Azad-Hye Special
The Armenian community in Iraq—once a vibrant and integral part of the nation’s cultural fabric—is now facing a slow and troubling decline that threatens its very survival.
In his detailed analysis, “The Armenians of Iraq Since 2003: Two Decades of Progress or Regression,” Robert Istepanian outlines the dramatic changes this centuries-old community has endured, particularly in the past two decades marked by war, instability, and social upheaval.
A Rich Past, Now Endangered
Armenians have lived in Iraq for centuries, with permanent settlements dating back to the 17th century. Their numbers swelled after the Armenian Genocide of 1915, when thousands sought refuge in Iraq. By the mid-20th century, Armenians had established flourishing communities in Baghdad, Mosul, Basra, and Kirkuk, making significant contributions to the country’s economic, cultural, and social sectors.
The monarchical era (1921–1958) was the community’s golden age, marked by progress and integration. However, the advent of the republic and the rise of Saddam Hussein’s regime initiated a slow but steady decline. Nationalization of Armenian schools, tight state control, and economic hardships chipped away at community infrastructure and morale.
Post-2003 Iraq: From Decline to Crisis
The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq marked a turning point. The ensuing political chaos, rise of sectarian violence, and emergence of extremist groups such as ISIS devastated Iraq’s Christian minorities, including Armenians. Churches in Baghdad and Mosul were bombed or repurposed, historical schools shuttered, and entire communities displaced.
The Armenian population, estimated at 20,000 before 2003, now numbers fewer than 4,000. Most have fled to Armenia, Europe, North America, or Australia. Those who remain live primarily in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region, particularly in Zakho, Erbil, and two Armenian villages—Havresc and Avzrog.
The Erosion of Heritage
As the population dwindles, so too does Iraq’s Armenian heritage. Historic churches, cemeteries, and homes in Baghdad and Basra have been left to decay. Without urgent preservation efforts, these architectural and cultural treasures could disappear entirely. Lessons from countries like Iran and India, where Armenian heritage sites are maintained, have yet to be heeded in Iraq.
Despite some official gestures—such as the recognition of an Armenian quota seat in Kurdistan’s parliament and commemorations of the genocide—the national Iraqi government has yet to offer political representation or robust protection for Armenian heritage.
The Way Forward?
Istepanian warns that the continued absence of a strategic plan could lead to the complete disappearance of one of the Middle East’s oldest Armenian diasporas. He calls for a revival of engagement between the Iraqi Armenian leadership and the diaspora, as well as the creation of a community endowment fund, transparent governance of church assets, and potentially an international conference on the future of Armenians in Iraq.
The community’s survival may hinge on bold action, both from within and outside Iraq. Without it, a rich legacy risks being relegated to history books, and Iraq will lose not just a religious minority but a vital part of its multicultural identity.
Source: Robert Istepanian, “The Armenians of Iraq Since 2003: Two Decades of Progress or Regression,” Centre français de recherche sur l’Irak (CFRI), 2023.
Photo: The Armenian school in Baghdad, 2022. © Robert Istepanian (more photos available in the link below). Photo published with the permission of the author.
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