Historic Babylon Lake Revived: Minister Announces Plans for a Landmark Museum

In a monumental step towards preserving Iraq’s rich heritage, the ancient city of Babylon witnessed the revival of its iconic lake today. The inauguration ceremony, led by Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities Dr. Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, and Minister of Water Resources Eng. Aoun Diab, marked the completion of cutting-edge restoration efforts. The lake has undergone a significant transformation with the use of modern irrigation techniques, specifically concrete lining, to prevent water seepage into the archaeological heart of the city. This ambitious project was undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources.

Al-Badrani, with a keen eye on preserving the historical and cultural essence of the site, directed both the Antiquities and Tourism authorities to expedite the development of the lake’s surrounding infrastructure. Plans include the planting of trees, installation of visitor-friendly seating, the introduction of ambient lighting, and the creation of a scenic walkway. Accompanied by key officials including Ali Obaid Shalgham, Head of the Antiquities Authority, and Nasser Ghanem Murad, Head of the Tourism Authority, Al-Badrani emphasized the importance of readying the area for future tourism, adding that the lake’s restoration is just the beginning of broader rehabilitation efforts within the ancient city complex.

A highlight of the minister’s address was the announcement of a transformative new project for Babylon: the conversion of the city’s former presidential palaces into a grand, state-of-the-art museum. Described by Al-Badrani as a “model civilizational museum,” this initiative aims to honor Babylon’s illustrious history and showcase its role as one of humanity’s earliest cradles of civilization. The minister confirmed that designs for the museum have been finalized, with the project soon to be awarded to a specialized firm.

The museum is set to offer an immersive experience, telling the story of Mesopotamia’s legendary contributions to human civilization, from the hanging gardens to the first written laws. Its completion promises to usher in a new era of cultural tourism in Iraq, cementing Babylon’s status as an unmissable global heritage site.

Source: Ministry of Culture and Tourism