Preserving creative heritage is a top priority for Baghdad. The city is working to restore the homes of Iraq’s most influential artists and thinkers. This initiative introduces new generations to their rich contributions and societal impact while keeping their legacy alive.
Following Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s guidance, Baghdad’s municipal administration has rehabilitated several cultural homes.The museum of poet Mohammed Mahdi Al-Jawahiri opened in 2022. The Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Al-Waeli museum and center followed in 2024.
Next, the “White Palace” will undergo restoration, focusing on infrastructure repairs due to significant damage. Subsequent plans include renovating the home of engineer, archaeologist, and historian Dr. Ahmed Sousa and the residence of poet Nazik Al-Malaika. These sites, among others, contain stories of major achievements and human heritage.
This initiative, developed within Baghdad’s municipal administration, serves as a safeguard for managing cultural forums. It converts the homes of Iraqi figures into museums, exhibition spaces, and cultural centers, attracting visitors and enriching the city’s cultural landscape.
Khawla Mousa, director of the Cultural Affairs Department, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that these projects require significant funding, maintenance, and restoration. “The goal is to preserve each building’s form, spirit, and valuable possessions as part of Iraq’s cultural heritage,” she said.
Mousa explained that restoration included furnishing homes to welcome visitors and host cultural seminars. The process demanded cooperation with the heirs of these influential figures to gather items such as photographs, books, and artifacts. The Jawahiri house now includes archives and audio recordings, while the Al-Waeli museum features manuscripts, lectures, and recordings contributed by family, students, and admirers.
The Sheikh Al-Waeli home was acquired in 2014 and rehabilitated to become a museum and cultural center. It officially opened in 2024 with the attendance of the Prime Minister and Baghdad’s mayor. This collaboration between the city administration and families ensured authentic preservation of original materials and enriched each site’s cultural significance.
By preserving creative heritage, Baghdad strengthens its cultural identity while educating and inspiring future generations. These restored homes create meaningful connections between visitors, artists, and Iraq’s historical and artistic legacy.
