Who we are
Iraq Heritage is statutory adviser on the historic environment. Officially known as the Historic Buildings, Religious shrines and Monuments Commission for Iraq, we are an executive Non-Departmental Public Body.
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 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'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
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
Mission Statement
To assist in advancing and protecting heritage sites and monitoring the appropriate development of Iraq's heritage, through the provision of timely reports and studies, the organisation of conferences and the provision of policy advice and services to both, government and non-government entities.
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 planning, reviving heritage sites, protecting areas that are at risk and presenting the true value of the ancient heritage of Iraq.
Objectives
• Iraq Heritage exists to help people understand, value, care for and enjoy Iraq's unique heritage.
• To act as a reliable source of Information and research on Iraq heritage affairs, for planning policy-makers in the public and private sectors, and to disseminate information to all those in the public at large who are interested in the conservation of Iraq's heritage.
• Advise government on which parts of our heritage are nationally important so they can be protected by designation (which includes the listing of buildings) and promote the importance of heritage in making places distinctive and valued
• Advise local authorities on managing changes to the most important parts of our heritage.
• Encourage investment in heritage at risk.
• Share our knowledge, skills and expertise by offering training and guidance, giving practical conservation advice and access to our resources.
• Provide grants to maintain and preserve heritage sites.
Approach
Rather than focusing exclusively on either the theory or practice of heritage preservation, Iraq Heritage research seeks to merge and integrate both domains by drawing together experts from academia, the construction, planning and archaeology industry, government, the media, and non-governmental organizations. This planning and preservation institute will generate studies and working papers that disseminate up-to-date information and fresh impartial analyses on a wide range of topics such as conservation area policy, planning policy, heritage preservation, planning policy formulation , education curriculum and heritage regulation; all within the specific context of Iraq's unique ancient valuable heritage.
These activities will offer analyses, reports, workshops, seminars and lectures on a wide variety of issues related to the above topics, such as planning, conservation areas, listing buildings, heritage master plan, culture influence and archaeological discoveries. Thus, outstanding scholars and consultants from around the world will have the opportunity to participate and contribute positively to Iraq Heritage programs. Moreover, studies, policy reports, articles, heritage updates, and working papers will regularly be posted on the Iraq Heritage website.
Services
Producing specific and actionable recommendations for the benefit of both of the public and private sectors as well as the legislative branch.
• Publishing papers and research results on heritage and planning related matters relevant to the optimal economic development Iraq’s construction sector.
• Organizing educational seminars and workshops on heritage focusing on preservation, sustainable development and conservation areas -components (society, environment, and economy).
• Organizing periodic conferences covering all aspects of heritage from ancient sites to preserving your home. Awards for outstanding achievements will also be offered at these conferences.
• Developing academic publications/curricula for Iraqi universities and institutes.
• Publish a quarterly magazine containing heritage, monuments and planning papers, articles, and new updates.
• Launch job fairs for graduates and professionals interested in developing skills for Heritage
• Building & strengthening partnership and synergies between the Iraqi heritage relevant entities and the construction companies, Museums, Art institutions, and the private sector
Funding
• Gifts & private donations and support (in cash or in kind) from private businesses and individuals
• Grants from multilateral organizations, governmental and non-governmental organizations.
• Grants/sponsorships from international companies and institutes
• Other revenue sources may include services such as: Membership fees
• Events fees and sponsorships
• Research and project sponsorships/fees
• Publication sponsorships
Organisation
The Board of Directors will govern Iraq Heritage for a term of 3 years before calling for an election of a new Board. Qualified nominations will be eligible to participate in the elections of new Board of Directors. The day-to-day running of the organization will be managed by a team of full-time staff, led by an Executive Director, also supported by members of the Advisory Council.
Membership
Iraq Heritage brings together people and organizations with interest in Iraqi heritage affairs. This will provide an independent platform where academics, professionals, businesses, government officials, the media, NGOs, politicians, policy-makers, and researchers to interact in an open and professional environment. Acceptance of potential applicants for membership will require the approval of the Membership Committee.
Miscellaneous
All receivable (in cash or in kind) will be made public in Iraq Heritage Annual Report.
Nomination to the Board of Directors elections and to the Advisory Council is by invitation from the Board.
Aymen Jawad
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Iraq Heritage
Aymen is the Co- Founder and Executive Director of Iraq Heritage and Founder and Director of Hamond Projects, which is a leading edge Cost management, Project Management and Development Consultancy business which specialises in delivering client focused, and high value project support to a diverse range of Clients both nationally and internationally in both the public and private sector.
He has extensive knowledge of development requirements relating to the residential, automotive and industrial sectors of the market. Aymen has a specialist interest in heritage and has given specialist consultancy with regards to planning, conservation and restoration. Aymen has acted as a client liaison officer for a number of large overseas investors and has lead successful bids for a number of large development sites placed on the market by public sector land owners. He has also given specialist consultancy services to a number of clients in relation to disputes over dilapidations and contractual claims.
His previous experience is with Bowcliffe Chartered Surveyors involved Project Management, Value Engineering and Risk Value Management exercises. Academically, Aymen earned his Honours Degree in Quantity Surveying from the University of Salford (UK).
Luay al-Khatteeb
Co-Founder & Board Member
Iraq Heritage
Luay al-Khatteeb is the founder and director of the Iraq Energy Institute, and the Co-Founder of Iraq Heritage. He also serves as a senior advisor to the Federal Parliament of Iraq on energy and economic development and as a visiting fellow at the Doha Centre of the Brookings Institution. His past experience spans over twenty years in business development with executive capacities as director and senior advisor. In addition to his professional commitments, al-Khatteeb is an active participant and contributor to Harvard Kennedy School of Government (Harvard University), the Royal Institute for International Affairs (Chatham House) and the Revenue Watch Institute (RWI), and a frequent commentator in the media. Al-Khatteeb is the editor and reviewer of various research papers and business reports on regional geopolitics, energy and economy.
Aymen Jawad
Co-Founder & Executive Director Iraq Heritage
Aymen is the Co- Founder and Executive Director of Iraq Heritage and Founder and Director of Hamond Projects, which is a leading edge Cost management, Project Management and Development Consultancy business which specialises in delivering client focused, and Read more
Dr Azzam Alwash
Member of the Board
Born in Kut, Iraq in 1958, Dr. Alwash spent much of his younger years in Nassariya on the fringes of Iraq’s southern Mesopotamian marshlands. His father, Jawad Alwash, in his role as district irrigation manager was one of the first irrigation engineers to gain access to the Read more
Manhal AL Habbobi
Member of the Board
Manhal Al Habbobi is an Iraqi architect with a B.Sc. (Honors) and a Master degree in Architectural Sciences. Both degrees were awarded with distinctions by the University of Baghdad. Read more
Hashim Kammoona
Member of the Board
Hashim Kammoona has over 35 years of continous professional experience in Urban Design, Urban Planning, Master Planning, Cities Renewal, Architectural Planning and Design, Project Management, Projects Development, Strategic Planning and Read more
Akram Ogaily
Member of the Board
Akram Ogaily manages Hill's TCT Group; a 14 senior member team specialized in all fields of projects studies planning, management and engineering, that support global projects on technical, project start-up and compliance related issues. He has more than 35 years of Read more
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.
But we also:
- Aim to advise government on which parts of our heritage are nationally important so they can be protected by designation (which includes the listing of buildings) and promote the importance of heritage in making places distinctive and valued.
- Advise local authorities on managing changes to the most important parts of our heritage.
- Encourage investment into heritage sites that are at risk.
- Share our knowledge, skills and expertise by offering training and guidance, giving practical conservation advice and access to our resources.
- Provide grants so that the heritage sites can be maintained in the correct manner.
Officially known as the Historic Buildings , religious shrines and Monuments Commission for Iraq, we are an executive Non-Departmental Public Body.
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.
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
Omar Mohammed
Omar Mohammed is a historian from Mosul, Iraq known until recently only as the anonymous blogger ‘Mosul Eye’. Through Mosul Eye, Omar set out to inform the world about life under the Islamic State in his city. His focus has now shifted to advocacy of social initiatives for the people of Mosul including the international effort to re-supply. Read more
Caecilia Pieri
Caecilia Pieri currently serves as the Head of the Urban Observatory within the Institut français du Proche-Orient (Ifpo- French Institute of the Near East), Beirut, where she brings a comparative approach to the fields of urban history and anthropology in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern studies.Read more
Dr.Saad Al-Fattal
Born in Baghdad Iraq in1949, Dr Saad studied Medicine in the Medical College University of Baghdad University 1966-1972. Then achieved MB.ChB Degree in the Medical College 1972. Dr Saad has Basic Medical Training,Medical City 1972-3. 6- Military and Rural Medical Service 1973-5. Read more
Noor Kadhim
Noor Kadhim is an English qualified lawyer of Iraqi origin, who graduated from Glasgow University before moving to England. She is currently a dispute resolution partner at gunnercooke llp, and is concurrently completing her LLM studies in International and Comparative Dispute Resolution at Queen Mary University (London). Noor also writes for the legal press. Read more
