Basra Museum
Al Başrah
Located on the banks of the Shatt al-Arab river, the Basrah Museum is housed in a former palace of Saddam Hussein approximately 3 km southeast of Basra's historic city center. Opened to the public in March 2019, the museum features over 2,500 artifacts spanning Mesopotamian, Babylonian, Persian civilizations, and the Islamic period relevant to Basra's heritage. Its Ottoman architectural style incorporates traditional Basrian shanasheels and a domed foyer leading to multiple galleries. The museum's collections are divided into four main galleries: Assyrian, Babylonian, Sumerian, and Basrah, each highlighting distinct historical periods and cultures. Outdoor exhibits include traditional reed guesthouses and boats from the Mesopotamian Marshes, enriching the cultural experience. The museum's reopening marked a significant cultural revival after its closure and looting in 1991, supported by international cooperation including the British Museum and UK cultural organizations.
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Tip: The best time to visit Basrah Museum is during the cooler months to comfortably explore the extensive galleries and outdoor exhibits. Visitors are advised to check opening hours and consider pre-booking tickets if available, especially during holidays or local events. The museum offers a rich cultural experience with discounts often available for students and groups. Guided tours may enhance understanding of the complex historical contexts of the artifacts. Photography policies should be confirmed on-site.
Zajímavosti
- •The museum is located in a former palace of Saddam Hussein.
- •It houses artifacts dating back as far as 6000 BCE.
- •The building features Ottoman architecture with traditional Basrian shanasheels.
- •The museum was looted in 1991 and later used as a military base before restoration.
- •International cooperation, including support from the British Museum, was crucial for its reopening.
- •The outdoor compound displays traditional reed guesthouses and Mesopotamian Marsh boats.
Historie
Basrah Museum was originally housed in a palace that later became a museum but was closed and looted in 1991 amid political unrest at the end of the first Gulf War.
After the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the building was used as a military base by British, Iraqi, and US forces.
Restoration and reopening efforts began in 2010 with international support, including from the British Museum and UK cultural funds.
The museum opened its first gallery in 2016 and officially reopened fully in 2019 with multiple galleries showcasing artifacts dating back to 6000 BCE, symbolizing a cultural renaissance for the city of Basra.
Průvodce po místě
Assyrian Gallery9th-8th century BCE
This gallery showcases artifacts primarily from the Neo-Assyrian Empire (9th-8th century BCE), including notable stone plaques such as the Lamashtu plaque.
Babylon Galleryc. 1600-1100 BCE
Dedicated to the Babylonian period with a focus on the Kassite dynasty (c. 1600-1100 BCE), this gallery includes statues like the man of Tell al-Rimah.
Sumer Gallery5500 BCE - c. 2000 BCE
Displays materials from the Halaf culture (5500 BCE) through the Third Dynasty of Ur (c. 2000 BCE), including pottery strainers and other early artifacts.
Basrah GalleryIslamic period
Focuses on the Islamic period artifacts related to Basra, featuring pottery, glass vessels, terracotta figurines, and a significant numismatic collection including Hellenistic coins.
Outdoor Compound
Features traditional reed guesthouses (mudhifs) and a series of boats typical of the Mesopotamian Marshes, offering insight into local cultural heritage.