Iraq launches virtual museum to preserve cultural heritage after Daesh destruction
Iraq is set to revive its Virtual Museum initiative, first launched in 2005 but hindered by ongoing conflicts, to preserve its cultural heritage digitally following significant damage inflicted by Daesh since 2015 at locations such as Nimrud and Hatra. The National Museum of Iraq reopened in November 2015, having lost around 10,000 artifacts in 2003. On May 17, 2017, a fund for international supporters was created, amassing nearly $100 million, including a soft loan from Japan. The project is expected to be finalized by the end of 2018, with backing from UNESCO and the Arab League. Italy has been involved through archaeological efforts, including the Prima Parthica mission since October 2014 and La Sapienza University's activities at Abu Tbeirah. CNR technicians assisted in developing the museum's official website.
Key facts
- Virtual Museum project originally conceived in 2005
- Daesh destruction since 2015 at Nimrud, Hatra, Al-Nuri Mosque
- National Museum of Iraq lost about 10,000 artifacts in 2003 looting
- Museum reopened November 2015 after restorations co-financed by Italy and US
- Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities created fund on May 17, 2017
- Fund reached approximately $100 million
- Japanese government granted soft loan
- Project aims for completion by end of 2018
- Supported by Arab League Educational, Culture and Sciences Organisation and UNESCO
- Artifacts from Prehistory to Islamic Era cataloged
- Italy's Prima Parthica mission since October 2014 protects Mosul Dam
- Daniele Morandi Bonacossi discovered 500 sites in Dohuk province, Iraqi Kurdistan in October 2014
- La Sapienza University mission at Abu Tbeirah directed by Franco D'Agostino and Licia Romano
- CNR technicians created website in Italian, Arabic, English using 3D modeling
Entities
Artists
- Daniele Morandi Bonacossi
- Franco D'Agostino
- Licia Romano
- Niccolò Lucarelli
Institutions
- National Museum of Iraq
- Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
- Arab League Educational, Culture and Sciences Organisation
- UNESCO
- CNR
- La Sapienza University
- Artribune
- Reuters
Locations
- Iraq
- Baghdad
- Nimrud
- Hatra
- Al-Nuri Mosque
- Mosul
- Dohuk
- Kurdistan
- Abu Tbeirah
- Mesopotamia
- Italy
- United States
- Japan