ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK

The project is aimed at the conservation of cultural heritage and the strengthening of the local economy through the creation of an Archaeological Environmental Park for the conservation of the extensive water-management system built by King Sennacherib. The project’s main activities concern the documentation of archaeological and architectural remains, the enhancement of the archaeological complex, the training of local staff with regard to conservation work and archaeological investigation, the design of park infrastructures and facilities, and the drafting of a sustainable tourism plan.

A Multimedia Museum Centre located not far from Khinis (but not visible from the site) will have the task of managing the Archaeological Park and allowing visitors to visualize both Sennacherib’s entire irrigation network and the individual archaeological areas, both inside and outside the park.

The establishment of the archaeological environmental park aims to safeguard the cultural landscape and to offer the local population the enjoyment of all the cultural, spiritual and social benefits connected to it.

The heritage of the region, if properly protected and valued, could be a significant source of economic development through the growth of local and international tourism. Increased income through the launch of environmentally-friendly activities, such as those related to tourism and crafts and the consequent development of SMEs, might raise the level of well-being in the community with respect to both physical and psychophysical health.

Moreover, the arrival in the region of tourists from Iraq and all over the world could help Iraqi Kurdistan to pursue its economic development , leading to new and beneficial cultural exchange and the country’s economic progress.