Nineveh Welcomes French Delegation to Historic Assyrian Sites

A delegation from the French Mesopotamian and Sainte-René organisations has conducted a significant visit to several archaeological sites in Nineveh Governorate, to boost cultural and international cooperation for the protection of Iraq’s antiquities

The visit, which forms part of a broader international programme focused on safeguarding cultural heritage in post-conflict regions, centred on the ancient city of Nimrud: one of the most prominent capitals of the Assyrian Empire and a site of immense historical and archaeological value.

The visit included an inspection of restoration, maintenance, and rescue efforts recently carried out at key sites, many of which suffered extensive damage in previous years. During the tour, the delegation received a detailed briefing on the nature and scale of past systematic vandalism, as well as the continued efforts of the Authority, in partnership with national and international actors, to rehabilitate Iraq’s ancient landmarks.

The delegation expressed deep appreciation for the progress achieved and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Iraq’s heritage protection initiatives. They pledged to continue providing technical expertise and academic research, while also engaging directly in site preservation and maintenance projects.

Highlighting the importance of sustainable collaboration, the visiting organisations emphasised the need for continued partnership between international institutions and local authorities to ensure the enduring protection of Iraq’s rich and irreplaceable cultural heritage.

Source: Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities