Decolonising Babylon

Iraqi residents of al Hillah, particularly those living near Babylon, perceive the UNESCO World Heritage Site as a symbol of dispossession and exclusion, shaped by colonial legacies and post-2003 sectarian politics. This study reveals that institutional and political structures have marginalized local communities from engaging sustainably with Iraq's ancient history. By examining everyday negotiations of heritage among locals, it challenges dominant narratives that prioritize Western or imperial perspectives over Iraqi voices. The research employs qualitative methods to capture lived experiences, offering a critical re-evaluation of Babylon’s heritage trajectories.

Kathem, M., & Kareem Ali, D. (2020). Decolonising Babylon. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 27(9), 831–845. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2020.1858140