'A great legacy'

Najaf family preserves a century of history through photography

NAJAF — Near Khan Al-Mukhadhar in Najaf, the Fallouji Institution houses a family archive of photographs that spans more than a century. Overseen by Qais Fallouji, the collection chronicles defining moments in Iraq’s history, with a particular focus on the city of Najaf.

The extensive trove, started by the late photographer Nouri Fallouji, contains approximately 100,000 images. Born in 1898 in Kufa, Fallouji began his photography career in 1914. In 1942, he opened a studio in Najaf that became a hub for documenting religious pilgrimages, political figures and social events. Visiting dignitaries stopping by the shrine of Imam Ali also turned to Fallouji’s studio for photographic services.

His commitment to quality led him to travel abroad, importing cameras, lenses and materials to keep his work at a high standard. Over the decades, his camera captured prominent figures, including Iraq’s King Faisal I and King Faisal II, as well as poet Ahmed Rami and writer Bint Al-Shati, who visited Najaf in 1964.

Qais Fallouji, grandson of the photographer, described his grandfather’s work as central to the family’s identity. “My late grandfather, Nouri Al-Fallouji, was one of the pioneers of photography in Iraq. He began his career in photography in 1914, focusing on documenting the 1920 revolutionaries, capturing images that are considered some of the most prominent works of that time,” he told 964media.

The 1920 Iraqi Revolt was an uprising against British control after World War I. It started in the middle Euphrates region, particularly in the cities of Kufa, Najaf and surrounding tribal areas, before being suppressed by the British by late October 1920.

Fallouji’s work extended beyond Najaf to Baghdad and Hilla, capturing demonstrations and political shifts during Iraq’s transition from monarchy to a republic. The Hashemite monarchy was overthrown on July 14, 1958, in a coup led by Abdul Karim Qasim. Opinions on this event remain divided, with some calling it a revolution and others labeling it a violent coup. Until last year, July 14 was a public holiday.

“My grandfather left behind a great legacy of photographs that immortalize the history of Najaf and its political and religious movements, in addition to documenting some of the most prominent literary and religious visits to the city,” Fallouji said.

Religious and ethnic affiliations are more important than Iraqi identity

Religious and ethnic affiliations are more important than Iraqi identity

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