World heritage Ancient Babylon in peril as historic treasures face neglect

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - Babylon, once the center of world civilization, is facing severe neglect of its numerous globally significant archaeological sites, with some areas becoming dumping grounds and others facing complete destruction, experts warn.

"What's happening to Babylon is a betrayal of the city's history," heritage experts told Kurdistan24. "These archaeological sites must be preserved so future generations can understand that this city was once the most brilliant metropolis in the world."

Baha Alkawi, a UNESCO member in Iraq, told Kurdistan24, "There's a saying that Babylon has so many archaeological sites that it contains UNESCO, not the other way around. Unfortunately, relevant ministries have shown no interest in this city."

The ancient city, which was once the world's cultural and developmental hub, contains dozens of important archaeological sites testifying to its past grandeur.

However, these sites are suffering from systematic neglect, with some royal Babylonian remains becoming garbage dumps and others falling into disrepair. The city lacks basic tourism infrastructure, including hotels, parks, and recreational facilities.

Several committees have been formed to oversee the archaeological sites, but committee members are based in Baghdad and lack proper knowledge of the sites. Additionally, the sites require specialized security forces for protection.

The absence of tourism infrastructure in Babylon has rendered the province's sites unsuitable for visitors.

Experts argue that if proper attention were given to developing hotels, buildings, and recreational facilities, Babylon could experience an economic renaissance, leading to strategic changes in Iraq and diversifying its economy beyond oil dependence.

Zain Shalabi, an archaeology expert, emphasizes, "It's crucial to revive Babylon's tourism sector. Currently, residents of this province travel to the Kurdistan Region for tourism because they have the necessary infrastructure."

Restoring Babylon to its rightful position as a cultural and tourist destination requires serious governmental effort and investment in tourism infrastructure.

Experts warn that leaving archaeological sites in their current state constitutes a betrayal of history, emphasizing that future generations deserve to witness and understand the grandeur of these ancient remains.