The graves which vary in construction from ones covered with pottery urns to gable-shaped pottery coffins, offer a window into the burial practices and beliefs of Iraq's ancient Christian communities. The Christian cemeteries are like a living witness that speaks about the Christian heritage, civilization, and our cultural diversity. Among those cemeteries are the al-Manabir Christian cemetery and Umm Khashm Cemetery. This cemetery, Umm Khashm, is considered one of the biggest Christian cemeteries in the Middle East and may match or reach the status of the Vatican’s Christian cemetery." Umm Khashm has been plagued with illegal excavations and vandalism due to negligence and insufficient security by Iraqi authorities.

Source: Ethiopian News February 29, 2024 17:42 UTC