Amir al-Zubaidi is Director of Nasiriyah Museum, and now SBAH Director of Archaeology for Dhi Qar province. He introduces us to Nasiriyah Museum, and discusses both his achievements so far and his dreams for the future. What interests the people of Nasiriyah, and what role does heritage play in civic life there? 

This is the first in an experimental mini-series where we hear the thoughts of colleagues who are doing important work in Iraq. Yet while their work may be well known in Iraq itself, few in the UK or the wider western world know anything about it. This may be partly because of the nature of the specialist’s position, or the low level of Arabic language skills in the west. 

With the help of interpreter Zainab Mizyidawi, Amir was interviewed in Arabic and the results have been translated into English. This episode was made possible through the generous support of the London Centre for the Ancient Near East. 

4:31 Nasiriyah Museum
9:39 visitors
11:42 audience engagement
15:55 goals
19:59 what interests people
21:07 role of heritage in Nasiriyah 
23:20 role of foreign teams
24:40 life as director of archaeology 
29:49 priorities and challenges
30:55 hopes


Music by Ruba Hillawi

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