Revered as the birthplace of Abraham, popular with Western visitors in the 19 seventies and eighties, uh is scarcely visited today after decades of war and political instability shattered Iraq's international tourism industry.

The global health crisis has also kept local tourists away.

The state boards, antiquities and heritage Archaeological director is Ali Kadhum Ghanim.

We're counting on the pope's visit because it will increase the number of tourists in the city of Earth, not only tourists, but we believe there will also be Mawr Christians making the pilgrimage.

Located about 200 miles south of the capital, Baghdad, the site is made up of a pyramid styles cigarette on a residential complex.

It was excavated about 100 years ago by Leonard Woolley of Britain, who recovered treasures rivaling those found in Tutankhamen's tomb in Egypt.

But little workers since been done on one of the world's oldest cities, a place where urban dwelling, writing and central state power began.

The father of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Abraham is described in the biblical book of Genesis as having lived in the city.

Now it's hoped that the pope's visit will attract international attention to the site to fund restoration works on its palaces and temples.