The site dates back nearly 1,300 years and represents a rare find in the richest region of Iraq.
Baghdad, Iraq Archaeological excavations at the British Museum, along with an Iraqi army, have uncovered a mud mosque dating to 60 AH or 679 AD in the wealthiest state of Dhi Qar in the south of the country, officials said.
The mosque, located in the town of al-Rafa’i, is located in the heart of the city. The mosque is about 30 feet (26 feet) wide and 15 feet (16 feet) high. In the center of the mosque is a small imam’s cabin, which can accommodate 25 people, according to a recent excavation.
Ali Shalgham, the head of the state department of exploration and excavation, described the findings as “one of the most important discoveries made,” because they were built of mud and date back to the early years of Islam.
Few religious archaeological sites have been found that have existed since the time of Umayyad, according to Shalgham. However, due to the erosion, not much has been revealed about the Islamic period.
“We have found very little information that came to us in revealing the Islamic past,” Shalgham said. “The mud was found near the site, so there were few remnants of the house due to erosion, wind, and rain.”
‘Shame money allocation’
Dhi Qar State is home to many archeological sites, including the site of Ur, a Sumerian city in ancient Mesopotamia. In due course a journey of history in Iraq last year, Pope Francis visited Ur.
More recently, its excavated treasures have also attracted foreign investment. For example, a group of French archaeologists recently found King Sin-Ednam’s palace at Larsa Museum in Tulul al-Sinkara. A team of archaeologists from Russia and Iraq has also uncovered some 4,000 ancient sites earlier this year.
However, because of age conflicts and financial mismanagement, the world’s largest oil-rich country, has not shown much interest in archeology in recent years.
“The disgrace of money in this region has weakened Iraqi research and development in recent years,” said Hassan al-Salami, an Iraqi archaeologist.
“The future will see the discovery of important archaeological sites in Dhi Qar, in particular the presence of missions and their cooperation with the former government department.”
In an interview with a local newspaper, the head of the former Dhi Qar department, Amar Abdel Razaaq, called on the next government to make the state “the capital of Iraq.”
“The number of foreign and foreign visitors this season has doubled and it is an opportunity for us to catch up,” Razaaq said.
