As part of the series of scientific and artistic activities carried out by our center and with the support and guidance of the Presidency of the University of Baghdad, the Director of the Center, Assistant Professor Dr. Hana Hani Al-Saffar, welcomed the representative of the President of the University of Baghdad, Prof. Dr. Manal Shaker Al-Kubaisi, the Dean of the College of Faculty of Arts, Prof. Dr. Ali Abdul Amir Sajit, and theActing Mayor of Ain Tamr in the holy Karbala, Mr. Muqdad Wahb Satai Al-Tamimi, at the scientific symposium entitled “Al-Tar Caves and the surrounding areas are a natural and cultural treasure.”
During the symposium, researchers discussed the scientific, archaeological, and historical significance of the Al-Tar Caves area, which is considered a promising site for geological tourism and meets UNESCO’s criteria as an archaeological site known for natural stone tools and historical human activities. The Al-Tar Caves lie between the Mesopotamian Plain and the Western Desert, featuring Lake Razzaza nearby, known for its rich fish life and various migratory and resident bird species.
Villages and settlements such as Shathatha and Ain al-Tamr thrive in the area, largely due to agriculture, and the region is characterized by environmental and geographical diversity. Significant historical sites are present, including the Al-Akhider Palace from the Abbasid era, the ruins of Qusayr Church, and remnants of Christian and Jewish cities. Additionally, a collection of vessels from Chaldean Babylon and Kish, dating back to the sixth century BC, was discovered in the area.
Historically, the Arabs dominated trade routes during the Assyrian period (10th to 7th century BC), exchanging spices, gold, ivory, horses, sheep, and camels along crucial trade pathways, including Wadi Ubaid, connecting the Arabian Peninsula to Mesopotamia through the Tar Caves.
The symposium aimed to highlight the Al-Tar Caves’ unique geographical significance and cultural value, emphasizing its potential for inclusion in UNESCO-designated global parks. Key recommendations included:
1. Implementing measures to protect the Al-Tar Caves from climatic factors and adverse human impacts through a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
2. Ensuring collaboration among relevant parties to advance the application for the Al-Tar Caves to be recognized as a global geological site.
3. Safeguarding geological diversity and wildlife across Iraq, particularly in southwest Karbala and central Iraq, for their ecological and archaeological importance.
4. Developing exploration programs for biological and non-biological components of the Najaf and Badia Tar regions, integrating this into research plans for educators, and forming exploration teams.
5. Conducting studies on unique desert organisms in Najaf with molecular methods, archiving them in specialized gene banks.
The center’s management, along with the preparatory and scientific committee members, expressed gratitude to all researchers and participants for their contributions, wishing everyone continued brilliance, creativity, health, and safety.