Baghdad: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities for Cultural Affairs, Dr. Fadhel Al-Badrani, met with Professor Nicola Marchetti, head of the Italian excavation missions operating in Iraq, and Professor Roberta Bonetti, professor of anthropology at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Bologna and member of the Italian mission. The meeting was also attended by Juman Al-Samarrai, an activist in cultural and archaeological awareness.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Culture issued a statement highlighting that the meeting addressed various collaborative projects of the Italian mission, led by Dr. Marchetti. These projects focus on preserving intangible heritage and include the development of an educational-cultural initiative aimed at educating high school students in Iraq.

The statement further detailed discussions about the potential involvement of music and ballet schools in the project. These institutions, recognized for their educational and artistic contributions, are affiliated with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities. They play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, ensuring its transmission to future generations, and promoting it both locally and internationally.

Professor Bonetti noted that the project is designed to empower students by integrating the Italian experience in linking heritage and culture. It also aims to offer opportunities for learning from Iraq’s extensive experience in cultural heritage preservation.