Italian university begins restoration of historic sites in Iraq

DUHOK, August 30 — Italy’s University of Udine has commenced restoration and rehabilitation work on an archaeological site which was once a private resort for Assyrian King Sennacherib following the signing of a contract with the Directorate of Antiquities in Duhok earlier in the week.

Sennacherib was the sixth king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and the second ruler of the Sargonid dynasty. His reign lasted 24 years, beginning after his father’s demise in 705 BCE and continuing until his own passing in 681 BCE.

He gained notoriety in the Western Christian tradition due to his role in the narratives of the Bible. His renowned campaigns in the Levant are among his most significant achievements, along with his destruction of Babylon in 689 BCE and the renewal and expansion of Nineveh, one of the capital cities of the Assyrian Empire.

Dr. Bekas Brifkani, from Duhok’s Directorate of Antiquities, told 964:

“We have signed four contracts with foreign universities in Duhok governorate to enhance the field of archaeology. One of these contracts is for the survey and restoration of the Khans site, signed with the University of Udine in Italy.”

“The project is being led by Professor Daniela Morandi, with work being executed in collaboration with the Directorate of Antiquities and Culture.”

“The Khans archaeological site is situated in a valley, approximately 13 kilometers northeast of Shekhan in Duhok.”