Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)

a) Partial flooding and seepage due to a dam building project;

b) Fragile mud brick structures;

c) Absence of a comprehensive conservation and Management Plan. 

• Nearby construction of a dam entailing partial flooding and seepage;
• Armed conflict.

Not yet identified

Total amount provided to the property: USD 6,000 from the Italian Funds-in-Trust

The State Party did not submit the state of conservation report which was requested by the World Heritage Committee at its 35th session (UNESCO, 2011). From 5 to 9 June 2011, a reactive monitoring mission was carried out. The preliminary results of the mission were orally presented at the 35th session but not included in the previous state of conservation report for the property. The mission report is available online at the following web address: https://whc.unesco.org/en/sessions/35COM/documents/  

The mission assessed the current state of conservation of the property and highlighted the most significant threats that currently exist. It noted that the construction of the Makhool Dam, which is presently delayed but not cancelled, would constitute a significant risk to the property given the expected flooding along the site. The mission reported that a feasibility study has been carried out and that the final design of the dam and the environmental impact assessment were in the process of being developed. None of these documents have been submitted to the World Heritage Centre for review.

The mission also highlighted that a general strategy for conservation interventions has yet to be developed; given the risk of flooding and to mitigate the erosive action of the Tigris River at some sectors, it is urgent that a risk Management Plan be developed, including provisions for remedial and preventive measures before the integrity of the site is severely compromised. It was reported that technical studies for the construction of a retaining wall have been prepared and that works were expected to begin by June 2011. This project was also not submitted to the World Heritage Centre for review and the current status in terms of implementation is unknown.

The mission also underscored that in general the property presents a poor state of conservation, with significant erosion of earthen architecture remains due to weathering and lack of site drainage. It noted additionally that documentation, conservation, maintenance and monitoring works are not systematically implemented due to the lack of skilled staff, particularly with expertise on earthen architecture conservation, on site and the existence of limited resources. The Management Plan has yet to be developed.

The World Heritage Centre and Advisory Bodies note that although efforts have been made by the State Party in regard to the conservation and protection of the property, many significant threats remain unaddressed. They recommend that the Committee express its concern that the construction of the Makhool Dam is still expected to be continued and reiterate that the anticipated impacts, coupled with the poor state of conservation of many of the remains, would severely compromise the conditions of integrity of the property and might cause irreversible damages to the attributes that sustain its Outstanding Universal Value.