64. Ali Kadhem Ghanem: Managing the site of Ur

Thin End of the Wedge

The site of Ur is easily one of the most important in Iraq. In this interview, originally recorded in late 2021, we hear from the person responsible for managing that site. Ali talks about Ur's significance, and its role in local life. What are the plans for the development of this key site?
4:18 introducing Lina
7:02 importance of Ur
7:34 what tourists can see
8:39 information for visitors
9:12 what Ur means to Iraqis
10:15 excavations
11:04 site conservation
11:49 future of tourism
12:19 cultural activities
13:41 the Pope's visit
16:42 future projects
18:10 website for Ur
19:00 how Ali became interested in archaeology
20:14 advice for students now
22:12 reasons for optimism
24:24 closing thoughts
This interview was originally recorded in September 2021, in Arabic. The interview was conducted by Lina Meerchyad and translated into English by her. The text is spoken by her and Terry Birkett.
New website for the site of Ur
Music by Ruba Hillawi
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Chapters

1. 64. Ali Kadhem Ghanem: Managing the site of Ur (00:00:00)

2. introducing Lina (00:04:18)

3. importance of Ur (00:07:02)

4. what tourists can see (00:07:34)

5. information for visitors (00:08:39)

6. what Ur means to Iraqis (00:09:12)

7. excavations (00:10:15)

8. site conservation (00:11:04)

9. future of tourism (00:11:49)

10. cultural activities (00:12:19)

11. the Pope's visit (00:13:41)

12. future projects (00:16:42)

13. website for Ur (00:18:10)

14. how Ali became interested in archaeology (00:19:00)

15. advice for students now (00:20:14)

16. reasons for optimism (00:22:12)

17. closing thoughts (00:24:24)