Iraq is restoring the Ziggurat of Ur, one of the world’s oldest surviving temple structures, using locally made bricks and traditional building methods in a push to revive a landmark of ancient Mesopotamian civilization.
The structure, located near Nasiriyah in southern Iraq, dates back to the 21st century BC. King Ur-Nammu of the Third Dynasty of Ur built it during the Early Bronze Age. It remains one of the best-preserved ziggurats from ancient Mesopotamia.
The current restoration is broad in scope. A project supervisor noted that the last maintenance on the structure was carried out in 1999. That work was limited, covering only four small areas. Three of those areas were on the second layer, and the fourth involved replacing lime on the first layer in a space smaller than one square meter (11 square feet).
Iraq restores the Ziggurat of Ur with locally made bricks
This time, teams are working across much larger sections of the structure. Officials say local experts are leading the effort with a clear focus on maintaining the site’s authenticity. The bricks are made locally and carefully designed to match the original materials as closely as possible.
Iraq’s restoration of the Ziggurat of Ur is expected to be complete by early July, officials said. Authorities believe the project will strengthen cultural preservation and draw more visitors to the region.
Wider restoration effort targets July reopening for visitors
The site carries deep historical weight. Its remains were first rediscovered in 1850 and later excavated extensively through the 1920s and 1930s. The structure also suffered damage during the Gulf War in 1991, when more than 400 bullet holes and nearby bomb craters left visible marks on its walls.
The project reflects Iraq’s broader effort to protect its heritage after years of conflict and neglect. With work advancing steadily, the ancient site is on track to welcome visitors once again, offering a rare window into one of humanity’s earliest civilizations.
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