Russian news and information service Novosti reports that Russian and US companies are proposing that the Iraqi palace near the ancient site of Babylon be transformed into a tourist complex with casino. Quoting an Iraqi newspaper, Novosti says that the country’s investment committee is studying the possibility but there is no information on which companies have expressed interest.

The ancient city in Mesopotamia was once famous for its hanging gardens, which were named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Babylon was for a time (around 1770-1670 BC) the largest city in the world and probably the first to have a population above 200,000. Established along the banks of the fertile Euphrates River, Iraqi officials and the United Nations are believed to have plans to recreate Babylon as a cultural centre and tourist destination.

Many of the archaeological sites in Babylon were lost when Saddam Hussein built his palace and started to rebuild the city. Further destruction of ancient ruins occurred during the 2003 invasion, including the damage to the famous Ishtar Gate by US military equipment and forces flattening the area for helicopter landings and heavy vehicle parking, and the looting of artefacts. Historians and archaeologists are likely to oppose any plans for a casino complex but it is thought that any such project would include the restoration of museums in the city. (E-07.21.08)

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