The Establishment and Structure of the Iraqi Archive

Mohammed, Amna Salah; Farhan, Fahmi Ahmed

doi:10.37653/juah.2025.189625

	The Establishment and Structure of the Iraqi Archive
Journal of University of Anbar for Humanities
Volume 2025, Issue 3, September 2025, Pages 1006-1039 PDF (4.64 M)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.37653/juah.2025.189625
Authors
amna salah Mohammed^* ¹; Fahmi Ahmed Farhan²
¹University of Anbar - College of Education for Girls
²University of Anbar - College of Education for Humanities
Abstract
Aims: This study explores the significance of the Iraqi archive and its academic role in supporting researchers and graduate students. It traces the historical stages of its establishment and growth, beginning with the Iraqi Archives and culminating in the creation of the Iraqi National Center for Document Preservation in 1978, which later merged with the National Library to form the "National Library and Archives". The research also highlights the contributions of Iraqi intellectuals and historians in developing this institution and safeguarding the nation’s cultural heritage. Methodology: A descriptive-analytical approach was employed, relying on documents, historical sources, and newspaper records related to the development of the Iraqi archives. The study examined the stages of its establishment and evolution, with special focus on the efforts of Iraqi intellectuals and historians—such as Yassin Abdul Karim and Salem Al-Alusi—in advancing archiving practices and ensuring the preservation of national records. Results: The findings show that the creation of the Iraqi archives was a pivotal step in protecting historical documents, particularly through the enactment of laws for document preservation in place of prior policies of paper destruction. The archive has served as a vital academic and cultural resource, offering Iraqi, Arab, and international researchers access to invaluable documents and information. This role has significantly contributed to the advancement of modern and contemporary historical studies, enriching the field of academic research. Conclusion: The Iraqi archive stands as one of the most important intellectual and cultural institutions in the country, not only preserving national memory but also serving as a cornerstone for academic research. Its establishment marked a turning point in protecting Iraq’s documentary heritage, transforming practices from document destruction to systematic preservation. By providing researchers with access to a rich collection of records, the archive has played a decisive role in advancing historical inquiry and safeguarding cultural identity. Continued investment in its development and the promotion of scholarly use of its resources are essential to ensuring its enduring contribution to Iraq’s scientific and cultural legacy. Recommendations: The study recommends ongoing development of the Iraqi archive, capacity building for archiving professionals, and greater integration of archival resources into academic research. It also calls for more comparative studies using archival material to enhance the preservation of cultural heritage and strengthen the research base for both local and international scholars.
Keywords
Definition of Archive; Archive Structure; Archival Institution; Documents.‎

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