Iraqi Modernism and Navigating Identity: Suggested Reading

Thank you for taking the time today for joining the presentation as part of The 20th Century Society Architecture Slam. This summary has covered a small part of the context of Iraq's cultural production in the 20th Century linking to my PhD research 'Babylon: Unlocking Opportunity through Cultural Heritage Entrepreneurship.' Research over the next three years will be focused on identifying community and institutional interpretations of Mesopotamian heritage and how they contribute to economic and social cohesion in the 21st century (PS. there are some incredible game developers, filmmakers, producers, and designers already using heritage to define Iraq through their own creative lenses, and you can check out some of them in the rest of the blog!)

If this subject is of interest, follow from the home page, or if you would be interested in discussing collaboration in terms of research, please contact Ashley Barlow at barlowa4@uni.coventry.ac.uk.

I hope that this talk has given a brief overview of Iraq's incredible journey to balance identity, culture, and regional politics and if it has piqued your interest, please have a look at some suggested reading at viewing below! Thank you again!

• Buedts, J. (2023) Iraq's Invisible Beauty. Stream Online

• Chardirji, R. (1986) Concepts and Influences: Towards a Regionalised International Architecture. KPI

• Chadirji, R. ed. Zaatari, A and Wasiuta, M (2018) Building Index. Kaph Books.

• Dabrowska, K. (2021) Mohamed Makiya: A Modern Architect Renewing Islamic Tradition. Saqi Books

• Gaury, G. (2007) Three Kings in Baghdad: The Tragedy of Iraq's Monarchy. I.B. Tauris

• Gonella, J. (2022) Baghdad: Eye's Delight. Silvana Editorale/Qatar Museums

• Hayal, M (2019) Haifa Street. Stream online. (Violent Content)

• Makiya, K. (2003) The Monument: Art and Vulgarity in Saddam Hussein's Iraq

• Montazami, M (2017) Latif Al-Ani. Hatje Cantz Verlag

• Naji, A. (2019). Under the Palm Trees: Modern Iraqi Art with Mohammed Makiya and Jewad Selim. Mondadori Electa.

• Pedro, A. (2023) Through the Lens: Latif Al Ani's Visions of Ancient Iraq. Princeton University Press

• Pieri, C. (2011) Baghdad Arts Deco: Architectural Brickwork, 1920–1950. American University in Cairo Press

• Selim, Z. (2025) Jewad Selim. Skira