Nasiriyah completes Church of Ur ahead of Christmas celebrations

DHI QAR — The construction of the Church of Ur near the ancient Sumerian Ziggurat in Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar province, has been completed in preparation for the upcoming celebrations surrounding Christmas.

The city is set to host the international “Haboubi Festival” at the end of the month as part of Nasiriyah’s efforts to welcome a growing number of religious visitors, which have been increasing steadily over the past years.

Talib Dawood, Director of Ur Church, spoke to 964media, announcing the completion of the church’s primary infrastructure and readiness to host this year’s Christian pilgrimage season. Spanning an area of 10,000 square meters, the church was constructed to contemporary specifications and standards.

“The visit of Pope Francis in 2021 to the area was a turning point for this city and laid the foundation for this important landmark,” Dawood said. The church’s interior hall accommodates up to 500 people, making it a stunning architectural centerpiece amid the ruins of Ur. Large numbers of delegations are expected to visit the church, further enriching the site’s appeal.

Dawood emphasized the economic potential, stating, “Any service project completed in this area, alongside the influx of tourists, will undoubtedly succeed. Nasiriyah has firmly established itself on the global tourism map.”

The church administration has also invited Cardinal Louis Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and the world, to lead the first mass on the church grounds and extended an invitation to Christians from all Iraqi governorates to visit.

Amir Abdul Razzaq, former director of the Dhi Qar Antiquities Inspectorate, highlighted Nasiriyah’s historical significance, referring to the city as an “archaeological museum.” He said that heritage sites such as Eridu, Ur, and Bad-Tibira have witnessed pivotal moments in human history, including the invention of the wheel, the establishment of legal codes, and the drafting of early human rights charters.

“Tourism is becoming an industry rivaling oil,” Abdul Razzaq explained. “According to UNESCO statistics, if the number of visitors reaches the millions, it could bring immense opportunities for growth and development.”