Prof. David Wengrow | The Amargi Mosaic

In this episode of The Amargi Mosaic, host Elif Sarican speaks with Professor David Wengrow about how archaeology in Kurdistan has shaped understanding of alternatives to state power. They explore academia’s double standard—readily accepting the cyclical return of hierarchy but dismissing the possibility that forms of human freedom could similarly reappear. The conversation examines why Öcalan turned to Neolithic social values in his defence, how human societies once moved fluidly between different social arrangements, and what may have caused hierarchy to become permanent rather than seasonal. Wengrow reflects on what archaeology can offer contemporary movements attempting non-state and free futures and the legacy of his collaborator David Graeber’s engagement with social movements. Professor David Wengrow teaches Comparative Archaeology at University College London. He is co-author with David Graeber of The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity and has conducted archaeological fieldwork in Kurdistan since the late 1990s. — About The Amargi: The Amargi is a grassroots-funded online media outlet established by a group of journalists, activists, and academics based in Europe. We are independent from any commercial and political influence and our donors support us because their democratic values align with our editorial policy. The Amargi’s spotlight is on Kurdistan, but we also focus on Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran, as well as the broader Middle East. In a region where undemocratic regimes, foreign intervention, and powerful corporations determine the political discourse and suppress self-determination, dissent, and diversity, we aspire to be a powerful voice of those rendered powerless and voiceless. “Amargi”, a Sumerian word, is regarded as the first known written word for “freedom”. If you want to support and help expand The Amargi by becoming a donor, please visit: https://www.theamargi.com/donate