Baghdad: A ceremony was held at the Iraqi National Museum to present Professor Dr. Margarete van Ess with the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, in recognition of her distinguished academic and research career in Iraq and her contributions to the field of archaeology and heritage, particularly at the archaeological site of Uruk in Muthanna Governorate.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the ceremony was attended by Acting Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Sarwa Abdul Wahid; Director General of the Department of Antiquities and Heritage, Ali Obeid Shalgham; Director General of the Department of Museums, Lama Yass Al-Douri; Director General of the Department of Musical Arts, Dr. Faiz Taha Salem; Director of the Minister of Culture’s Office, Imad Sakban Mohammed; and the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Iraq, Daniel Krieber, along with a number of specialists and researchers.

In her address at the ceremony, the Minister praised the deep-rooted Iraqi-German relations in the field of archaeology, emphasizing that cooperation between the two countries in this area spans decades and has contributed to strengthening the presence of Iraqi civilization and showcasing its cultural heritage to the world.

She commended Professor Van Ess for her work in Iraq since 1984 at the archaeological site of Uruk, noting that her contributions extended beyond research and excavation to include training Iraqi archaeological personnel. Professor Van Ess has trained more than 60 employees and specialists from various Iraqi governorates and the Kurdistan Region.

The Minister also highlighted the German Archaeological Institute’s contributions to supporting the Iraqi Museum, as well as its role in assisting Nineveh Governorate after the liberation of Mosul by providing the necessary supplies, tools, and equipment for maintenance, restoration, and archaeological surveys.

She explained that Professor van Ess played a significant scientific role in supporting efforts to include several Iraqi archaeological sites on the World Heritage List, emphasizing the importance of continued scientific and cultural cooperation between Iraq and Germany and benefiting from international expertise in preserving Iraqi heritage.

For her part, Professor Margret van Ess expressed her appreciation for Iraq and her pride in the years she spent working in archaeology, particularly at the site of Uruk, affirming that Iraq represents a pivotal point in her scientific and research career.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Acting Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, Sarwa Abdul Wahid, presented a commemorative gift to Professor Margret van Ess in recognition of her contributions and efforts in serving Iraqi antiquities and heritage, wishing her continued success and the continuation of scientific and cultural cooperation with Iraqi institutions.