The ancient Mesopotamian city of Babylon has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Iraq had been lobbying since 1983 for the 4,000-year-old site to be added to the United Nations' prestigious list.
The city, first referenced in a clay tablet from the 23rd century BC, was famous for its hanging gardens which were among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
But the site has suffered in recent years, first from the construction of a palace for Saddam Hussein and later from its use as a base for US troops.
Iraqi President Barham Salih said the city, now an archaeological ruin, was returned to its "rightful place" in history after years of neglect by previous leaders.
Babylon, located on the Euphrates River, is now the sixth world heritage site within the borders of a country known as a “cradle of civilization”.
The UN World Heritage Committee announced the decision on Friday, after a meeting in Azerbaijan's capital Baku.
Its World Heritage status is awarded to areas or landmarks considered important for the whole of humanity, offering them protection through international treaties.
Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi celebrated the news, saying: "Mesopotamia is truly the pillar of humanity's memory and the cradle of civilization in recorded history," he said.
The government said it would allocate funds to maintain and boost conservation efforts.
Babylon,about 85 kilometres (55 miles) south of Baghdad, was once the centre of a sprawling empire, renowned for its towers, mudbrick temples and legendary hanging gardens.
Visitors can now stroll through the remnants of the brick and clay structures which stretch across 10 square kilometres, and see the famed Lion of Babylon statue, as well as large portions of the original Ishtar Gate.
As the sun began to set on the crumbling ruins, activists and residents flocked to the replica Ishtar gate at the site's entrance to celebrate what they called a “historic moment”.
"This is very important, because Babylon will now be a protected site," said Marina al-Khafaji, a local who was hopeful the designation would boost tourism and the local economy.
It would allow for further exploration and research, said Makki Mohammad Farhoud, 53, who has been a tour guide at the site for more than 25 years, noting that only 18% of it had been excavated.
"Babylon is the blood that runs through my veins, I love it more than I love my children," he said.
