The role of heritage buildings’ interior design in enhancing the identity of local architecture: Baghdad palaces during the royal era (1921-1958) as a case study

The establishment of the modern Iraqi state dates back to 1921, amidst a series of international and domestic political and military events that contributed to this foundation. This period also marks the true beginning of modern architecture in Iraq. The outcomes of these events were reflected in the built environment, which emerged with novelty and distinctiveness, occasionally breaking away from the context of previous architectural practices. This transformation was significantly influenced by political, economic, and social shifts, impacting urban planning, architectural design, and interior design alike. This era is considered a pivotal period in Iraq’s architectural history, as its design models are worthy of study, documentation, and preservation as part of the country’s heritage. The research reviews previous studies on interior design in local architecture, identifying a gap in the literature concerning the design of interior spaces during the royal era and the influence of modernist architecture on their elements and characteristics compared to earlier periods. The study hypothesizes that the interior design of buildings under review was significantly affected by the political, economic, and social transformations of the Royal era. This paper focused on examining the impact of these changes on interior space design in one specific architectural typology (palaces) constructed during that era. It does so by conducting a comparative analysis through a survey directed to a group of experts in local architecture. The survey compares the interior spaces of Royal palaces from 1921–1958 with the interior spaces of elite Iraqi houses from the late Ottoman era. The research reached several conclusions, most notably that the interior designs of the selected samples were influenced by the broader political, economic, and social transformations of this era, aligning with similar effects on their external designs, as noted in previous studies. In general, the interior designs of the chosen samples can be classified within the framework of Modernism. Some spaces, however, were identified as belonging to a transitional style, characterized by a blend of traditional and modern design elements and decorative features, aiming to create cohesive designs within a single space. The significance of this research lies in its contribution to efforts to sustain and preserve Iraq’s architectural heritage. By documenting and studying both interior and exterior spaces, this research represents a foundational step towards their conservation. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of this heritage as a cornerstone for tourism, as heritage sites are key attractions for tourist destinations.