Al-Sudani Inaugurates Sheikh Ahmed Al-Waeli Museum and Center, Directs Establishment of Museums for Iraqi National and Cultural Icons

Baghdad-INA

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani inaugurated today, Saturday, the Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Al-Waeli Museum and Center in the Karkh area of Baghdad,the museum was completed by the Baghdad Municipality after acquiring the late Sheikh’s house through an initiative by his family and fully restoring it while preserving its heritage character.

The Prime Minister's Media Office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA),"Prime Minister Al-Sudani toured the museum and reviewed its halls, which include the heritage of Sheikh Al-Waeli, his books, personal belongings, papers, notes, poetry manuscripts, and photos and recordings from his time in Syria and Kuwait, the museum also features his meetings with religious and cultural figures and part of his personal library, the remainder of which is preserved at Imam Ali Shrine, showcasing significant milestones in his scholarly and cultural life."

During the visit, Prime Minister Al-Sudani met with the family of Sheikh Al-Waeli and directed that all necessary enhancements for the museum be provided. He also instructed the Baghdad Municipality to establish museums for notable national and cultural figures who represent Iraq’s memory and significant points in its contemporary history.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani highlighted the impact of the late Sheikh Al-Waeli and his distinguished role as the dean of Husayni pulpit preachers. He praised Al-Waeli’s reformative speeches advocating noble ethics, social peace, and the teachings of the prophet muhammad and Ahl al-Bayt pbut.

It is noted that Sheikh Al-Waeli resided in this house from 1960, when he first moved to Baghdad, until his exile in 1979. The house was confiscated by the dictatorial regime in 1981, which also executed his son, martyr Muhammad Hussein.

The conversion of the house into a museum began in agreement with Sheikh Al-Waeli’s family in 2014. In 2023, in line with the government’s approach to preserving the cultural and heritage legacy of Baghdad and its symbols, all requirements and preparations were completed to convert the house into a museum and cultural center.