Artifacts from ancient Mesopotamian civilizations are threatened after years of conflict. The sites suffered damage during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88) and Saddam Hussein’s Anfal campaign against the Kurdish population. They were threatened again in 2014 by the lightening advance of ISIS.
The £300,000 grant will allow a team from the University of Glasgow to document and monitor the damage using satellite and aerial imaging. They will also train local archeologists and work with schools to highlight cultural heritage.
“Our project is unique in Iraq and the Middle East in its approach to cultural heritage protection,” said Claudia Glatz, who leads the University of Glasgow team.
“We combine research-led archaeological practice as part of the ongoing survey and excavations of the Sirwan Regional Project with knowledge-exchange, capacity building in both practical skills and the social and political implications of interpretation and cultural narrative, and the creation of inclusive museum and community-driven educational resources,” she added.
The UK government’s Heritage Minister Michael Ellis unveiled the plan on August 24. It is one of nine major projects covered by the fund, established in 2016 to safeguard heritage sites threatened by conflict in the Middle East and North Africa.
“These sites tell the story of human history and show how our early ancestors first farmed and cultivated food. Their protection is therefore not only important to Kurdistan, but to all of humankind,” said Ellis in a government statement.
“This project is just one example of how our Cultural Protection Fund is providing essential support to countries where internationally important heritage has been damaged or threatened by war, conflict and terrorism.
“Tragically we have seen some of the world’s greatest cultural treasures destroyed in recent years. It is important, and right, that we share our expertise and support communities around the world to help preserve art, culture and heritage of global significance,” Ellis added.
Other projects covered by the fund include an emergency response programme to preserve traditional boatbuilding in southern and central Iraq and a community scheme to protect the historic Duhok citadel town of Amedi.
