Nasiriyah: The General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage has clarified the circumstances surrounding the placement of an incorrect identifying marker for the ancient city of Ur, following discussions on social media platforms about a sign that read “Great Ziggurat of Ur.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Shamil al-Rumaidh, the Dhi Qar Antiquities and Heritage Inspector, reported that the Inspectorate had engaged in several official communications with relevant authorities, including the Dhi Qar Governorate Council and the Governorate Municipality, to identify who was responsible for placing the sign.

Al-Rumaidh revealed that through follow-up and communication, the responsible party was identified as a Chinese company working on the Nasiriyah Airport project. The company had placed the sign without knowledge of the official name adopted for the archaeological site.

He further mentioned that the Inspectorate contacted the company regarding the error. Following communication, the company committed to changing the sign to reflect the official name, “Ancient City of Ur,” and issued an apology to the Dhi Qar Antiquities and Heritage Inspectorate.

The Dhi Qar Antiquities and Heritage Inspectorate emphasized its dedication to using official names for archaeological and cultural sites in the governorate, in accordance with their historical and cultural significance, to preserve their heritage identity.