Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the creation of fortified exhibition halls in the Iraqi National Museum for displaying recovered artifacts. This initiative includes showcasing the Nimrud Treasure and other historical items returned from abroad, reflecting a commitment to preserving Iraq’s rich cultural heritage while enhancing museum infrastructure to attract international visitors.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has announced the establishment of fortified exhibition halls dedicated to preserving and showcasing recovered antiquities, which include items previously stored at the Central Bank of Iraq and others recently returned from abroad. During a visit to the Iraqi National Museum in Baghdad, al-Sudani inaugurated an exhibition featuring artifacts retrieved from multiple countries.
During his visit, the Prime Minister inspected the museum’s storage facilities that preserve notable treasures, such as the Nimrud Treasure, which had been held at the Central Bank since the 1990s. These artifacts were recently transferred to the museum and will be exhibited in specially designed halls that prioritize their preservation, ensuring public access to these significant pieces of history.
Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of safeguarding Iraq’s cultural heritage, highlighting the historical significance of Mesopotamian civilizations in advancing human progress over millennia. He also aimed to dispel concerns regarding the possibility of these treasures being lost or unaccounted for, particularly in reference to the Nimrud Treasure.
“Artifacts previously stored at the Central Bank will be exhibited in high-security halls with advanced preservation standards, enabling both local and international visitors to view them,” al-Sudani stated. He underlined the necessity to improve museum infrastructure to attract global interest and demonstrate Iraq’s stability.
The Nimrud Treasure, an extraordinary collection of gold jewelry and ornate pieces dating to the Neo-Assyrian period (911–612 BCE), is one of the museum’s highlights. Other exceptional artifacts include a statue of Gudea, a ruler from the ancient Sumerian city-state of Lagash, a bronze mask of King Sargon of Akkad, and various other significant items.
The recently recovered items encompass over 6,000 cuneiform tablets, inscribed cones, stone slabs, cylinder seals, various types of coins, figurines, a stone stela, and a collection of cuneiform texts from the Old Babylonian period. Additionally, the artifacts include Mandaean scrolls, ivory carvings, gold vessels styled in Assyrian design, ceramic plaques, and notable relics from the Royal Cemetery of Ur.
In conclusion, Iraq’s initiative to display recovered artifacts in secure museum halls demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving and showcasing its rich cultural heritage. The efforts to fortify exhibition areas and improve infrastructural standards aim not only to protect these historical treasures but also to attract global interest, thereby reinforcing Iraq’s cultural significance and stability in the region.
Original Source: shafaq.com
