Baghdad: Iraq has emerged as the leading country with the highest number of artifacts showcased in the British Museum, as revealed by official data from the museum. The data indicates that the number of Iraqi artifacts has reached approximately 164,000 pieces, surpassing other nations renowned for their historical legacies.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Italy holds the second position with 147,697 artifacts, followed by Egypt with 119,854. Other countries featuring prominently in the museum’s collection include France with 81,980 artifacts, Turkey with 73,992, and Germany with 66,263. Greece, China, India, and Iran also contribute significantly to the museum’s offerings, with 64,928, 58,749, 52,518, and 50,602 artifacts, respectively.

This extensive collection underscores the rich historical and cultural tapestry of Mesopotamia, which dates back thousands of years. However, it also fuels the ongoing discourse surrounding the restitution of artifacts and the ethical considerations of returning looted antiquities to their countries of origin.