Leila Al-Sammak

Biography

Leila is a Curator in the Ancient Archaeology Department at the National Museum of Damascus, where she is responsible for the curation and management of the museum’s Bronze and Iron Age collections. Her work includes overseeing the conservation and maintenance of stored artifacts, coordinating restoration efforts, managing both national and international exhibition loans, and facilitating access to the museum’s collections.

As an archaeological researcher and having participated in excavation projects alongside Syrian and foreign teams across archaeological sites in Syria, Leila supports the work of Syrian and international archaeological missions and provides technical expertise in the identification and authentication of confiscated artifacts. She is also responsible for accurate documentation and photography of objects to update museum records in line with recent archaeological research. Leila regularly contributes to scientific seminars and conferences and is actively involved in community engagement initiatives. She has undertaken training in communication as well as in youth and female empowerment to support grassroots heritage advocacy and strengthen the museum’s connection with the local community.

At the British Museum
During her time at the British Museum, Leila was based in the Middle East Department and her UK partner placement was spent at Lincoln Museum and University of Nottingham Museum.

Leila’s participation in the International Training Programme was generously supported by the Al Tajir Trust.