In 1899, the Ottoman Empire allowed German archaeologists to start excavating the site of the Ishtar Gate in Babylon, modern-day Hillah, Iraq. Following WWI, original bricks were transferred to Berlin, where the gate was reconstructed and clearly remains today. (1/3)
https://twitter.com/al_naffy40/status/1361419318206947328
The Ishtar Gate is sadly just one example of the many artifacts taken from Mesopotamia to museums elsewhere. It should be returned, but the Iraqi Government also has the responsibility to first preserve remaining sites, and then pressure Germany to return the gate. (2/3)
There are far too many historical sites across Iraq in dire need of restoration and attention. Check @Mehiyar for more information about these sites, and support his fundraiser to help preserve them through documentation. (3/3)
https://twitter.com/mehiyar/status/1342449984524976129
Adding another tweet, but this is just as important. It’s impossible to overlook the negative effects these mass excavations and neglect leave on the sites. Here is another example from the Babil Governorate:
https://twitter.com/mehiyar/status/1363128847630221317
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