Unofficial archive
Mosul resident turns home into museum celebrating city’s heritage
MOSUL — Eithar al-Deiri, a local septuagenarian, has dedicated his residence to preserving the cultural heritage of the city through a personal museum that houses a vast collection of rare books, audio devices, cameras, old films, and photographs, some dating back more than 80 years.
Al-Deiri, who has been amassing these items since his youth, claims his passion for Mosul’s history has led him to compile an extensive archive, which includes not just physical items but also digital recordings stored on 75 hard drives. This collection encompasses a wide array of Mosul’s historical data, covering its artists and urban landscapes.
“Since I was a child, I have loved collecting these heritage items. I have a passion for cinema and audio devices like the gramophone and old tape recorders,” al-Deiri said in an interview with 964media. “I still have a record from when I was eight years old.”
Over the span of 55 years, his collection has grown to include not only a wide range of recording devices but also handmade old slide projectors. Al-Deiri’s interest in photography began early, receiving training at the Al-Jamahir Studio back in 1975.
“Fate led me to buy my first professional Russian device, which I still have,” he noted. The acquisition of these items, including the 75 hard drives filled with archival content, represents a significant financial investment.
Al-Deiri expressed his aspiration to establish a special hall for displaying his collection, confident in its uniqueness. “My goal and wish are to have a special hall to display these heritage items. I am certain that no satellite [TV] channels have an archive like mine,” he emphasized.
His repository has proven invaluable, particularly for academic research. Master’s and doctoral students studying the history of Mosul, especially those focusing on old operettas, have found Al-Deiri’s collection to be an indispensable resource, providing access to recordings and data otherwise unavailable.
Extensive encyclopedia series documents Al-Majar Al-Kabir's rich history
Preserving history through vintage memorabilia
