During the early 20th-century excavations in southern Iraq, a monumental fired-brick structure was uncovered at the Sumerian city of Girsu, but its function remained uncertain until recently. After decades of abandonment, archaeological research restarted in 2016 with a project led by the British Museum.

This paper presents the architectural study and conservation programme undertaken on the monument between 2018 and 2026. Research on the waterscapes of Girsu, combined with targeted excavations, demonstrated that the structure was built on a former canal bed. Aerial imagery revealed traces of a street joining the centre of the structure from the east. Based on these results, and because the monument narrows the canal from approximately 30 m to 4.6 m at its centre, it has been provisionally identified as the Girsu Bridge.

High-resolution photogrammetric survey enabled the production of detailed measured drawings. The building materials and techniques were investigated, and inscribed bricks were studied epigraphically. Archival photographs and former excavation records were compared with recent imagery to assess change and deterioration. The lack of ancient parallels led to a comparison with modern hydraulic structures, revealing similarities to hydraulic flumes used to measure water flow. This supports an interpretation of the monument not only as a bridge foundation but also as a sophisticated hydraulic installation. This is further discussed in the context of the city’s abandonment around 1750 BC due to drought. The study also mapped material decay and structural vulnerabilities, informing a programme of conservation completed in 2026.

In parallel, the site was prepared for public access in collaboration with the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, tourism partners, and the local community. Nine bilingual interpretation panels now present the history of Girsu and the multiple functions of its bridge.

First Author: Ebru Torun

Co-Authors: Sebastien Rey, Göze Üner, Hamed Arnaout, Fatma Husain

Keywords:
Girsu
Sumerian hydraulic architecture
Architectural Conservation
Archaeological Site Management