The Khan Al-Shilan: Appraising and Synthesizing Cultural Heritage Significance and Its Impact on Conservation Practices

Abstract

The holy city of Najaf has a number of historical buildings, many of which are in danger of permanent deterioration due to muddled conservation practices. Khan Al-Shilan, built in 1899, is a significant historic structure, continuously changing and adaptable to several functions. Possession of the structure was transferred from one party to another, and it has not been well maintained, suffering damage and neglect. The khan existed during the Ottoman era and British colonialism, and it stands today as a physical reminder of the Iraqi people’s struggle against occupying powers. It is also an interesting example of the limitations of conservation in Iraq. Using secondary sources and primary evidence gathered through interviews with stakeholders, local residents, heritage elites, and conservationists, this article examines the current state of Iraqi conservation practices, with a particular focus on the extent to which they have affected the existing historic fabric. It includes a detailed examination of the approaches and the problems that exist in applying international standards of heritage protection to the Iraqi context. The case study demonstrates that there is local motivation for conservation that is accompanied by an awareness of the processes to manage change effectively.