Research grant
Ur Region Archaeology Project
The Ur Region Archaeology Project was formed to investigate an ancient settlement at Tell Khaiber, 20 km from the ancient city of Ur. On the ground, its two low mounds hide their secrets well, but when viewed from above by satellite, large public buildings are revealed, showing their importance in antiquity.
By Mr Aqeel Sfeeh Nasho, Thi Qar Antiquities, SBAH
Pottery collected from the surface indicates that people first came to live there around 3,000 BC, while the important Babylonian buildings date from 1,500 BC onwards, when a western branch of the Euphrates River passed close by.
Since 2013, international and Iraqi archaeologists have been excavating annually at Tell Khaiber, supported by local workmen. The international team includes specialists in areas such as animal bone and plant remains, as well as conservators and language experts. Work on analysis, research and publication continues throughout the year at the project’s academic base, the University of Manchester.
Testimonial: ‘BISI was one of our founder donors. Its support has been pivotal in setting up a multi-disciplinary exploration into the everyday lives of the people of southern Iraq thousands of years ago. It has not only funded research but enabled a new generation of Iraqi and international practitioners to engage with Iraq’s incomparable ancient heritage,’ Dr Jane Moon, Co-director of the Ur Region Archaeology Project
Follow URAP on Facebook
Recent Projects
BISI works to advance research and public education about Iraq in all of the arts, humanities and social sciences subjects, and enables exchange and collaboration between UK and Iraqi academics. Our grants and scholarships have helped the fund the following research projects.
Research Grant
The (re)inscription of Memory
Research grant