MOSUL, Iraq — In a heartfelt tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people, the University of Mosul in Iraq unveiled a statue commemorating King Ashurbanipal, the illustrious ruler of the Kingdom of Assyria. The statue, crafted in bronze by gifted Iraqi artist Khalil Khamis, now stands proudly at the entrance to the university’s central library.
King Ashurbanipal was an ancient Assyrian ruler who reigned from 668 to 627 BC. He is famous for establishing one of the first known libraries, the Library of Ashurbanipal, in Nineveh, which contained valuable texts on various subjects. He also expanded the Assyrian Empire and marked the empire’s peak.
The installation of the statue, marked by a gathering of dignitaries, government officials, esteemed university faculty, city residents, scholars, researchers, and artists, is a poignant recognition of the enduring legacy of Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian culture.
The creation of the statue took four months and was executed in collaboration with the College of Arts and the guidance of Professor Nashat Mubarak Saliwa.
Artist Khalil Khamis explained that King Ashurbanipal, the fourth monarch of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, ruled for an impressive four decades and is remembered as the last great king of that empire.
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