Iraq’s Nineveh province will open an international research center in Nineveh to strengthen its role in science and culture. This international research center in Nineveh will focus on heritage, archaeology, and ancient civilizations shaping the region’s historic identity. Governor Abdulqadir al-Dakhil said the initiative will provide modern research facilities and encourage collaboration between Iraqi and international scholars.
Al-Dakhil explained that the center marks a major milestone in Nineveh’s academic development. He added it will position the province as a leading scientific and cultural hub in the Middle East. Moreover, the project will revitalize Nineveh’s reputation as a center of knowledge, attracting researchers from across the globe.
The agreement was signed with the TARI Institute for Academic Research and the University of Chicago’s Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures. Through this collaboration, the international research center in Nineveh will combine global expertise with local scholarship. Officials said it will host joint publications, academic conferences, and research programs to preserve cultural heritage effectively.
The center also addresses the need to rebuild after ISIS destroyed much of Nineveh’s infrastructure between 2014 and 2017. Many heritage sites and educational institutions were damaged, creating an urgent need for restoration. By establishing this center, Nineveh can rebuild its academic and cultural landscape while preserving its historic identity.
The project will provide students, archaeologists, and historians with hands-on research opportunities. Additionally, it will promote tourism and educational outreach, showing how heritage conservation supports economic growth. Officials confirmed that the international research center in Nineveh will organize workshops, seminars, and training programs to transfer knowledge to younger generations.
By combining local and international expertise, Nineveh will set a model for academic excellence and heritage preservation. Furthermore, the initiative will strengthen Iraq’s global academic partnerships while fostering sustainable growth in the province.

