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.

 



Riyadh International Jazz Festival Joins Prestigious World Network

The Saudi Music Commission logo
The Saudi Music Commission logo
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Riyadh International Jazz Festival Joins Prestigious World Network

The Saudi Music Commission logo
The Saudi Music Commission logo

The Saudi Music Commission announced that the Riyadh International Jazz Festival joined the World Jazz Network, one of the leading international gatherings for jazz talent exchange, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s cultural presence at the global level.

With this step, the Riyadh International Jazz Festival becomes part of a network that brings together top jazz festivals and cultural institutions worldwide. The network connects music professionals and audiences, fostering an exchange of expertise and knowledge within the jazz community. It aims to enrich the global jazz scene, enhance community bonds, and build connections among audiences worldwide, contributing to creativity and the development of art.

Each year, network partners gather at the Amersfoort World Jazz Festival, a platform for sharing ideas and visions, creating meaningful opportunities for international collaboration in the jazz field.
The membership of the Riyadh International Jazz Festival in the network represents a strategic move that reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing arts and culture, providing a rich musical experience for both the local community and festival visitors from around the world.
The festival, organized by the Music Commission, is a global musical event that attracts prominent jazz musicians and creators from around the world, while providing creative spaces for Saudi talent to showcase diverse musical styles. The festival also features various musical activities and art exhibitions, enhancing the visitor experience and reinforcing the Kingdom’s status as a global destination for culture, arts, and creativity.