INA - ANBAR
The Anbar Antiquities and Heritage Inspectorate announced on Monday the formation of a three-member committee to save the Al-Farouq Minaret in Hit from collapse.
“Al-Farouq Minaret is one of the oldest and most important archaeological landmarks. It was originally a watchtower on the banks of the Euphrates River before a small mosque was added to it after the Islamic conquests in 16 AH during the reign of Caliph Omar ibn al-Khattab, after which it became known as the Al-Farouq Minaret," said Ammar Ali Hamdi, the Anbar Antiquities and Heritage Inspector, to the Iraqi News Agency - INA.
He noted that "the Minaret still stands to this day. The last maintenance work it underwent was in 1945, carried out at that time by residents and donors using unscientific methods, to preserve the Minaret's structure and outer walls."
“The Minaret is currently suffering from a tilt in its base due to its location on the edge of the Hit Citadel, in addition to the impact on the surrounding soil due to its clayey nature and the sewage problems associated with the mosque and neighboring houses," he explained.
He indicated that "the Governor of Anbar, Omar Mishaan Dabbous, directed that the Minaret's maintenance project be funded by the Governorate's office, and that a tripartite committee be formed, comprising the Anbar Antiquities Inspectorate, the Sunni Endowment Directorate, and the Governorate's Engineering Department, along with the engagement of a consulting firm to prepare the necessary technical studies and determine the required solutions."
“The maintenance work will be carried out under the supervision of the Anbar Antiquities Inspectorate and funded by the Governorate's office. The committee has begun its work and is awaiting the completion of the technical reports and consulting studies in preparation for awarding the project to a company specializing in the restoration and maintenance of tall archaeological buildings and monuments, to protect this historical heritage from the risk of collapse,” he pointed out.