( CNN ) The sack and pillage of the Mosul museum by the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria displayed a violence rarely seen since the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamyian . The bulldozing of the archaeological site of Nimrud marked a new step in the cultural cleansing underway in Iraq . These acts are a deliberate attack against civilians , minorities , heritage sites and traditions . In the minds of terrorists , murder and destruction of culture are inherently linked . It is appalling to see the ravages of this violent extremism in a region that is a cradle of civilization , whose temples , palaces and frescoes have born witness to the glory of Iraq and Mesopotamia for the last 3,000 years . It is important we understand the true nature of this conflict . This war against culture is a war against people . It is part of a strategy to crush free thinking and to ensure domination through oppression . This is why extremists attack schools , media , or other places of culture . Through modern methods of communication and information , they use warped learning and distorted academic texts to hijack young minds . They forbid girls to go to school , kill journalists and vandalize museums : all symbols that embody freedom of thought and respect for cultural diversity . There can be no justification whatsoever for the systematic destruction of the heritage of humanity , and I wholeheartedly support the many religious leaders who have taken such a firm position denouncing these destructions and the perverted use of religion . When culture is under attack , we must respond with more knowledge , and with ever greater effort to work to explain the importance of humanity 's shared heritage . This is why we appeal to all cultural institutions , museums , journalists , professors , and scientists to share knowledge widely about the Mesopotamian civilization . We need to remind ‎all of the history of this land which led the Islamic golden age . And we also call on all people everywhere -- and especially youth , in Iraq and elsewhere -- to claim this heritage as their own . Pre-Islamic heritage in Iraq belongs to all Iraqis , just as the Pyramids are written into the identity of all Egyptians . What is happening goes far beyond the domain of archaeologists and discourse on the `` irreparable loss of treasures of humanity . '' What is happening is a security issue . The deliberate destruction of cultural heritage is a war crime . We see how terrorists are using such destruction to destabilize populations , spread terror , and encourage violence . We see also how extremists use heavy military vehicles to transport artifacts from looted‎ sites , and how illicit trafficking is directly funding terrorism . With this in mind , we have joined forces with all partners and neighboring countries to halt these crimes . The acceleration of such violence must be met with an acceleration of global solidarity and action . Faced with such crimes , we hope we can better understand the values we all share , and stand united in respect of humanity .
the Mosul museum bulldozed site of ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud in northern Iraq . Irina Bokova : Appalling to see the ravages of this violent extremism .