Iraq’s Babylon Festival kicks off with theatrical tribute to ancient empire

BABIL, IRAQ - APR. 10, 2025: The Babylon International Festival kicked off at the ancient city of Babylon, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Iraq’s Babil province, on Thursday (Apr. 10).A theatrical performance was staged at the historic site, showcasing the cultural and historical influence of the Babylonian Empire on global civilization.Babylon, situated some 85 kilometers (53 miles) south of the capital Baghdad, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The ancient city, whose history dates back about 4,000 years, is famous for the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as the Hammurabi Obelisk and the Lion of Babylon.The Babylon International Festival began in 1985 but was halted in 2003 due to the US invasion of Iraq and the deterioration of the country’s security situation in subsequent years.(Footage by Karar Essa/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)