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ARC: Histories & Cultures

We are one of the largest and strongest groupings of historians and theorists in any UK architecture school.

We focus on the forms of landscapes, buildings, and places. We also apply political, cultural, and conceptual contexts, which help to shape their production. We want to continue to increase our understanding of them.

Our work covers many topics, addressing real and imaginary conditions, diverse geographies, and periods in the past, present, and future. Our approach is often both interdisciplinary and collaborative.

Architecture and Urbanism in 20th Century Iraq

Sana Al-Naimi

Dramatic changes in spatial strategies and the built environment over the last century have greatly contributed to the current cultural and political instability in Iraq. My project explores the enduring spatial implications of Gertrude Bell’s vision, which shaped post-WWI British Mandate Iraq and informed the conflicting policies of consecutive governments.

Supervisors

Professor Zeynep Kezer, Professor Andrew Ballantyne

Funders

This PhD thesis was supported by a grant [grant number AH/L503927/1] from the Arts and Humanities Research Council after I won a Northern Bridge Scholarship. 

Contact

s.al-naimi1@newcastle.ac.uk

Copyright for artwork

Artwork by author. This was based on archival material from the Gertrude Bell Archive in Newcastle University [PERS_B004B] and the archive of Wilson Mason LLP.