Greek archaeologists revisit Erbil

Most people are familiar with the ancient village of Hasorakan in Erbil. In recent years it has become renowned as one of Erbil's most popular neighborhoods for housing projects. But what is less well known are the hidden archaeological and cultural treasures that grace the area at the nearby site at Nadir Hill.

Archaeologists excavate on Hasarokan village land in Erbil [Credit: The Kurdish Globe]

A Greek archaeological team from the University of Athens recently returned to the Kurdish capital city to take part in the second phase of excavations at the Nadir site. The team last worked in Erbil last year, when they were involved in the first phase of a dig in the area of Nadir Hill for several months.

The Greek team, with assistance from the Erbil Archeology Directorate, started the second phase of excavation at the site on August 28.

According to Haidar Hassan Hussein, head of the Erbil Archeology Directorate, this second phase of excavation work will last for a total of one month, and upon completion the results and findings of the dig shall be announced to the public.

The first phase of the Nadir Hill excavation took place in 2011, resulting in the exposure of human bones which were dated at 7,000 years old. Following this discovery, Erbil city's archeological experts believed that much more remained to be excavated, and it was suggested that the Kurdish government should invite the same Greek team to return for the second phase of the dig.

The science of archeology involves the careful exposure, examination and recording of historical remains, and is essential in helping historians to understand the cultural history of a region. 

Author: Zakariya Muhammed | Source: The Kurdish Globe [September 04, 2012]