Exhibition in Muthanna showcases rare Ottoman-era documents and photographs

MUTHANNA — The College of Basic Education at Al-Muthanna University in Samawah, Muthanna province, has organized an exhibition featuring rare documents and photographs from the Ottoman period in the early 20th century. The event was attended by academics and students, offering insight into the city’s political, educational, security, and social life during that time.

The exhibition showcases several archival documents, including student grades from 1910, which reflect the social and class differences among the students. According to Mohammed Jabbar Al-Ameri, a history professor at the College of Basic Education, the documents highlight educational levels, with some students’ parents being referred to as “Efendi,” a title indicating they were educated, while others were called “Agha,” signifying a merchant’s son.

“This exhibition is for archiving several historical periods that Samawah has gone through and includes various old photographs. Our goal is to introduce students to their recent history and its importance and diversity,” he told 964media.

Among the notable documents is a message sent by the city’s residents to the Ottoman Grand Vizier, the de facto prime minister of the sultan in the Ottoman Empire, protesting certain actions of the then-qaymaqam (city official) of Samawah.

The exhibition also features rare photographs, some shown publicly for the first time. These include images of Sheikh Ahmed Al-Waeli, a renowned religious orator, and prominent Iraqi sociologist Ali Al-Wardi. Other notable figures featured are Sheikh Shihab, one of the first teachers in Samawah.

The Ottoman Empire ruled over the region that is now modern-day Iraq from the 16th century until the end of World War I. The Ottoman period in Iraq lasted for roughly 400 years, marked by several administrative and political changes. During this time, Iraq was divided into three main provinces, known as vilayets: Baghdad, Mosul, and Basra.