Iraq Recovers 23,000 Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian Archaeological Artifacts

The Iraqi Prime Minister during his visit to the National Museum on June 10 (Prime Minister's Office)
The Iraqi Prime Minister during his visit to the National Museum on June 10 (Prime Minister's Office)
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Iraq Recovers 23,000 Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian Archaeological Artifacts

The Iraqi Prime Minister during his visit to the National Museum on June 10 (Prime Minister's Office)
The Iraqi Prime Minister during his visit to the National Museum on June 10 (Prime Minister's Office)

Iraq has successfully recovered over 23,000 archaeological pieces during the past three years, with many of them being distributed between the US and Britain, according to Ahmed Al-Alyawi, who heads the House of Manuscripts body.

Al-Alyawi, who is also a spokesperson of Iraq’s Culture Ministry, also revealed the presence of 25 archaeological missions currently operating in Iraq, in collaboration with Iraqi experts, spanning German and Italian institutes and universities.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Alyawi affirmed that the ministry continues its relentless efforts to recover Iraqi antiquities from abroad.

The ongoing efforts have resulted in the recovery of 17,338 archaeological pieces from the US and various other countries.

Additionally, Iraqi authorities have successfully retrieved the Kish tablet, which bears the inscription of the Epic of Gilgamesh, as well as the Sumerian ram artifact.

Al-Alyawi added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has handed over all these pieces to the General Authority for Antiquities in the Ministry of Culture, where they have been stored in an Iraqi museum.

Meanwhile, the Kish tablet and the Sumerian ram artifact have been put on display.

Regarding the methods used for the theft and smuggling of this vast number of archaeological pieces, Al-Alyawi mentioned that “the looting has been occurring for many years, affecting artifacts from various Iraqi civilizations such as Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and others.”

Most of these artifacts were extracted through random digging by organized thieves, within the framework of what is known as the antiquities trade, which is both unfortunate and catastrophic.

“Excavated pieces were smuggled to a Gulf country and from there, further smuggled to the US,” revealed Al-Alyawi.

“However, through persistent efforts by Iraq, with the assistance of certain US entities, particularly the Department of Justice, we have managed to recover them,” he said.

 



KSGAAL Highlights Arab Cultural Richness, Dialogue Promotion at UNESCO Arab Week

KSGAAL’s participation in Arab Week aimed to contribute to sustainable cultural development goals in Arab countries. SPA
KSGAAL’s participation in Arab Week aimed to contribute to sustainable cultural development goals in Arab countries. SPA
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KSGAAL Highlights Arab Cultural Richness, Dialogue Promotion at UNESCO Arab Week

KSGAAL’s participation in Arab Week aimed to contribute to sustainable cultural development goals in Arab countries. SPA
KSGAAL’s participation in Arab Week aimed to contribute to sustainable cultural development goals in Arab countries. SPA

Arab Week at the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) concluded in Paris, with the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) seizing the opportunity to emphasize the richness of Arab culture and foster dialogue among various cultures.

KSGAAL’s participation in Arab Week -- celebrating the cultural diversity of the Arab world -- aimed to contribute to sustainable cultural development goals in Arab countries, aligning with the objectives of the Human Capability Development Program (HCDP) within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030.

During the event, the academy took part in a scientific seminar addressing a comprehensive vision of Arabic language policies. Experts discussed language policies, challenges they face, opportunities for improvement, and the shaping of linguistic realities.
Additionally, KSGAAL presented its project on Arabic language policy studies, outlining its methodological and scientific framework, objectives, challenges, and outcomes.
The academy’s involvement in Arab Week underscores its strategic goals and commitment to supporting the Arabic language and culture. KSGAAL highlighted Saudi Arabia's global efforts in language promotion, leveraging the occasion to bolster its local and international standing.
Through a range of linguistic initiatives, programs, and projects, KSGAAL is dedicated to preserving the integrity and cultural identity of the Arabic language, supporting it in both spoken and written forms, and facilitating its teaching and learning within Saudi Arabia and beyond.