Artifacts dating back to the ancient Sumerian period returned to Iraq
The returned artifacts include cups, clay tablets, cuneiform inscriptions, engraved stones, and coins, all from the ancient Sumerian period.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – A significant number of Iraqi artifacts, dating back 4,000 years to the ancient Sumerian period, have been returned from the United States after being stolen during the looting of the National Museum in Baghdad.
In a ceremony, Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussain handed the artifacts to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities.
He announced that this handover resulted from extensive efforts and cooperation among the ministries of foreign affairs, intellectuals, and other government institutions.
"Thanks to the great efforts and cooperation of the ministries of foreign affairs, intellectuals, and other government institutions, I am handing over to my colleague, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, some important pieces of artifacts that have been returned to Iraq from abroad," said Hussain.
The returned artifacts include cups, clay tablets, cuneiform inscriptions, engraved stones, and coins, all from the ancient Sumerian period.
The National Museum of Iraq was heavily looted following the Gulf War of 1991 and the subsequent war in 2003, resulting in the loss of thousands of pieces.
However, many of these artifacts have since been recovered and returned to their rightful place. A ceremony to celebrate this restitution will be held at the National Museum of Iraq.
