What’s Sumereen?
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the project Sumereen: Sumerian Youth for Economic Development and Cultural Heritage in mid-2020. Funded by the European Union (EU), the project supports socio-economic growth through eco-tourism and cultural heritage preservation in the Governorate of Thi Qar, south of Iraq. It is implemented in partnership with the Governorate of Thi Qar and non-governmental organizations, namely Un Ponte Per, Humat Dijlah, Safina Projects and Carlo Leopardi Studio. Download the fact sheet to learn more. conservation of tourist infrastructure in Ur archaeological site and the Marshlands; the provision of vocational training in eco-tourism and environmental conservation; and the creation of jobs for local communities, specifically youth and women.
What is the goal of this website?
Among the activities contributing to promoting eco-tourism in Thi Qar is the creation of Urima website. This platform provides historical and scientific context of the archaeological site of Ur and features artifacts unearthed from Ur and housed in museums around the world. Furthermore, it provides the public and visitors with background data of the site, practical information on how to visit, the opportunity to take a virtual tour, and much more.
How can I visit Ur?
There are several ways you can visit Ur. Go to ‘Visiting Ur’ page on this website or click on ‘Plan you visit’. You will find information on how to travel and reach Ur. Besides actual travel to the site you will be able to read the History of Ur and take a virtual tour while checking out the Virtual Collection.
Where is Ur located?
Ur site is located in Dhi Qar, a governorate in Southern Iraq, which is home to over 12,000 archaeological sites. It is located 15 kilometers from the major city of Nasiriyah.
How can I reach Nasiriyah?
Nasiriyiah is reachable from 3 major international airports: Baghdad, Najaf or Basrah and connected via major Iraqi highways.
Where can I find accommodation?
The city of Nasiriyah contains a number of tourism hotels.
Who manages the archaeological site of Ur?
The Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) has been working in partnership with international archaeological missions to start implementing the provisions of the management plan concerning specifically the site of Ur. Two dedicated management teams have been set up: one overseeing work at Uruk, the other in charge of Ur and Eridu. These teams report to the provincial Directorates of Antiquities and Heritage (DAH): The Thi Qar DAH has jurisdiction over Ur and Eridu, whereas the Muthanna DAH has jurisdiction over Uruk. DAHs are assisted by the Antiquity and Heritage Police, created in 2007 for monitoring archaeological sites. The Antiquity and Heritage Police maintains a permanent presence at Uruk and Ur and regularly patrol at Eridu.
How to get in touch?
For further information contact toon.bijnens@unponteper.it