmental degradation and destruction of a way of life. The lessons learned in Iraq can be valuable here as well. For information: To learn more about Archaeology Now’s Marsh Arabs Project and the Mudhif, visit www.archaeologynow.org. For a list of events this fall, click this link:  https://www.archaeologynow.org/marsh-arab-project-events [gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="386438,386440,386441,386442,386439,386443"] Photo credit: Courtesy of Archaeology Now and Gail Larsen Peterkin About Archaeology Now Archaeology Now is the Houston-based affiliate of a nationwide organization—the Archaeological Institute of America. We were founded in 1967 by Dominique De Menil, Philip Oliver Smith, and Walter Widrig. Today, we present an ambitious series of events for the public focused on our many stories through time. We invite the public to join us for a journey of discovery of our human story. Archaeology Now collaborates with diverse communities to showcase the stories of humanity through the lens of archaeology. Through our programming we tell the stories of those who have come before us;  we find common links to our ancestors; we acknowledge the basic dignity of all humankind, and we advance mutual understanding among both a local Houston and a global diverse community. About Senan Shaibani Senan Shaibani was born on May 20, 1994, and throughout his life, he demonstrated a remarkable dedication to the Arab and Iraqi communities, driven by his love for Iraqi culture and pride in his heritage. His passion for justice and desire to uplift Arab and Iraqi people led him on a journey from the bustling streets of Houston and Austin to the heartlands of Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. During his time in Iraq, he immersed himself in its rich history, diligently gathering records from libraries that documented modern Iraqi political and cultural history. Senan's advocacy extended far beyond borders, as he fearlessly championed the rights and cultural heritage of Arabs and Iraqis in various communities. His efforts resonated deeply with those who had the privilege of knowing him, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. In addition to his commitment to activism and cultural preservation, Senan was also a highly educated young man. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern History from the University of Texas, which ignited his fascination with the region's rich past. Building on this foundation, he obtained a master’s in history at the University of Houston. Senan's intellectual pursuits extended beyond the United States, as he spent valuable time studying Middle Eastern History at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. Furthermore, he was on the verge of completing his Law degree at the University of Houston Law Center before his untimely passing on March 16, 2023. As the Mudhif took shape, Senan's legacy is woven into its very foundations, symbolizing the preservation of the Iraqi heritage he held dear to his heart. This cultural project will stand as a testament to the power of activism and the celebration and preservation of age-old traditions. The Mudhif Project stands as a tribute to Senan's life's work—a beacon of hope, justice, and the celebration of culture. As we welcome visitors to this cultural center during the Fall of 2023, we will forever remember Senan Shaibani, the man who carried the joy of Iraqi sensibility and culture within him, and who championed the rights and dignity of his people.