As part of the scientific collaboration between Wasit University and the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, and within the framework of a joint project aimed at documenting Iraq’s cultural heritage—specifically endangered traditional wooden houses—a scientific team has begun an advanced field survey of the English General Townshend’s residence, located in the historical center of Kut. The survey is being conducted using state-of-the-art laser scanning technology and is funded by EWAP.

This project directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11, which calls for making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, by protecting cultural and architectural heritage at risk. It also embodies Goal 17, which promotes global partnerships for sustainable development through academic and scientific collaboration.

President of Wasit University, Prof. Dr. Abbas Lafta Al-Uqabi, stated that this survey is part of a broader initiative to document similar historic homes in Baghdad and Basra, with the aim of preserving Iraq’s civilizational legacy for future generations.

For her part, Prof. Dr. Jehan Saleem, head of the research team, emphasized that this project marks the beginning of a series of collaborative initiatives between the two universities, which will contribute to preserving Iraq’s tangible and intangible cultural memory, reinforcing the identity of Iraqi cities and supporting the sustainability of their heritage.