Heritage in Babylon Governorate – A Continuous Civilizational Identity Through the Ages<br />Prepared by: Asst. Lecturer Zaid Awad Atiya<br />Al-Mustaqbal University / College of Arts and Humanities – Department of Archaeology<br /><br />This article comes within the framework of supporting the fourth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (Quality Education).<br /><br />Babylon Governorate is considered one of the richest Iraqi regions in both tangible and intangible heritage, due to its deep-rooted historical foundations that date back to the Sumerian, Akkadian, and Babylonian civilizations, and extend through the Islamic eras. This article explores the prominent features of Babylonian heritage from archaeological, historical, and cultural perspectives, while highlighting the importance of its preservation and enhancement amid contemporary challenges.<br /><br />The ancient city of Babylon, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, continues to testify to the greatness of the past. Alongside it are many Islamic sites and popular traditions that reflect the region’s civilizational continuity.<br /><br />First: Tangible Heritage in Babylon<br />The tangible heritage in the governorate includes archaeological landmarks, historical buildings, and religious sites. Among the most notable are:<br /> 1. The Ancient City of Babylon:<br />Babylon was one of the greatest ancient cities, featuring famous landmarks such as the Ishtar Gate, the Hanging Gardens, and the Ziggurat. It flourished during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II (605–562 BCE) and served as a major political and religious center.<br /> 2. Islamic Monuments:<br />These include the Al-Kifl Mosque, the shrine of Prophet Dhul-Kifl, and various sites scattered across Al-Hillah and Al-Hashimiyah from the Abbasid period, characterized by traditional Islamic architecture, glazed brickwork, and calligraphic ornamentation.<br /><br />Second: Intangible Heritage<br />Intangible heritage includes customs, traditions, handicrafts, folklore, and religious and social events:<br /> 1. Folk Arts:<br />Such as muwashshahat (traditional songs), Husseini recitations, and unique styles of chanting the Prophet’s birth (Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi).<br /> 2. Traditional Crafts:<br />Including pottery, weaving, and handmade carpets, which are still practiced in some rural and urban areas.<br /> 3. Religious Rituals:<br />Especially during Shia occasions like Ashura, where distinctive rituals are observed in the city of Al-Hillah and surrounding areas.<br /><br />Third: Challenges and Efforts in Heritage Preservation<br />The heritage of Babylon faces several challenges, including uncontrolled urban expansion, lack of public awareness, and insufficient funding for restoration and maintenance. However, there are governmental and community efforts aimed at promoting heritage culture, such as:<br /> 1. Digital documentation projects of archaeological sites.<br /> 2. Restoration campaigns implemented by the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage in collaboration with international organizations.<br /> 3. Civil society initiatives organizing cultural events to revive heritage.<br /><br />The heritage of Babylon Governorate represents a civilizational treasure that must be preserved and integrated into cultural, educational, and tourism life. Studying Babylonian heritage is not only about the past—it is a gateway to understanding national identity and reinforcing a sense of belonging across generations.<br />Al-Mustaqbal University—The Premier University in Iraq.<br /><br /><br /><a href=https://uomus.edu.iq/En/Default.aspx target=_blank>The Official Website of Al‑Mustaqbal University</a>