Jorge Rouco Collazo

Archaeology and Heritage Capacity Building in Somaliland

Jorge holds a PhD in Archaeology from the Universities of Granada (Spain) and Padova (Italy). He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Heritage Sciences of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). He specialises in the Building Archaeology and Landscape Archaeology of medieval Islamic societies, working in the Iberian Peninsula, the Horn of Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. His research is particularly characterised by the application of new 3D digitalisation and remote sensing technologies, for which he has received several distinctions, including the Early Career Achievement Prize awarded by the Oscar Montelius Foundation and the European Association of Archaeologists. He has also participated in capacity-building activities with researchers from the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

The project focuses on documenting and protecting the rich archaeological heritage of Somaliland (Somalia), currently threatened by development and lack of resources. It proposes a capacity building program combining fieldwork at the medieval site of Fardowsa and training at the National Museum. Activities include excavation methods, documentation, conservation, and heritage management. The initiative aims to strengthen local institutions and foster independent heritage services. It builds on previous collaborations and Jorge’s extensive experience in medieval Islamic archaeology, teaching, and international training, contributing to long-term preservation, research, and community engagement in the Horn of Africa.