Basra Museum Showcases Iraq’s Heritage to Italian Delegation

As part of efforts to enhance cultural cooperation and showcase Iraq’s rich heritage to the global community, the Basra Civilization Museum welcomed an Italian press delegation on a special visit aimed at highlighting Iraq’s archaeological and tourism potential.

The visit was carried out under the directives of Mr. Ali Obeid Shalgam, Chairman of the General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage, and supervised by Ms. Lama Al-Douri, Director General of the General Museums Department. The initiative reflects Iraq’s commitment to strengthening ties with international media and official delegations.

Museum curator Ali Taher Al-Moussawi received the delegation, which included Italian journalists Rosella Fabiani and Cristiana Messori. They were accompanied by Muqdad Al-Nouri, an advisor from Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mohsen Abdul Ali, Director of the Public Relations and Media Department at the Tourism Authority.

During their visit, the delegation toured the museum’s four main halls, each dedicated to a major period of Iraqi history: Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Basra. Al-Moussawi provided a comprehensive overview of the museum’s thousands of artefacts, which chronicle Iraq’s remarkable civilisational journey.

The Italian journalists praised the collection, expressing deep admiration for the historical depth and cultural diversity preserved within the museum. They noted that their visit offered valuable insight into Iraq’s civilisations and pledged to share their experience with the Italian public through detailed reports. They also highlighted the country’s current stability and safety, describing Iraq as a promising and secure cultural tourism destination stretching from its southern regions to the north.

Source: Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities