The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities opened today, Tuesday, the first sector of the archaeological park in the ancient city of Akkarqof in the Abu Ghraib district west of Baghdad with the attendance of the Italian ambassador to Iraq, Nicolo Fontana.
In a special interview with the News Video Agency, Italian ambassador Nicolo Fontana explained that today marks the opening of the first phase of the project, and there are ongoing steps planned for the coming years.
The ambassador confirmed that the development of these cultural landmarks will be a point of attraction for tourism.
For his part, Abu Ghraib district chief Othman Adel confirmed that efforts are ongoing to convey the true image of this important site, which is considered the best in terms of construction codes globally, emphasizing that the Ministry of Culture and the Tourism and Antiquities Authority have played a crucial role in preserving the structure of the Ziggurat and its surroundings, as well as its associated temples.
Adel stated to the News Video Agency that this site is the most significant archaeological site in Baghdad and has great importance due to its historical age. He expressed hope for promoting the approved program to enhance the reality of tourism services by opening opportunities for the private sector to invest in the Ziggurat's surroundings and providing funding and care from the decision-making center.
He indicated the pursuit of continuing this area to be the cultural city of Baghdad, noting the possibility of responding in the coming years to the demand to include this site on the UNESCO list, as it is an important site with depth that attracts international and local communities and aims to restore the area's former glory.