UNESCO Delegation Visits Ancient City of Ashur

A UNESCO delegation has visited the ancient city of Ashur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Iraq, to assess the condition of the site and review ongoing conservation efforts.

Led by Ms. Tatania, the delegation’s head, the team of international experts reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to protecting Mesopotamian heritage, describing Ashur as a critical pillar of global human civilisation. During the visit, Ms. Tatania expressed admiration for the site’s historical significance and stressed the urgent need to preserve the Ashur Ziggurat, which has sustained damage from a recent earthquake and prior heavy rainfall in the region.

The delegation’s visit aimed to reinforce international attention on Ashur’s conservation challenges and support collaborative efforts to safeguard Iraq’s archaeological heritage. The UNESCO team also visited Samarra, another UNESCO-listed site, commending the efforts of the General Board of Antiquities and Heritage and the directors of both Ashur and Samarra for their continued dedication to protecting and managing these historically vital sites.

Ashur, the first capital of the Assyrian Empire, is considered one of Iraq’s most treasured archaeological landmarks, offering invaluable insight into the roots of Mesopotamian civilisation.

Source: Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities