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culture

3. community commitment – the artist heritage persist despite challenges. Overall,
should actively engage with local communities Mesopotamian heritage remains a significant
to understand and promote their needs and part of our cultural landscape, inspiring
aspirations; storytelling and shaping national identity.
4. promotion of diversity and inclusion –
embracing Iraq’s diverse cultural heritage and The cultural legacy of Mesopotamia is a source
promoting inclusiveness is essential for building of inspiration and pride for many Iraqis, myself
a cohesive and resilient society. included. Its enduring influence enriches our
understanding of the past while guiding us
Ancient Mesopotamia, and before that the towards a future that honours the remarkable
Kingdom of Ur, are only small parts of your achievements of our ancestors.
country’s rich cultural past. To what extent has
this cultural heritage influenced your work? And I cannot get over the idea of my belonging, which
could you tell us a bit about what presence and is closely linked to my roots in Mesopotamia. My
influence this heritage still has in the country structural and intellectual formation is inevitably
overall? inspired by all that historical splendour, so I
The legacy of ancient Mesopotamia, often always try to reflect that belonging through
referred to as the cradle of civilization, is vast image-making in the artistic work I complete,
and profound. Its contributions to human and I make sure that the images are expressive
history include the invention of writing, the and ideal because they represent my civilization,
development of complex societies, advancements my society, and my country. Even if I live away
in agriculture, and the establishment of legal from it physically, it lives within me, in my soul,
and administrative systems. These foundational and in my mind.
elements have left an indelible mark on
subsequent civilizations and continue to shape Today, there seems to be a resurgence of creativity
our world today. among artists in many parts of the world. Is this
the case from your perspective, and, if so, are
As a film maker, I am deeply influenced by there projects you are planning to take part in?
the cultural heritage of ancient Mesopotamia, I directed and produced a documentary about
drawing on its rich history, mythology, and conflicts and wars in history, which I called
symbolism to craft narratives and visuals. In Foolish Decisions. The story is about the most
my films, I aim to evoke the timeless essence stupid decisions made by leaders in the world
of Mesopotamian civilization. In countries that caused genocide and wars, and that is why I
like Iraq, efforts to preserve and celebrate this called it Foolish Decisions. Today, yes, I see that

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