Preservation of Heritage Buildings: A Call to Action
On Monday, Iraq’s State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) made a poignant plea to protect the nation’s heritage buildings, highlighting their vital role in the tapestry of Iraq’s cultural history. This call resonates deeply in a nation rich with stories etched in stone and mortar, where each building pulsates with echoes of the past.
Ownership and Legal Framework
Iyad Kazem, the Director-General of SBAH’s Heritage Department, responded to growing public inquiries regarding the sale and conversion of these valued buildings, clarifying that many are privately owned while some belong to government entities. Specifically, he mentioned institutions like the Baghdad Municipality and local governments, revealing that SBAH itself holds only a handful of these historic structures.
Antiquities Law and Cultural Identity
The protection of these heritage sites is anchored in Antiquities and Heritage Law No. 55 of 2002. This law permits the sale and purchase of heritage properties on the condition that they remain intact, preserving their integrity and cultural significance, a safeguard that harmonizes with Iraq’s rich historical identity.
A Collective Responsibility
As part of its initiative to protect these cultural legacies, the SBAH has urged collaboration with various government bodies and cultural institutions, emphasizing the importance of involvement from the Baghdad Municipality, which oversees land administration. Heritage buildings are not merely structures; they represent a significant period in Iraq’s cultural and social narrative, deserving collective stewardship and care.
– SBAH calls for preserving heritage buildings as cultural legacies. – Most heritage buildings are privately owned; some are government-owned. – Antiquities Law No. 55 of 2002 protects these properties. – Collaboration with government entities is essential for preservation efforts.
In conclusion, Iraq’s call to safeguard its heritage buildings is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural legacies. As the SBAH seeks collective action from various stakeholders, it highlights the invaluable role these structures play in narrating the rich history of Iraq. The preservation of these sites is not only a legal obligation but also a shared cultural duty that bridges past and present.
Original Source: shafaq.com
