The Islamic State (also known as ISIS and ISIL) has enacted a brutal and violent version of Islamic Law in the regions it controls in Iraq and Syria. The group has executed journalists, soldiers, aid workers and religious minorities, and posted gruesome videos of the events online. In early March, ISIS militants destroyed with bulldozers the excavated ruins of the ancient city of Nimrud, a famed archaeological site in northern Iraq. The Iraqi Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities released a statement saying the Islamic State continues to “defy the will of the world and the feelings of humanity” with this latest act.
Why?
Experts believe the demolition of Nimrud is another attempt by ISIS to eradicate ancient artifacts representing religions and cultures that don’t conform to the group’s beliefs. Jack Green, chief curator of the Oriental Institute Museum at the University of Chicago and expert on Iraqi art said, “It’s the deliberate destruction of a heritage and its images, intended to erase history and the identity of the people of Iraq, whether in the past or the present.” He continued, “And it has a major impact on the heritage of the region.”
Another motive for destroying sites like Nimrud is money. The bigger artifacts and sculptures are demolished on site, but some of the smaller pieces are removed and sold to finance the activities of ISIS.
History of Nimrud
Nimrud is located in northern Iraq approximately 20 miles south of Mosul. It was built around 3000 years ago by the Assyrian King Shalmaneser I. The palace of Nimrud was constructed of marble and precious wood. At its peak, approximately 60,000 people are estimated to have lived in Nimrud. Archaeologists think the city was named after the Biblical hero Nimrod who was believed to be the great-grandson of Noah.
From 1845 to 1879, there were numerous archaeological excavations on the site. The work continued in 1949, and many significant artifacts were found. The majority were transported to Iraqi and international museums. In the late 1980s, the royal tombs of Nimrud, which contained countless priceless treasures, were unearthed. The discovery was made by Iraqi Muzahim Mahmood and is considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the last century.
Starting in 2002, the World Monuments Fund named Nimrud as one the most endangered archaeological sites on the planet. The elaborate stone reliefs, which had been exposed to sun, sand and wind for centuries, were deteriorating. The site was also not secure and a target of looters.
Other Examples of Destruction
The demolition of Nimrud is not the only example of cultural annihilation by militant groups.
- Mosul Museum
Ancient artifacts housed in the Mosul Museum were destroyed by ISIS with sledgehammers in late February.
- Mosque of Prophet Younis and Mosque of Prophet Jiris
In 2014, militants leveled Mosul’s Mosque of Prophet Younis and Mosque of Prophet Jiris. Both were cherished ancient shrines. The city’s 850-year-old iconic Crooked Minaret, which appears on Iraq’s 10,000 dinar bill, was also threatened. However, Mosul residents peacefully stood down the militants. They reportedly linked arms and formed a human chain around it, telling the fighters they would have to blow all of them up first. The militants relented and left.
- Statues of Buddha in Afghanistan
Over 12 years ago, the Taliban destroyed Afghan statues of Buddha. Their motives are believed to have been the same as those of ISIS today.
In a blatant move in opposition to ISIS, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi recently opened the national museum in Baghdad for the first time in 12 years. He stated he wanted to defy efforts “to destroy the heritage of mankind and Iraq’s civilization.”
The demolition of Nimrud is another example of the Islamic State’s attempt to purge the contrary religious and cultural beliefs of people living in the Middle East. Hopefully, its path of death and destruction will soon be stopped.