The University of Baghdad concluded the BANNU Cultural Project for the development of archaeological and cultural heritage in partnership with the European Union. The event was attended by dignitaries, including Rector of the University of Baghdad, Pro.Dr. Munir Hameed Al-Saadi, Assistant Rector for Scientific Affairs, Prof.Dr. Marwan Ashour, Prof.Dr. Inas Khalifa, Manager of the Department of Scholarships and Cultural Relations at the University, and others. This includes representative from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof.Dr. Alaa Abdel Hussein, Dr. Hazem Taher Baqir, Director of the Department of Scholarships and Cultural Relations, Dr. Laith Majeed Hussein, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Mr. Thomas Seiler, the European Union Ambassador in Iraq, and Mr. Maurizio Griganti, the Italian Ambassador in Iraq and a representative of the Turkish Ambassador in Iraq.
At the outset of the meeting, they reviewed the accomplishments of the BANNU project over the last three years, commencing in 2020. In turn, Al-Saadi affirmed tangible progress in the Department of Archaeology despite significant challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, which did not impede activities. He emphasized Baghdad University’s aspiration for ongoing scientific and academic collaboration, expressing hope that this marks not the conclusion but a continuation.
In a word during the meeting, the European Union Ambassador to Iraq highlighted the significance of collaboration in academia and private sector growth. Emphasizing the support for academic and private sector development, He noted the BANNU project as a partnership between the private sector and tourism. The Italian ambassador added that EU-supported projects, particularly those promoting and safeguarding antiquities and heritage, are highly successful. Both ambassadors expressed readiness for ongoing collaboration between Italian and Iraqi universities.
The BANNU project is a collaboration between several European and Iraqi universities aimed at enhancing and advancing the concepts of archaeological technology and cultural heritage. This, in turn, seeks to improve the tourism landscape and archaeological sites in Iraq, encompassing everything related to the history of the Mesopotamian civilization.
