02/08/2023

Nimrud archaeological site and Mor Bina Qadisha Shrine in Iraq to be revitalized

NINEVEH PLAINS and ERBIL, Iraq — The archaeological city of Nimrud in Nineveh Plains in Iraq, once serving as the historic second capital of the ancient empire of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people, boasted numerous ruins and importance cultural sites.

Unfortunately, during the period when the area was under the control of the Islamic State (ISIS), the site was significantly damaged.

To help restore the site, the Directorate of Nineveh Antiquities and Heritage announced the commencement of the reconstruction process for the devastated archaeological palaces in Nimrud, thanks to support and funding from the Smithsonian International Organization.

Engineering teams are now hard at work conducting maintenance, restoration, cleaning, and the recovery of murals that were previously vandalized and destroyed.

Simultaneously, alongside the reconstruction efforts in Nineveh, the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) is set to allocate a budget for the renovation of the revered Mor Bina Qadisha Shrine in Koy Sanjaq District, Erbil.

The extensive project includes the renovation of the shrine itself, the rejuvenation of its surrounding garden, the installation of a new fence for the monastery, the addition of playgrounds, children’s play sets, and facilities catering to people with special needs, among other essential maintenance tasks. The goal is to restore and enhance the sacred site for all visitors and the community.


Mor Bina Qadisha Shrine in Koy Sanjaq District, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).