Heavy reliance on international assistance
Kurdistan’s antiquities directorates seek formal recognition, support
ERBIL – Antiquities directorates throughout the Kurdistan Region have submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism, calling for the formal establishment of the antiquities sector as a governmental institution.
The memorandum underscores the critical need to ensure the field of antiquities in Kurdistan is not overlooked and recommends its integration into a structured governmental body.
Yekiti Wahid, the Director of Antiquities in Koya, informed 964media that preservation efforts for the Kurdistan Region’s historical sites have largely relied on international support, including countries, organizations, and European universities. He noted that absent this external assistance, there has been minimal to no domestic effort, resulting in the sector’s neglect.
Wahid pointed out the directorates’ prevalent issues, such as the scarcity of specialized engineers and archaeologists and, in some instances, the total lack of personnel and security guards.
He stressed the importance of the antiquities sector and its capacity to elevate the Kurdistan Region’s global profile.
With 11 directorates, the Kurdistan Region faces the challenge of effectively preserving and promoting its vast historical heritage, which encompasses over 5,800 documented archaeological sites.
Wahid called attention to the need for a designated annual budget for the antiquities sector.
He further stated, “Beyond depending on the contributions of foreign entities and academic institutions, the Kurdistan Regional Government must assume a pivotal role in the excavation, study, and restoration of archaeological sites.”