While the National Museum’s collections are now in safe hands, the Director of the Education Department, Ms. Yass points out that there is much work to be done throughout Iraq to protect the thousands of historical sites dotted across the country from looters, erosion and neglect. This is the next great challenge for Iraq’s cultural authorities, and for the UN. UNESCO has also been working side by side with the antiquity authorities and police forces to reinforce local capacity to protect these sites.
“If these historical and cultural riches are not protected, they will not be accessible for future generations,” Mr. Motta explains. “Conservation is crucial to ensure that this heritage is not lost, and that it remains intact for young Iraqis to discover and enjoy.”
As the Director of the Education Department, Ms. Yass reveals her plans for outreach and awareness programmes on the Museum’s collections. In particular, she is developing a programme of school visits to teach children about Iraq’s cultural heritage.
However, until the Museum’s collections are ready to be unveiled to the public, full implementation of these education programmes is on hold.
With the continued support of the international community, and the dedication of the Museum’s staff, that day may not be far off. Ms. Yass says that the Museum aims to reopen at the end of 2013, a fitting occasion to do so.
In 2013, Baghdad will be feted as the ‘Arab Capital of Culture’, a milestone for the capital city of a country that has suffered years of conflict. The reopening of the Museum would be a triumphant close to the year for Baghdad, and for all Iraqis – by once again making the rich cultural heritage of the country available to all Iraqis.
(Source: UNAMI)
What will be left of this cradle of civilisations? It was 8000 years ago. Where are intellectuals, artists, thinkers, academics, social and human scientists, cultivated people of Iraq now? Everywhere in the world, but in Iraq...