Baghdad: The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities launched the “My Culture, My Identity” initiative on Monday. The event, inaugurated by the Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs, Dr. Fadhil Mohammed Al-Badrani, was organized by the Center for the Protection and Preservation of Heritage and the Human Rights Department, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers/Department of Non-Governmental Organizations and the Nazik Cultural Organization, as part of the government program.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the activities took place at the Rashid Ali Al-Kilani Heritage House in Baghdad, with the attendance of several ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions, advisors to the Minister of Culture, Hind Kamel and Gulshan Kamal, a number of directors general from the ministry, representatives of cultural and community institutions, and a select group of those interested in cultural and heritage affairs.

Al-Badrani emphasized that developing cultural awareness is a fundamental approach in the Ministry’s work, noting that culture is a national project and a cornerstone of societal development. He stressed that protecting heritage is not limited to institutions but begins with an informed individual, a family, and an educator, all of whom contribute to instilling cultural and national values. He further emphasized that Iraq’s cultural diversity is a source of richness and integration, not a cause for conflict.

Al-Badrani commended the efforts of the Department of Non-Governmental Organizations, represented by its director, Ashraf Al-Dahhan, and the Nazik Organization for Culture, represented by Ms. Alia Al-Maliki, for supporting the initiative and contributing to the organization of these cultural events.

A documentary exhibition by the House of Books and Archives on the Rashid Ali al-Kilani Revolution was held on this occasion, along with a fine arts exhibition and musical performances, reflecting the diversity of Iraqi heritage and its cultural and artistic reach.

The “My Culture, My Identity” initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of Iraqi cultural heritage as a fundamental pillar of national identity and collective memory, and to support community participation in its protection and preservation, while promoting the values of belonging and dialogue to ensure the sustainability of Iraq’s cultural heritage for future generations.