Basrah Museum's Garden of Civilization and Iraq's Cultural Rebirth
Iraq's Basrah Museum has introduced the Garden of Civilization, showcasing replicas of significant monuments such as the Lion of Babylon and the Ishtar Gate, aimed at enhancing cultural heritage accessibility for locals. This initiative, financed by the Basrah governorate, is designed to support educational initiatives and promote international tourism, benefiting Iraq's economy. Originally housed in a late Ottoman-era structure, the museum was closed in January 1991 due to the Gulf War and experienced looting. In 2008, it moved to a former residence of Saddam Hussein, with renovations carried out by Friends of Basrah Museum. The first wing was inaugurated on September 27, 2016, followed by additional galleries in 2019, containing over 2,000 artifacts and a library with 3,000 volumes.
Key facts
- Garden of Civilization features full-scale replicas of the Lion of Babylon, Ziggurat of Ur, Assyrian Lamassu, and Ishtar Gate.
- Project funded by Basrah governorate to make heritage accessible to Iraqis who cannot afford travel.
- Basrah Museum originally located in a late Ottoman-era building with Basran Shanasheel style.
- Museum closed in January 1991 due to first Gulf War and looted during uprisings.
- Remaining collection sent to Baghdad for safekeeping.
- Museum relocated in 2008 to a former Saddam Hussein residence on proposal by director Qahtan al-Obaid.
- First wing inaugurated on September 27, 2016; full operational capacity reached in 2019.
- Collection includes over 2,000 artifacts from Baghdad and about 100 recovered from abroad.
- Library established with 3,000 volumes donated by British Institute for the Study of Iraq.
- Museum developing strategy to increase international cultural tourism.
Entities
Institutions
- Basrah Museum
- Friends of Basrah Museum
- British Institute for the Study of Iraq
- Artribune
Locations
- Basra
- Iraq
- Baghdad
- Shatt Al Arab
- Babylon
- Ur