Hans-Christian Freiherr von Reibnitz

Hans-Christian Freiherr von Reibnitz
Ambassador Hans-Christian Freiherr von Reibnitz, born in Greece of German parents, has been breathing archaeology since childhood. After choosing legal studies and a diplomatic career for a livelihood, archaeology ,- starting from prehistory right until our recent past – became a private passion. After serving as a German diplomat since 1990 in Türkiye, Nigeria, Berlin, Cyprus, Belgium and Afghanistan, he spent more than 10 years representing Germany in the Sultanate of Oman, Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait.

Archaeology and Diplomacy: A layman’s reflection on a challenging relationship
Lawyer by education, diplomat by profession and amateur archaeologist by passion, Ambassador von Reibnitz will introduce the audience to the intersections, if not interference, between the political world of diplomacy and the scientific sphere of archaeology. A working life enjoyed ,in ten different countries will be used as background for a select number of legal, practical and political issues for which both diplomats and archaeologists had to – and in some cases still have to – find solutions. Excursions into ,the history of the German Archaeological Institute and the protection of cultural heritage will illustrate the changing interrelationship of both diplomacy and archaeology. The lecture will strive to showcase the importance of a meaningful dialogue between these spheres to contribute to a more peaceful world.