Baghdad:The General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage, under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, has announced the existence of 15,000 archaeological sites across Iraq in need of substantial funding to facilitate their rehabilitation.

According to the Iraqi News Agency, Ali Obaid Shalgham, Head of the Authority, stated that due to the current economic situation, many of these sites are not equipped to receive visitors. However, notable exceptions include Babylon, Al-Ukhaidir Fortress, Ur, Uruk, the Al-Nuri Mosque, and the Prophet Yunus site, which are ready for visitors.

Shalgham highlighted that the site of Ashur has not yet met rehabilitation expectations, despite possessing good infrastructure. He also noted that the Heritage Department has plans to transform significant historical sites and buildings into cultural centers. This includes the homes of notable figures such as Abdul-Sahib Al-Mukhtar, Rashid Ali Al-Gaylani, and Al-Wa’ili.

Distinguishing between historical and heritage buildings, Shalgham pointed out that cities like Mosul and Basra are home to numerous heritage structures. A coordinated plan with local governments aims to transform these into cultural centers and tourist attractions, drawing visitors both from Iraq and internationally.

He further mentioned that governorates such as Nineveh, Salah al-Din, Anbar, Dhi Qar, Basra, Holy Karbala, and Holy Najaf have significant tourism potential. Still, these areas require the necessary services and infrastructure to attract more visitors.

Once the budget is released, part of the allocations emphasized by Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi will focus on revitalizing tourism at these archaeological sites and museums.