COMPLETION OF CONSERVATION PHASE 1 OF THE WHITE TEMPLE IN URUK | SOUTHERN IRAQ

At the White Temple in Uruk, southern Iraq, the third and last remnant of the pillars of the north-eastern central hall wall was provided with a protective coating of earth block masonry in autumn 2023. This completes the first phase of the conservation concept developed by ZRS Ingenieure. For the protective walls, the crust and loose layer were first removed from the remains of the approx. 5,500-year-old earth block masonry in order to be able to work on the healthy brickwork. As expected, the uncovering revealed remains of the historical plaster, paint and floor structure, as found already on the two previously conserved pillar remains. These were conserved and structurally stabilised by a specialist. The remains of the pillars were then provided with a protective coating of earth block masonry in the historic pillar layout. This could be determined beyond doubt during the uncovering. As part of this final phase in autumn 2023, 2,200 earth blocks were laid.

More information about this project: Emergency Conservation of the White Temple in Uruk

Photo: ZRS Ingenieure