La Jornada: Iraq: they restore the Great Ziggurat

Members of the maintenance team of the Iraqi Antiquities Authority carry out restoration work on the Great Ziggurat, in the ancient city of Ur, currently located in the province of Dhi Qar. The area is considered the birthplace of Abraham, patriarch of the world’s three monotheistic religions. This temple is one of several structures built by the ancient Sumerians in what is now Iraq, it was recognized as the abode of the gods, so the summit was restricted to everyone except priests and other revered figures. Today, the archaeological vestige is undergoing careful restoration, carried out by local artisans using materials from the region, including bricks specially manufactured to imitate the original pieces. Here, a panoramic view of the area and details of the rehabilitation work.