Conservation and valorization of Iraqi Kurdistan's Heritage: an archaeological Park against war damages

The irrigation system erected by the Assyrian king Sennacherib during the years 704-681 B.C., was addressed to bring water to the new capital Ninive by means of a number of canals still widespread on a territory of about 3.500 km2. The monumental network is enriched by several rock reliefs, inscriptions and technical solutions and represents one of the most important witness of northern Iraq's cultural heritage. Unfortunately, during the last thirty years, Iraqi Kurdistan has been the theater of war events that caused not only the progressive decay of the monuments, but also the lost of much of the immaterial cultural heritage. The project carried on by CNR-ITABC within the frame of the training program "Land of Ninive", entrusted to the University of Udine by the Italian International Cooperation, is engaged in preparing photogrammetric and 3D survey of Sennacherib's monumental work in order to have a precise documentation for eventual future restoration. The main purpose is the collection of proper data in order to allow the Kurdistan Regional Government to present a proposal for the admission of the archaeological complex in the Unesco WHTL. This deserved future recognition, together with the planning of an Archaeological Park which includes the most representative areas of Khinis and Jerwan, will encourage the knowledge of the historical territory and strengthen the national cultural identity so to replace war and damages with culture and valorisation.