The heritage truck in Mesopotamia (Iraq), winner of the Pilgrim Prize for Christian Heritage in Danger 2024

Since last spring, a strange truck has been roaming the Nineveh plain, in northern Iraq. “It is a minibus converted into a library, with educational and artistic materials,” explains Pascal Maguesyan, project manager for the Mesopotamia association, based in Lyon (Rhône). This aims to safeguard the memory of Christian and Yezidi* heritage in Mesopotamia, weakened by persecution, then the departure of part of these minorities during the takeover of the territory by Daesh, between 2016 and 2018. This is now to raise awareness among Iraqis of the riches of their history, to keep their traditions alive and to unite communities “through the sharing of knowledge and artistic practice, an excellent vector” he adds.

This ambitious program received the Pilgrim Prize for Christian Heritage in Danger in partnership with the French Foundation of the Order of Malta. When the truck sets up, with the agreement of the villagers, a tent is set up for one to two weeks. Mariam, a student of ancient civilization, introduces volunteers to cuneiform writing; another workshop transmits the art of embroidery, while the facilitator collects testimonies from participants on their religious ceremonies; an expert in traditional music gives a lecture on ancient instruments; visits to local temples and monasteries are offered because the population often does not know them… “We are welcome everywhere,” enthuses Pascal Maguesyan. The villagers understood that we would include everyone: Christians, Yazidis of course, but also Muslims. Because everyone must feel proud of their common culture. It is a guarantee for rebuilding a future together. »

* Religion inherited from ancient Persia.