Conservation of the Ishtar Gate - Part of the Future of Babylon Project
WMF has been working with Iraq’s State Board of Antiquities and Heritage to conserve the fragile archaeological remains of Babylon. The Ishtar Gate is considered Babylon's most important monument. WMF has been seeking to reduce the damage caused by water on the Ishtar Gate and offering a better visitor experience.
| As part of the Future of Babylon's early planning process, members of the Iraq State Board of Antiquities and Heritage prioritized five sites for general maintenance and conservation actions. The Ishtar Gate, Nabu-sha-Hare Temple, and the inner-city walls between the palaces were classified as the highest priority. All are standing monuments with substantial amounts of original fabric that have preserved their authenticity and integrity despite the 1980s interventions and subsequent years of neglect. Based on completion of detailed laser scanning documentation, drawings, surveys, monitoring, and analysis, WMF developed some conservation priorities for The Ishtar Gate. The conservation improves upon Ishtar Gate's preservation and presentation in a manner consistent with international charters, above all, respecting its authenticity and integrity as one of the country's most important icons. Where possible this work is done through capacity building measures. WMF’s efforts are, improving water management; implementing a set of architectural and engineering designs; intervening and conserving historic fabrics, and upgrading the visitor experience through re-presentation of the monument. For the next stage, an international, professional mason will join our local technicians to train them how to complete the work, and in doing so, provide the necessary abilities for skilled-labour mason qualifications. |
Project Details
Location: Babylon, United States of America
Organiser(s):
World Monuments Fund, Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage
Funder(s):
US Department of State, US Embassy in Baghdad
Funding received: Undisclosed
Commencement Date: 01/2008
Project Status: Active
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