Bonn – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) inscribed the Iraqi city of Hatra on the World Heritage in Danger. According to the organization, this was due to damage caused by armed groups. Early in the year, a terrorist group released a video with destruction being caused to the archeological site of Hatra. In a meeting this week, the members of Unesco’s World Heritage Committee voiced concern with the Iraqi heritage, according to a report in Unesco’s website.
Unesco reassures its disposition to help Iraq as soon as the situation on the ground allows it and says that the listing of Hatra is a way to mobilize the support of the international community for the country’s heritage. Two other Iraqi archeological sites are also on the World Heritage in Danger list: Ashur, since 2003, and the archaeological city of Samara, since 2007.
Hatra was a large fortified city and the capital of the first Arab Kingdom. It withstood invasions thanks to its high, thick walls, which are reinforced by towers. The ancient ruins of the city are formed by mainly temples, where the Hellenistic and Roman architecture blend with Eastern decorative features. It is inscribed in the World Heritage List since 1985.
*With information from Agência Brasil. Translated by Sérgio Kakitani
