Jalawla resident preserves local memory with small-scale heritage museum

DIYALA — In the Jalawla subdistrict of Diyala governorate, Jalil Mohammed has transformed his passion for history into a grassroots cultural project: a self-funded museum preserving artifacts and memories from the region’s past.

Known informally as the “Uncle Jalil Museum,” the space houses hundreds of items — some more than a century old — including pens, lanterns, radios, and even a clock bearing the image of former Iraqi Prime Minister Abdul Karim Qasim. The project began in 2007, driven by what Mohammed describes as “a love for the past.”

But in 2014, Mohammed was forced to abandon the collection when the Islamic State group took control of the area. He spent two years in displacement before returning and rebuilding the museum piece by piece, sourcing new items from Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, and friends across the country.

“I have many photos of deceased residents of Jalawla, and some visitors are surprised to find pictures of their living or late relatives on the museum’s walls or in its records,” he told 964media.

The museum operates without government support. Mohammed said he has turned down several offers to purchase items from the collection. “Many people asked me to sell, but I refuse,” he said. “I come back here after evening prayer to drink tea with friends.”

To ensure the museum remains accessible, he has given copies of the key to more than seven trusted individuals, allowing visitors to explore the space even when he is not present. “The moment people enter, they feel nostalgia,” he said.

Imagination is more important than knowledge

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