Ziggurats: From a place of historical and cultural significance to neglected tourism

Abstract

This research explores the ziggurats as one of the most prominent architectural and religious landmarks left by the civilizations of Mesopotamia. The ziggurat represents a symbolic embodiment of the ancient human relationship with the heavens and deities, serving as a living testament to the evolution of religious and engineering thought in Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian cultures. The study focuses on analyzing the architectural structure of ziggurats, their historical origins, religious and social functions, and documents key examples such as the Ziggurat of Ur and the Ziggurat of Aqar Quf.

Despite their historical significance, ziggurats suffer from clear touristic marginalization, both in terms of media promotion and institutional attention, leading to their absence from contemporary cultural and touristic awareness. This research aims to analyze the causes of this decline by comparing local and international interest, and evaluating relevant cultural and tourism policies.

The study adopts a descriptive-analytical and comparative methodology, encompassing historical, architectural, and touristic dimensions, supported by documented academic references. It concludes with practical recommendations to reintegrate ziggurats into the cultural and touristic landscape, enhancing their presence in public consciousness and restoring their status as part of the global human heritage.