ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The rehabilitation and reconstruction of Dub Lakh, one of the world’s oldest temples, is underway in the ancient city of Ur in southern Iraq. The temple has for years been damaged due to the effects of climate change.

“The Temple of Dub Lakh is considered a living witness to the Sumerian civilization, as prayers and offerings were held in it to the god of Ur, the God of the moon,” Shamil al-Rumaidh, head of Dhi Qar antiquities inspectorate, told The New Region.

The maintenance work includes establishing a water network under the building to drain rainwater, which helps prevent the accumulation of harmful salts on the walls, according to Rumaidh. The old cement materials will also be removed and the temple will be cleaned of accumulated soil.

The restoration of the ancient temple, regarded as the first architectural arch in history, is undertaken by four researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, four architects from the antiquities inspectorate, and ten workers.

“It is also considered the first court in history, established 350 years before the court of Hammurabi," Rumaidh added.

The visible area of the temple is around 300 square meters, while the undiscovered area extends to nearly 600 square meters.

The first phase of the rehabilitation is set to continue for two months, marking a new beginning for the historic site.