The first section of the Aqar Quf archaeological site (ancient Dur-Kurigalzu) was officially opened on 20 October 2026, in the presence of the Ambassador of Italy in Baghdad, Niccolò Fontana, making one of the most significant sites of Mesopotamian heritage accessible to the public and marking a step forward in its conservation and promotion.
This initiative forms part of the site’s growing international recognition; its inclusion on the UNESCO Tentative List on 31 January 2025 marked a significant achievement resulting from the collaboration between the University of Bologna and the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage.
These activities form part of ArTourBagh, a three-year Italian development cooperation project worth EUR 3 million, implemented through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in collaboration with the University of Bologna, the University of Catania, the Centre for Research and Archaeology of the University of Turin (CRAST) and AVSI. The initiative aims to preserve Iraq’s archaeological heritage and promote a model of sustainable cultural tourism in the Baghdad area.
The project combines heritage conservation work with training and awareness-raising activities. 156 people gained theoretical knowledge or technical skills through courses, seminars and workshops on conservation, while about 320 young people took part in 30 educational initiatives aimed at schools and local communities. ArTourBagh also aims to promote new employment and business opportunities in the fields of guided tours, crafts, hospitality and tourism services, with a particular focus on young people, women and local communities.
The inauguration reaffirms Italy’s commitment to working alongside the Iraqi authorities to protect and promote a heritage of exceptional historical and cultural significance.
