Iraq Research Tips and Strategies

Iraq Wiki Topics

Iraq Beginning Research

Getting Started Online Learning Record Finder Research Strategies Finding Town of Origin

Record Types

Cemeteries Census Church Records Civil Registration Colonial Records Compiled Genealogies Directories Emigration & Immigration Newspapers Online Genealogy Records Religious Records Tribes and Clans

Iraq Background

Biographies Gazetteers History Languages Maps Naming Customs Social Life & Customs

Iraq Genealogical Word Lists

Arabic Turkish

Local Research Resources

Archives & Libraries Societies Local FamilySearch Center

In other languages: العربية | Kurdí, کوردی, or K’öрди

Iran

Research Strategies

Purpose of Research Tips and Strategies Wiki Page The Iraq Research Tips and Strategies page consists of links to specific research strategies for Iraq. It also contains general tips and other resources for finding your ancestors in this locality.

Iraq Research Strategies

• Getting Started
• Finding Town of Origin
• Record Finder
• Online Learning - Video Classes
• Beginning Your Middle East Family Tree FamilySearch blog article

Iraq Research Tips

Understand Important Historical Events

• Ottoman Rule (1534–1918): Iraq was part of the Ottoman Empire, with local governors (Walis) administering the region. This period saw significant administrative changes and land management reforms, impacting land ownership and records.
• British Mandate (1920–1932): Following World War I, Iraq came under British mandate, leading to extensive changes in land ownership, administration, and record-keeping. The British introduced systematic civil registration, which included detailed records of births, marriages, and deaths.
• Kingdom of Iraq (1932–1958): Iraq gained independence and became a kingdom under King Faisal I. This period involved changes in land ownership and governance structures, impacting genealogical records.
• Republic of Iraq (1958–Present): The monarchy was overthrown in 1958, leading to the establishment of a republic. Subsequent land reforms and administrative changes significantly altered land ownership records and impacted genealogical research.
• See also Iraq History.

Where to Start Finding Records

• Iraq Tribes and Clans - Online books about tribes in Iraq and the surrounding areas, including family histories and some genealogies
• Iraq Cemeteries - Find a Grave has over 50 cemeteries in Iraq with online memorials
• Iraq Newspapers - Several Iraqi newspapers and periodicals are available online which may contain obituaries and other valuable information
• Iraq Census - Iraq has been governed by the Ottoman, the British, the Hashemites, and currently the Republic of Iraq. Periodical censuses have been conducted by these governing powers to varying degrees of accuracy

Connect with Societies

• Iraq Societies - Organizations and societies focused on genealogical research relevant to Iraq. Connecting with societies and genealogy research groups can be extremely helpful for asking questions, exchanging ideas, and learning new strategies.
• Arab Genealogy Community - Online research forum for Arab genealogy.