Ancient Nineveh wall partially destroyed as efforts to halt Iraqi road project ramp up

Former Iraqi MP Joseph Sliwa provides an update on his campaign urging authorities in Mosul to abandon a road expansion project which has destroyed a section of the ancient Wall of Nineveh.

Damage to the ancient Nineveh wall (inset). Source: Getty, Twitter

SBS Assyrian correspondent in Duhok, Naseem Sadiq, spoke with Mr Sliwa days after a section of the ancient wall was bulldozed by private contractors, in order to make way for road construction.

Built during the reign of King Sennacherib (705-681 BCE), the wall stretches for 12 kilometres within the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh, which is located on the outskirts of modern-day Mosul.

Following appeals to Iraq’s prime minister and minister for tourism, Mr Sliwa can confirm that an investigation commission has been established, and the construction project has been halted.

A section of the Wall of Nineveh. Source: Getty images

He notes that the campaign has gained momentum following a press conference he held at the Nergal Gate of the Wall of Nineveh and after he sent letters to authorities in the country, which sparked a wave of condemnation on social media.

However, he says the project's halt was “not enough” and his campaign team has hired a solicitor from Baghdad to represent them as they ask a court to reverse the decisions made in regard to the road project approval. They are also calling for the wall to be restored.

Truck moving the wall's rocks to an unknown location. Source: ANkawa.com

The team is pushing for a halt on any future projects that will lead to the destruction of any historical sites in Nineveh.

Mr Sliwa adds that he has formed a petition to collect signatures to be sent to UNESCO, and confirmed he has reached out to that organisation to raise awareness about similar instances of destruction.

Former Iraqi MP Joseph Sliwa is a prominent member of the country's Assyrian community. Source: Syriacpress.jpg

He notes that his efforts regarding the historic site were close to his heart while accusing other ex-MPs of serving their four-year terms and abandoning their constituents after leaving office.

"The representation of our people by the parliamentarians must be true and honest to defend our rights, identity and existence. These qualities must be in the blood of any honest human being," he says.

A part of the wall being bulldozed to expand the road. Source: Ankawa.com

“It is unfortunate that some representatives aim to gain reputation and wealth. Once they finish their term and disappear, all the rights, demands and needs of the voters disappear as well.

“I believe the people now are aware of those facts."

Mr Sliwa denies that his current actions are a direct attempt to appeal to voters ahead of elections, but urges people to see what he has done in regards to fighting for issues for Iraq's minorities, especially before the Nineveh wall destruction.

Mr Sliwa says he will not be chasing fines or charges against those who bulldozed the wall because he believes "corruption is everywhere within the government departments".

His main concern is to put a complete halt to the project and preserve what is left of the wall and other artifacts.

He believes there are many Iraqis who are against the destruction of any antiquities and they would be willing to join efforts to put a final stop to these actions.