KRG cracks down on violations at sites
Growth in Kurdistan’s archeological sector attracts illicit trade
In the past year, 99 instances of encroachment on archaeological sites were reported, according to the Kurdistan Region’s General Directorate of Archeology and Culture. The directorate handled 33 legal cases, with 10 reaching a final verdict.
Keyfi Mustafa, director of archaeological and cultural tourism for the Kurdistan Region, informed 964media that numerous individuals and groups have been apprehended for violations at archaeological sites, including the illicit trade of artifacts.
The Kurdistan Region is home to over 6,000 archaeological sites. Projects involving excavation and restoration in these areas have generated employment opportunities for 1,400 individuals.
Throughout the year, the Regional Directorate of Archeology issued 1,470 inspection permits for archaeological sites. Additionally, 945 contracts were fulfilled involving projects or renovations at these sites.