Archaeological site of Aqar Quf (ancient Dur-Kurigalzu)

The history of excavations at Aqar Quf spans over a century and reflects the broader development of archaeological practices in the region. Initial surface exploration of the site began in the late 19th century during the era of early European interest in Mesopotamian antiquities. Observations made by travellers and scholars noted the prominent ziggurat, which became an iconic representation of ancient Mesopotamian architecture, initially on mistook for the biblical Tower of Babel.

The first systematic excavations at Aqar Quf were conducted in the 1940s by a team of Iraqi archaeologists under the leadership of Taha Baqir, the most prominent figure in the field of archaeology in Iraq. Further excavations by the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) have continued intermittently over the following decades, often focusing on restoring and stabilizing the ziggurat, which has been damaged by natural erosion and human activity. Since the fall of 2024, an Iraqi-Italian Archaeological Expedition operates at the site.

The archaeological site of Aqar Quf, located near Baghdad, Iraq, is a monumental testament to the grandeur of the Kassite Dynasty (circa 16th-12th centuries BCE). Dominated by its iconic ziggurat, Aqar Quf served as the political capital of the kingdom with the ancient name of Dur-Kurigalzu a city established by King Kurigalzu I in the 14th century BCE and renovated by Kurigalzu II. This ancient city, 425 hectares large, exemplifies the architectural and cultural achievements of the Kassites and their profound influence on Mesopotamian history, politics, and religion. The well-preserved remains of the ziggurat, palaces, temples, residencies and other structures provide invaluable insight into Kassite urban planning, religious practices, and socio-political structures. The site also offers a unique perspective on the interactions between the Kassites and other contemporary cultures in the ancient Near East. Despite the challenges posed by environmental and modem development pressures, Aqar Quf remains the most significant site for understanding Kassite history and the broader context of Mesopotamian civilization. It continues to be a focus of archaeological and preservation efforts in Iraq.

Criterion (i): The ziggurat of Aqar Quf is a masterpiece of ancient engineering and architectural ingenuity. Rising 50 m above the surrounding plain, this massive mudbrick structure represents the zenith of Kassite construction techniques and religious devotion. Its design and execution demonstrate an extraordinary understanding of building technologies (with ancient reed mats and twisted ropes still binding it together) and an unparalleled ability to harmonize monumental architecture with the surrounding landscape. The ziggurat, dedicated to the chief Sumerian deity EnIil, symbolizes the Kassites' religious beliefs, embodying an enduring legacy of human creativity.

Criterion (ii): Aqar Quf stands as a significant example of cultural interaction and exchange during the Kassite period. The site reflects the synthesis of Kassite traditions with earlier Mesopotamian cultural practices and innovations introduced through interactions with neighbouring civilizations. The Kassites adopted and adapted the cuneiform writing system, administrative techniques, and religious iconography of earlier Mesopotamian states, blending them into a distinct tradition. The artifacts (like a cuneiform letter to a Hittite king found in the royal palace at Aqar Quf, or the letters sent from there to the Egyptian pharaoh) and architectural features of Aqar Quf provide compelling evidence of these exchanges, showcasing the site's role as a hub of cross-cultural interaction in the ancient Near East.

Criterion (iii): Aqar Quf bears exceptional testimony to the Kassite civilization, which played a pivotal role in shaping Mesopotamian history. The site exemplifies the Kassites' distinctive contributions to art, architecture, and governance. The monumental ziggurat and associated structures attest to their advanced construction techniques, religious practices, and state organization. Aqar Quf's archaeological remains offer a rare and irreplaceable record of a civilization that significantly influenced the cultural and political landscape of ancient Mesopotamia.

Criterion (iv): The urban layout and monumental architecture of Aqar Quf represent a quintessential example of Kassite city planning and religious architecture. The ziggurat, palaces, temples, and other structures form a cohesive architectural ensemble that illustrates the Kassites' ability to design and construct urban centres that reflected their political and religious ideologies. The scale, craftsmanship, and spatial organization of these structures underscore the Kassites' architectural achievements and their enduring impact on Mesopotamian urbanism. The royal palace at Tell Abyadh is the largest structure of that kind in the whole Near East (being almost three times as large as the southern palace of Nabukhadnezzar in Babylon, for example): its frescoes from the late 13th century BCE are the most impressive remnants of Kassite figurative art.

Criterion (v): The site of Aqar Quf demonstrates the Kassites' innovative adaptation to and interaction with their natural environment. Located near the confluence of key trade routes between the Euphrates and the Tigris rivers, Aqar Quf was strategically positioned to facilitate commerce and communication. The construction of the ziggurat and other structures utilized locally sourced mudbricks, reflecting the Kassites' resourcefulness in employing available materials to create such monumental architecture. The city's layout and infrastructure (ancient canals are still visible through the city) also reveal sophisticated water management and agricultural practices, underscoring the Kassites' ability to thrive in a challenging environment. The 5 km long central part of the site - a continuous stretch of archaeological remains - is still void of the modem buildings instead encroaching on its sides and has a vegetation of tamarisks, acacias and small palms, which needs to be protected.

Integrity: The archaeological site of Aqar Quf retains a high degree of integrity, with its key attributes­ including the ziggurat, temple and palace complexes, and residential areas-remaining remarkably intact despite the passage of millennia. While some elements have been affected by natural erosion and human activity and encroachment, the site's overall form and design continue to convey its historical significance and cultural values (the 5 km long central stretch is void of buildings). Ongoing archaeological research and conservation efforts aim to preserve and protect these irreplaceable remains for future generations.

Authenticity: The authenticity of Aqar Quf is evident in the material, design, and location of its archaeological remains. The ziggurat and associated structures retain their original form, materials, and craftsmanship, reflecting the construction techniques and artistic expressions of the Kassite period. The site's location within its original landscape further enhances its authenticity, providing an unaltered - in tracts - context that underscores its historical and cultural significance.

Protection and Management Requirements: Aqar Quf is protected under Iraqi national heritage laws (especially Law no. 55/2002), which aim to safeguard its archaeological and cultural assets. The site is managed by SBAH, which oversees conservation, research, and public engagement activities. However, the site faces challenges related to urban encroachment, climate change, and still insufficient resources for maintenance and security. A comprehensive management plan that integrates sustainable conservation practices, community involvement, and international cooperation is essential to ensure the long-term preservation of Aqar Quf and its Outstanding Universal Value.