01991nas a2200217   4500000000100000008004100001653002600042653002600068653002000094653003300114653001100147653001000158653001700168653003300185100001700218700001500235700001300250245011100263856015400374520124500528                                       d10aCultural diversity‌10aHeritage and conflict10aISIS violations10aIntangible cultural heritage10aManbij10aSyria10aWar in Syria10amarriage customs and rituals1 aA. Almohamad1 aA. Al-Nabo1 aH. Houri00aISIS s impact on Syrian intangible cultural heritage: Marriage customs and rituals in the region of Manbij  uhttps://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85168258120&doi=10.1080%2f20581831.2023.2242136&partnerID=40&md5=8964df6055430315af9aa06418e7940e3 aDuring its occupation of the Manbij region, ISIS targeted intangible cultural heritage, including marriage rituals. Through online semi-structured interviews with 12 participants, selected to represent the population of the region, this article explores the impact of ISIS’ rule on local marriage rituals and reveals the true motivations behind its targeting of intangible heritage, including small intangible practices. The study highlights the importance of marriage rituals, as they provide an opportunity for gathering, joy and connection between families, and an opportunity to express their cultural diversity. It shows the specific cultural impacts of conflict which left a significant lasting impact on the customs and rituals of marriage in the region. The study reveals that ISIS targeted intangible cultural heritage elements, including marriage rituals: it cancelled some completely, such as the henna night and wedding party, under the pretext that elements of the ritual had been haram (forbidden in Islam). However, we argue that the religious motivations were just a cover for a comprehensive strategy aimed at eliminating the culture and identity of communities, controlling them, and imposing a new culture and identity.