Czechs are renovating the largest masonry arch in the world in Iraq

Baghdad - A significant Iraqi monument and the largest masonry arch in the world has languished for decades, and now a Czech construction company, Avers, is set to contribute to its restoration. The renovation of the remnants of the former Persian city of Ctesiphon poses challenges not only in terms of construction but also administratively and in terms of security. Martin Plotek from Avers told ČTK. The company's contract with Iraq amounts to five million dollars.
    The vaulted arch of Taq Kasra, located about 30 kilometers southeast of Baghdad near the town of Madain, was built by the Persians in the mid-sixth century. The dimensions of the structure, which became part of a palace complex, reached an impressive 48 meters in length and 24 meters in width. The height of the arch at its highest point is 37 meters.
    In the seventh century, the area was conquered by the Arabs, who initially used the structure as a mosque, but later left it to fate. Due to neglect and natural elements, it deteriorated until the 1970s when, under the rule of Saddam Hussein, it underwent partial reconstruction. However, it has remained untouched since then. "We got to it after 40 years, during which the state of decay is such that in the outlook of a few more decades, the arch would collapse," describes the current situation Plotek.
    "In its current state, only the southern wing, a brick façade, remains. Then there’s the central hall, which is covered by the arch," he adds reasons why the Iraqi Ministry of Culture decided to proceed with the reconstruction of the palace, which was a popular tourist destination even before the American invasion in 2003.
    If the Iraqi authorities approve the design proposal and restoration work that Avers is currently completing in the coming weeks, they plan to stabilize the building in the first phase so that the arch does not collapse. The contract includes the construction of a park, facilities for tourists, restrooms, and parking. "If everything goes smoothly, this phase of work should be completed by the end of the year," Plotek stated.
    The renovation will be led by a Czech construction manager, assisted by several specialists from the Czech Republic. Most of the other work will be carried out by Iraqis, with 20 to 30 involved in the park's construction and another ten to 20 in the palace's restoration.
    Plotek expects the renovation to be challenging due to both the condition of the monument and its dimensions - the arch has a diameter of over one meter. The situation is complicated by the difficult administration in the country for companies with foreign experience from Italy or Algeria. "Even though there are ten papers for something, it turns out that the 11th is missing, and it's added," he described local conditions.
    An even greater problem may be the security conditions in the area, which is still frequently the target of terrorist attacks. "The most dangerous are the crossings between the construction site and Baghdad, the airport," Plotek said, according to whom the Czech company collaborates with a security agency.
    If the reconstruction is successfully completed and the Iraqi authorities have enough funds, the Czechs could also participate in further phases of the restoration of this monument, he added.
    The Prague-based company Avers focuses on the reconstruction and restoration of historical buildings and the construction of new structures. The company's total turnover by the end of 2010 was over three billion crowns, according to the company’s website.