Japan’s JICA Agency to Revitalize and Expand Sulaimani Museum
"This restoration will enhance the museum's infrastructure, showcase more historical pieces, and attract more visitors with a modernized appearance," he said.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, has signed an agreement with the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japanese Embassy in Iraq to undertake the restoration and expansion of the Sulaimani Museum. This project aims to preserve and showcase the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region, with a budget of nearly one billion Iraqi dinars.
The agreement was finalized on Tuesday, in Baghdad, in the presence of key officials, including Fuad Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, and Akira Endo, Japan's Ambassador to Iraq. The project will be executed by JICA, in coordination with the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
Sulaimani Museum, located in the heart of Sulaimani province, is a cultural landmark and an important repository of the city’s history. It houses valuable artifacts from different historical periods, offering visitors a deep insight into the region’s past. Despite its significance, the museum has faced challenges due to outdated infrastructure, necessitating this major restoration and expansion project.
Amozhgar Hawezi, JICA’s Program Director, revealed that the project would involve close cooperation with a Japanese company, emphasizing the technical expertise and experience Japan will bring to the museum’s enhancement. “This restoration and expansion will not only improve the museum’s infrastructure but also provide an opportunity to display additional historical pieces, giving it a more modern appearance while increasing its visitor numbers,” he said.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027 or early 2028. It is a part of Japan's broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote cultural exchange with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The Sulaimani Museum, currently the second-largest in Iraq and the largest in the Kurdistan Region, is set to become a beacon for cultural tourism and preservation in the region.
