Samarra confirm the continuation of reconstruction and maintenance the ruins

Baghdad-INA 

The Directorate of Antiquities of Samarra confirmed today, Friday, that the stages of reconstruction and maintenance are continuing in only two locations.

The Director of Antiquities and Heritage of Samarra, Laith Saadi Taha Abboud, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The stages of reconstruction of archaeological sites are underway in only two sites, which are the Caliphate Archaeological Palace and the Great Malwiya Mosque, as for the rest of the sites, there are no maintenance works for them at the present time," noting that, "There is talk about the possibility of carrying out maintenance work at the sites of the Al-Asheq Palace and the Abu Dalif Mosque.".

Abboud added, "The other archaeological sites (the Palace of Decorations, the Mutawakkiliya and the Green Church) did not witness any significant maintenance.".

Regarding the abuses around the archaeological sites in Samarra, Abboud stressed, "The rate of abuses is very high and sometimes includes entire regions. Official books were issued to remove the abuses by the Ministry of Culture, as well as by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities and the investigative committee in charge of following up the issue. The emphasis is on lifting the abuses, but it Only part of the numbered province (1/16) has been lifted.".

"We are awaiting the procedures of the local administration and the administration of the governorate until the violations around the archaeological sites are completely lifted during the coming period," he added.