MEKEN Program Brings British Expertise to Baghdad

The Middle East Knowledge Exchange Program (MEKEN) recently facilitated significant cooperation between local cultural institutions and the British Museum. Under the oversight of Mr. Qasim Taher Al-Sudani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, the Department of Archaeological Training and Development organized two pivotal lectures for museum directors in Baghdad. This initiative, held in collaboration with the Department of Public Museums and the British Museum, took place in the station hall, reinforcing international knowledge-sharing efforts.

The lectures, directed by Mr. Ali Obaid Shalgam, Chairman of the General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage, aimed to integrate British expertise into local museum practices. Ms. Nawar Ihsan Abdul Aziz from the Iraqi National Museum delivered the first lecture, sharing insights on museum curation and display. Dr. Paul Collins, Curator of the Middle East Department at the British Museum, led the second session, offering perspectives on modern practices in the preservation and presentation of artifacts.

Mr. Al-Sudani emphasized that partnerships with renowned institutions like the British Museum will strengthen the skills of local professionals in the field of heritage preservation and antiquities protection. Such cooperation is expected to broaden training opportunities, keeping Iraq’s museum practices aligned with global standards and innovations.