How the restoration of ancient Babylon is drawing tourists back to Iraq
5 hours ago
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- #Babylon
- Babylon, an ancient Mesopotamian city in modern-day Iraq, is undergoing a revival with two major restoration projects nearing completion.
- The projects include mitigating groundwater damage to the Ishtar Gate's north retaining wall and restoring the Temple of Ninmakh, dedicated to the Sumerian mother goddess.
- The restoration efforts are part of the Future of Babylon Project, largely funded by the US embassy in Baghdad, aiming to document and stabilize structures across the 2,500-acre site.
- Tourism in Babylon is booming, with record numbers of visitors in 2024, including both Iraqi and foreign tourists.
- Babylon has survived centuries of challenges, including looting, environmental issues, and damage from construction projects, and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
- Traditional mud-brick techniques are being used to restore the Temple of Ninmakh, with materials sourced from across Iraq.
- The north retaining walls at the Ishtar Gate have been replaced with new walls that better manage groundwater, using ancient Egyptian construction techniques.
- The Ishtar Gate, originally built by Nebuchadnezzar II, is now seven meters below the ancient city, with only two meters remaining above ground.
- A replica of the blue-glazed gate built by Nebuchadnezzar II greets visitors today, while many Iraqis hope for the return of the original gate fragments from Berlin's Pergamon Museum.