Under the sponsorship and support of the Dean of the College of Engineering and the Head of the Department of Architecture, and in line with fostering scientific and practical knowledge and in alignment with the growing interest in Mesopotamian architectural heritage as a testament to the depth of civilization in Iraq, the Department of Architecture at Al-Nahrain University, in collaboration with the University of Cagliari in Italy and the Department of Architecture at the University of Karbala, organized the second workshop on "Sustainability of Earthen Architecture". This workshop is part of the "Babylon Legacy: Capacity Building in the Preservation of Traditional Building Craft Knowledge" project, funded by the Sardinia region in Italy. The project also involves the World Monuments Fund, in cooperation with the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, as part of ongoing efforts to develop and preserve the Babylon archaeological site under the "Future of Babylon" project.

Held from February 11–13, 2025, the workshop featured hands-on practical training supported by theoretical insights into mud construction techniques at the Babylon archaeological site. These sessions were conducted by specialized trainers from the University of Cagliari and the International Center for Earthen Construction (CRA terre). Students had an in-depth opportunity to observe restoration and conservation works, particularly at the Temple of Ninmakh, and received training in mud construction techniques as a traditional building material. The program also included a visit to the archaeological sites of the ancient city of Kish and the Borsippa Ziggurat, providing insights into their historical architectural and constructional features.

This collaborative initiative offers significant benefits by expanding students' practical and applied knowledge, allowing them to explore the potential of mud architecture and its critical role in conservation and restoration at archaeological sites. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of sustainable community architecture while fostering a deeper appreciation for Mesopotamian civilization through direct engagement at the iconic Babylon heritage site.

The educational outcomes of this activity contribute to key Engineering Graduate Outcomes (GOs), including: The ability to conduct tests, analyze data, and draw scientific conclusions(GO3), Strengthening teamwork principles, ethics, and skills among students (GO7), and enhancing social interaction, communication skills, and the ability to express ideas (GO4).

Program of the Workshop

11 February, h. 9:00-13:00 Building with earth - theory

12 February, h. 9:00-14:00 Earthen plasters

13 February h. 9:00-14:00 Rammed earth

Coordinators:

Maddalena Achenza (Italy), Prof. Arch., ICOMOS-ISCEAH President, University of Cagliari

Saba Sami Al Ali, PhD. Professor Al-Nahrain University , Baghdad

Haider Naji Atya, Ph D. Lecturer Karbala University

Teachers:

Maddalena Achenza

Jean-Marie Le Tiec (France), Architect, Craterre AE&CC

Patricia Marchante (Portugal), Architect, University of Cagliari

Miguel Ferreira Mendes (Portugal), Architect, Craterre AE&CC

Tutors:

Alice Agus (Italy), Architect

Ammar Al Taee (Iraq), Archaeologist, SBAH

Students From Al Nahrain University:

Tuqa Jamal, Hussain Merhej, Alaq Abdul Razzaq, Mohammed Kareem,Abdullah Ali, Hajer Mohammed, Tabarek Fadhil, Muammal Riadh, Ali Jafar, Hussain Naji.

Students From Karbala University:

Nabaa Mehdi Abdul Ridha, Fatima Faez Kadhum, Ahmed Mudhar Abdul Zahra, Noor Mushtak Kadhum,Rabab Haider Ali,

Project funded by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia with funds L.R.19/96 for international cooperation