Born: 1975 (Mosul, Iraq)
Biography:
Layla Salih (born 1975) is an Iraqi archaeologist who has made significant contributions to the field of ancient Near Eastern art and architecture. As the Head of the Nineveh Antiquities section in the Iraq State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, she has played a crucial role in monitoring, rescuing, and documenting the remnants of ancient civilizations that were destroyed by ISIS.
Salih was born in Mosul in 1975, into a family with a military background. She was the fourth of seven sons and six daughters. Salih developed a passion for archaeology at a young age and pursued her undergraduate degree in archaeology at the University of Baghdad. During the Iraq War, she continued her studies and obtained a master’s degree in archaeology. Later, she earned a PhD from the University of Mosul, further solidifying her expertise in her field.
Salih’s personal life has been marked by tragedy, as she has lost several family members to violence. Her oldest brother, Nadhim, was killed during the First Battle of al-Faw in 1986. In 2007, another brother fell victim to an al-Qaeda bomb. In 2011, her sister Khawlah, who was working for the Iraqi government, was shot by militants. These devastating losses have undoubtedly shaped Salih’s determination to preserve and protect Iraq’s rich cultural heritage.
When ISIS occupied Mosul, Salih and her family were forced to evacuate to Kirkuk for their safety. She later moved to Baghdad before finally settling in Erbil, where she joined the office of the provincial governor of Nineveh. Her experience and expertise in archaeology were vital in assessing the damage caused by ISIS and formulating plans for the preservation and restoration of ancient sites.
Salih’s career in archaeology began with her appointment as a curator at the Mosul Museum. Anticipating the destruction of the museum’s artifacts during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, she played a crucial role in transferring the collections to a safer location in Baghdad. Salih continued her work at the museum until 2009.
The arrival of ISIS in 2014 marked a new wave of destruction and looting of cultural heritage in the region. Salih witnessed the devastating loss of precious artifacts and irreplaceable pieces of Assyrian history. Despite pleading with the militants to spare the tombs and ancient structures, their appeals fell on deaf ears.
After ISIS was driven out of Nineveh province in 2016, Salih conducted extensive research on the destruction of Christian sites in the region. She then focused her efforts on assessing the damage inflicted on the ancient city of Nimrud. As one of the few archaeologists able to access the site, she estimated that about 60 percent of the area was irreparable. However, she remained hopeful, believing that much of the wreckage could be restored with appropriate funding and international support.
Salih’s dedication to her work and her significant contributions to the field of archaeology have not gone unnoticed. She has received recognition and praise for her efforts in preserving the ancient heritage of Iraq.
Awards:
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Salih’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Iraq’s rich cultural past and her determination to restore what has been destroyed by conflict make her an influential figure in the world of archaeology. Her hard work and dedication serve as an inspiration to future generations, highlighting the importance of preserving our shared human history.