Stine Bentzen –Hovseter skole
Norway
Why does the terror target cultural or sacred places?
M
any of the terrorist attacks we see in our society today are directed towards
our cultural and sacred buildings.The buildings may be religious institutions
like churches or temples, but also art galleries, libraries or historical sites
that carry cultural value. Why are these places so important to us? Why do
terrorist organizations target these institutions?
Cultural institutions are important to us. They mark our history and much of the pride we take in
our society. A national gallery, for instance, might carry art that is very important for.The Norwe-
gian national gallery has pictures that where painted in the most national romantic part of Norwe-
gian history, when Norway had just gotten its constitution like "Brudeferd I Hardanger". The
painting therefore carries an
important part of Norwegian
national pride.
Our culture is something we
are proud of, but also some-
thing that is close to us. We
often feel protective of our
own history and culture, espe-
cially if the amount of cultural
heritage is limited. The music
we grew up listening to, the
poems we analyzed in school.
If someone takes that away from us it is bound to gain much attention, which is always a goal for
terrorist attacks. It will also send a clear message of enimity towards the country that is victim of
the attack.
Religion often carries the same value. It is how many believe the world to exist. This, of course,
carries value, but it is also another aspect of this. Some terrorist organizations hide between the
shield of religion.
As we can see there are several reasons why terror targets cultural or sacred places. An important
part of that is due to what culture and belief means to us. Attacks on these institutions will also
gain attention because they are so important.
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