Touring UK exhibition displays ancient artefacts from Iraq

Ancient artefacts from Iraq are being displayed at a new exhibition in the UK city of Nottingham. The “Ancient Iraq: New Discoveries” collection features 80 objects and focuses on two important archaeological sites: Girsu, among the world’s first cities, and Qalatga Darband, which dates back to the mid-second and first centuries BC. 

The antiquities are part of the British Museum's touring exhibition and their display is intended to showcase the museum’s Iraq Scheme, which was originally set up to preserve heritage sites following the rise of the Islamic State extremist group. 

“This British Museum touring exhibition celebrates the rich cultural legacy of Iraq through 80 remarkable objects and two fascinating stories, helping to highlight the challenges of protecting Iraq’s diverse cultural heritage following decades of conflict,” the exhibition’s website said. 

Girsu, a Sumerian site discovered in the 19th century, is believed to be home to the world’s oldest surviving bridge. Qalatga Darband, located in Iraqi Kurdistan, is the site of an ancient fortress. 

The British Museum’s Iraq Scheme was established in 2015 “in response to the destruction of heritage sites” by Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, who smashed priceless statues and destroyed several ancient archaeological sites as part of efforts to eradicate histories that conflicted with their extremist interpretation of Islamic law. 

The Iraq Scheme, which finished in 2020, said it “aimed to offer something positive and constructive, in the face of frustration and outrage from this destruction”. “Ancient Iraq: New Discoveries” is now open at Nottingham's Lakeside Arts and will run until June 19.

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