Who we are

Iraq Heritage was established in January 2013 to meet a growing demand for accurate, timely and professional information on the Iraqi Heritage and culture sector with particular emphasis on the all-important archaeological discoveries, heritage sites, caring for heritage, preserving future heritage sites, and the introduction of heritage into the education system.

Iraq Heritage is made up of leading Iraqi and international experts in the construction industry drawn from a variety of fields including industry professionals, finance and banking executives, Iraqi and multinational corporations, academics and scholars, and consultants and policy advisers.

Iraq Heritage provides four broad categories of services:

Information Services

Research & Development

Training & Capacity Building Consultancy Services

Iraq Heritage prides itself upon providing its clients with high quality impartial information, advice and guidance services. As founders, facilitators and organisers of the Iraq Heritage we aim to bring together annually the Iraqi Parliament, Government,  Service Providers, Investors, and all the stakeholders who matter most in the development of Iraq.

Founder Statement

Iraq's heritage is poised for a massive expansion over the next decade to meet the country's reconstruction and development needs. Also Iraq's heritage needs to be available not only to the Iraqis but worldwide due to it being the Cradle of Civilization. In ancient times the land area now known as modern Iraq was almost equivalent to Mesopotamia, the land between the two rivers Tigris and Euphrates (in Arabic- Dijla and Furat), the Mesopotamian plain was called the Fertile Crescent. This region is known as the Cradle of Civilization; was the birthplace of the varied civilizations that moved us from prehistory to history. An advanced civilization flourished in this region long before that of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, for it was here in about 4000BC that the Sumerian culture flourished. More importantly to position Iraq as a long-term, reliable and responsible supplier to the world's tourism and culture markets. Iraq Heritage groups leading Iraqi and international experts in the heritage and culture sector drawn from a variety of fields including industry professionals, finance and banking executives, Iraqi and multinational corporations, academics and scholars, and consultants and policy advisers.

Iraq has undergone tremendous changes since 2003 and an entirely new political, economic and constitutional order is emerging. Iraq is obligated to revive its rich ancient heritage in ways that would provide the optimum benefit of future generations. Thanks to an exceptional combination of geographical and climatic factors, a surplus of agricultural production led to the development of sophisticated societies, the invention of writing and the establishment of the first urban settlements and legal codes. In more recent periods of our history, Baghdad has been the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate and the political and cultural centre of one of the three Monotheistic Religions.

An appropriate balance must be struck between the roles of the private and public sectors in meeting the challenges of Iraq's economic growth and the improvement in the incomes and livelihood of its people. The new federal Iraq is also based on the devolution of power to regions and provinces, and these will also have an important role to play in the evolution of the countries heritage.

The deliberate act of keeping heritage from the present for the future is known as Preservation (American English) or Conservation (British English), though these terms may have more specific or technical meaning in the same contexts in the other dialect. Iraq’s heritage is unique and irreplaceable, which places the responsibility of preservation on the current generation. Numerous outstanding sites still bear witness to the great technical and artistic achievements of the ancestors of the people of present day Iraq, and constitute a precious legacy for all humanity. Among these are the cities of UR of the Chaldees, birthplace of Abraham, Babylon, with the legendary Babel Tower, Ninveh, Hatra, Ashurs and Samarraa.In addition to the above-mentioned sites, Iraq houses some of the most important archaeological collections of the world.

The challenges, risk and opportunities for Iraq's Heritage are enormous. The Iraq heritage mission is to assist in advancing and protecting heritage site and monitoring the appropriate development of Iraq's heritage through the provision of timely reports and studies, the organisation of industry conferences and the provision of policy advise and services to both the Iraqi and foreign private and public sectors. Iraq Heritage will do so in a professional, unbiased and effective manner. Iraq Heritage seeks to become the principal source of authoritative information and policy-making advice on reviving heritage and protecting areas that are at risk and presenting the true value of the ancient heritage of Iraq.

Aymen Jawad, Co-Founder, Executive Director

Iraq Heritage Charter

The Association

Iraq Heritage is a limited company by guarantee and its registered office is located in the United Kingdom

The Type

Iraq Heritage is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, and non-governmental organization

Founders

Iraq Heritage was founded on November 2013 by:
Co-Founder Aymen Jawad Co-Founder Luay al-Khatteeb

Founder

What we do?

Iraq Heritage exists to help people understand, value, care for and enjoy Iraq's unique and ancient heritage. We aim to be best known for looking after the National Heritage Collection of historic sites and monuments and the guardianship of over all the objects and photographs and for them to be secured in our public archive.
We aim to convert some of our heritage sites into national parks so the public and tourist can enjoy the ancient history we have to offer.
We also aim run an extensive events programme throughout the year and provide free educational visits for schools.

The rules we follow

Code of Practice

The Commissioners have adopted a voluntary Code of Conduct the Code includes the following:
Public Service Values
relationship with government departments
role of the Chairman
corporate and individual responsibilities of Commissioners
personal liabilities and conflicts of interest
delegation and strategic planning/control
openness and accountability for public funds
annual reporting and accounts
the role of the Chief Executive
the Commission as employer
Standing Orders
The Standing Orders of the Commission and its committees and panels are a guide which give procedural advice on how formal meetings are arranged and organised. 

Scheme of Delegation

The Scheme of Delegations gives guidance from the Commission to staff on matters that should be reported to the Commission, its Advisory Committees and Panels as well. It also sets out what matters Commission must authorise and what decisions and actions are delegated to staff. 

Terms of Reference

The Commission has established a series of non-executive advisory panels which offer expert advice to staff and Commission on various aspects of Iraq Heritage\'s work. The Terms of Reference set out in broad terms what each of these bodies do.

Declarations of Interest

All members of the Commission and Committees are required to provide written declarations of interest. In addition, at each meeting the Chairman invites those present to make a declaration in respect of any issues on the agenda in which they have an interest. The Commission’s Audit Committee reviews all declarations of interest twice a year.

The Register of Commissioners\' interests is open to the public and may be consulted by contacting us.

Equalities

Everybody makes history. We each have our personal heritage. Everyone can have a part in enjoying, understanding and caring for Iraq's shared heritage.
As a nation, we have an ancient tradition of diversity. The heritage of different cultures has been woven into our shared history over hundreds of years, through migration, trade, conquest and alliances. Many of the unique ancient sites in this country can tell fascinating stories of international importance. 

These sites tell of the story of thousands of people and there way of living the experiences they faced this is what has created the heritage that surrounds us and enhances our lives. Just as we have built the world that surrounds us, in many ways, it has built us and the historic environment plays a major part in our sense of identity. We believe that as many people as possible should help to hand on the heritage that matters to them.
People care passionately about their own heritage and their neighbourhood landmarks, streets, parks and houses.

You can also read much more about our work by following the links on the right, which will tell you more about our policies, projects and publications.
We want to hear your voice about how to make Iraq Heritage, and the ancient sites and diverse environment more welcoming and appealing to everyone.

Please email your suggestions to  info@iraqheritage.org