In 2015, the world watched in shock as members of the Islamic State (IS) destroyed ancient Assyrian statues and artefacts inside the Mosul Museum in Iraq.
Video footage released by the group showed fighters using sledgehammers, drills, and other tools to smash priceless sculptures that had survived for thousands of years.
These artefacts were not just works of art — they were physical links to the world’s earliest civilizations. The Assyrian empire, which flourished in Mesopotamia, left behind extraordinary evidence of human creativity, religion, and governance. Destroying these monuments was an attempt to erase a shared history that belongs not only to Iraq, but to all of humanity.
UNESCO described the event as both a cultural tragedy and a security threat. When a community’s heritage is attacked, it is not only its past that is lost, but also its sense of identity and unity. Cultural heritage helps people understand who they are, where they come from, and how their stories connect to others.
The destruction in Mosul reminds us of the importance of protecting museums, monuments, and cultural sites everywhere — not just in times of war, but also in times of peace. Safeguarding history is not a luxury; it is a vital part of ensuring that future generations can learn from the past.
Protecting heritage means protecting memory, understanding, and hope. It reminds us that what unites humanity is far stronger than what divides it.
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