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The aims of the research project are to better understand the current heritage position of Babylon and threats to its physical state; raise the profile of local expertise through provision of teaching and teaching materials for the analysis and interpretation of archaeology and heritage; help heritage organisations better serve local needs; increase the skills and capacity of archaeologists and students in Hillah province; help build more stable post-conflict communities.
This will be done through a combination of training in standing buildings recording and analysis, analysis of satellite imagery, and interviews and discussions with a range of different local communities. The programme of interviews and discussions is aimed at understanding what the ancient site of Babylon means to the people of Hillah, how it is valued, and their views on the future of the site. In particular this will explore how the material remains of Saddam Hussein’s rule imposed on the ancient city (e.g. reconstruction of the palace, creation of massive artificial hills, building a lavish new palace) should be treated.
Training in standing buildings and satellite imagery will provides key analytical skills that will form the basis of new university-level modules to teach the use of these techniques within a heritage context. The results of standing building and satellite imagery analyses will provide a powerful information source for understanding current site conditions and threats, thus supporting the work of the local government who manage the site, as well as the NGOs and CSOs working towards UNESCO World Heritage inscription. Greater understanding of Babylon and greater agency for local communities around the future of the site will contribute to local, regional and national identity. These techniques are also widely applicable across Iraq as heritage and site management tools, particularly relevant to sites and buildings under threat and developing effective management plans.