Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the creation of secure exhibition halls for displaying recovered antiquities, including the Nimrud Treasure and other artifacts previously held at the Central Bank. This initiative aims to protect Iraq’s cultural heritage and attract global interest. The museum now showcases an impressive collection of artifacts returned from several countries, reaffirming Iraq’s historical importance.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has announced the establishment of fortified exhibition halls for the protection and display of recovered antiquities. This initiative includes artifacts that were previously housed at the Central Bank of Iraq and those recently returned from various countries. On his visit to the Iraqi National Museum in Baghdad on Thursday, al-Sudani inaugurated an exhibition featuring these reclaimed artifacts.
During the visit, Prime Minister al-Sudani examined the museum’s storage facilities, which contain the renowned Nimrud Treasure and other significant antiquities that remained at the Central Bank since the 1990s. The artifacts were recently transferred to the museum and will be displayed in specially designed halls that meet high standards for preservation and public access.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting Iraq’s cultural heritage, noting the importance of Mesopotamian civilizations in the advancement of human history. Al-Sudani also addressed concerns regarding the potential loss of these artifacts, particularly the Nimrud Treasure. He stated, “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.”
Among the prominent artifacts displayed are the gold jewelry of the Nimrud Treasure from the Neo-Assyrian period, the statue of Gudea from the Sumerian city-state of Lagash, and a bronze mask of King Sargon of Akkad. Furthermore, recently repatriated items include over 6,000 cuneiform tablets, tablets with inscriptions, diverse coinage, figurines, and significant pieces from the Royal Cemetery of Ur, encompassing a wide timeline of Iraq’s ancient history.
These initiatives are intended to enhance museum infrastructure and attract global interest, portraying Iraq’s security and cultural significance. The recovered artifacts include items from the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and Jordan, reaffirming Iraq’s rich historical narrative and its efforts in preserving its past.
In conclusion, the Iraqi government, under Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, is taking significant steps to enhance the protection and display of the nation’s cultural artifacts. With the creation of fortified exhibition halls, the showcase of the Nimrud Treasure, and the repatriation of thousands of antiquities, there is a strong commitment to safeguarding Iraq’s rich historical legacy and promoting its stability and heritage to the world.
Original Source: shafaq.com