Background: Anthropological archaeologist, former Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities of Iraq. He was the director of the Antiquities Office in Dhiqar Province and led numerous excavations in Iraq.
Dr. Abdulameer Al-Hamdani is a distinguished figure in the field of Near Eastern and Mesopotamian archaeology, whose expertise as a scholar is significantly reflected in his written work. An anthropological archaeologist by training, his authoritative perspective is grounded in a deep understanding of the region’s cultural landscape, a knowledge base he further enriched through his significant political role as the former Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities of Iraq.
As an author, Dr. Al-Hamdani specializes in Near Eastern and Mesopotamian archaeology, with a particular focus on innovative research methodologies. His writings frequently delve into regional surveys, demonstrating an ability to synthesize broad geographical data into coherent historical narratives. A key feature of his scholarly output is the integration of advanced GIS techniques (Geographic Information Systems) and landscape archaeology, which allows him to explore the spatial relationships of ancient settlements and the dynamic interactions between past societies and their environments.
His practical experience – notably as the Director of the Antiquities Office in Dhiqar Province and the leader of numerous excavation projects across Iraq—lends immense credibility to his publications. This hands-on background ensures that his academic texts are not merely theoretical but are richly informed by primary archaeological evidence and the realities of field work. His written contributions are thus essential reading for anyone seeking a comprehensive and methodologically sound understanding of Iraq’s unparalleled archaeological heritage.
In one of his last public interviews, he responded to a question about his motivation for becoming a champion of Iraqi cultural heritage with these words:
“This is my civilization, my heritage, my culture. Our history is what makes us human in the first place. It’s the motivation of humankind. We care about what you inherited not just from our own nation but also from other civilizations.”
Early life and education
Dr. Abdulameer Al-Hamdani was born in Nasiriyah, Iraq, in 1967. His early life was rooted in the unique environment of the Mesopotamian Marshes of Southern Iraq, specifically in a village named Al-Midug, which is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This childhood setting significantly shaped his future career. Born into a large family whose father was illiterate, education was highly valued. His family lived in a simple reed hut, and their village was, tellingly, situated right on top of an ancient archaeological site. This direct, constant exposure to the remnants of a great past—such as visible graves and ancient material—sparked his curiosity from a young age, leading him to ask profound questions about the identity of the former inhabitants.
His educational journey began with determination:
- Undergraduate Studies: He attended the University of Baghdad, where he pursued and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Ancient Archaeology in 1987.
- Postgraduate Studies in the U.S.: After working for years in Iraq (including as Director of the Antiquities Office in Dhiqar Province), Dr. Al-Hamdani moved to the United States to pursue advanced degrees at Stony Brook University in New York:
- Master of Arts (MA): He completed his MA in Archaeology from the Department of Anthropology in 2013. His thesis focused on the Eridu Basin, titled, “Town, Village and Marsh Settlement in the Eridu Basin: Economic, Spatial, Political and Ritual Relationships between Settlements in the Sumerian Heartland in the Early Second Millennium BCE.”
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): He received his PhD from the Department of Anthropology in 2015. His dissertation, “The Shadow States: The Archaeology of Power in the Marshes of Southern Mesopotamia,” directly utilized his unique background and specialized in the history and archaeology of the Iraqi Marshes, particularly the enigmatic Sealand Dynasties.
Dr. Al-Hamdani’s education, therefore, bridged his profound, personal connection to the Iraqi landscape with rigorous academic training, culminating in a specialization that combined his passion for the Sumerian heartland with modern archaeological techniques like GIS and remote sensing.
Work and Career
Dr. Abdulameer Al-Hamdani’s career was characterized by a powerful fusion of grassroots cultural heritage protection, pioneering academic research, and high-level government service, establishing him as a champion of Iraqi archaeology.
His career can be broadly divided into three key phases:
- Archaeological Fieldwork and Heritage Protection in Dhiqar (2001–2009)
After earning his undergraduate degree, Dr. Al-Hamdani began his critical work on the ground in Iraq. This period was defined by his tireless efforts to protect archaeological sites, particularly in the tumultuous aftermath of the 2003 invasion.
- Director of Antiquities and Museum Director: From 2003 to 2009, he served as the Director of the Antiquities Office for Dhiqar Province and the Director of the Nasiriya Museum. Dhiqar Province contains some of the most significant Sumerian cities, including Ur, Eridu, and Larsa.
- Anti-Looting Efforts: In this challenging role, he was on the front lines against organized looting. He famously stated his readiness to “work with the Devil in order to protect these sites” and partnered with the Italian army to secure sites and helped recover hundreds of looted artifacts.
- Field Research: He led excavations, including an expedition from the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) to the site of Tal Lehem (near Ur) in 2003–2004, and also served as a lecturer at Dhi Qar University (2007–2009).
- Academic and Technical Innovation (2010–2017)
Following his work in Iraq, Dr. Al-Hamdani dedicated himself to cutting-edge research and the systematic documentation of Iraq’s heritage, primarily while pursuing his postgraduate studies in the United States.
- Academic Research: At Stony Brook University, he not only earned his MA and PhD but also co-directed joint Iraqi-American excavation missions, notably at Tel Sakhariyah near Ur.
- Digital Heritage Documentation: One of his most significant achievements was the creation of a digital database and atlas for archaeological sites in Iraq. This massive, fifteen-year project used GIS and satellite imagery to systematically record and map ancient sites, ultimately documenting around 15,000 sites—a vast update from the outdated 1971 official atlas. This work also resulted in the identification of over 1,200 previously undocumented sites in Southern Iraq.
- International Collaboration: After graduating, he returned to work with the SBAH and later joined Durham University in 2017 as the training manager for the Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa (EAMENA) project, focusing on capacity building for local archaeologists.
- World Heritage Advocacy: He was instrumental in preparing files to nominate the ancient city of Ur and the Mesopotamian Marshes for the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Minister of Culture (2018–2020)
In December 2018, Dr. Al-Hamdani was appointed as the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities of Iraq, a post he held until 2020. This appointment marked the culmination of his career, placing an experienced field archaeologist at the helm of cultural policy.
- Political Achievements: As Minister, he championed heritage protection as a tool for national unity and oversaw critical projects:
- He successfully led the campaign to have the city of Babylon inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
- He oversaw the reopening of the Basra Museum and the commencement of major renovations at the Iraq Museum in Baghdad.
- He intensified efforts to recover looted artifacts from various countries.
- Moral Authority: His personal dedication was recognized when he successfully lobbied the supreme Shia religious authority in Najaf to issue a fatwa (religious order) strictly forbidding the looting and trading of artifacts, providing powerful moral backing for heritage protection efforts.
Publications by Dr. Abdulameer Al-Hamdani
Dr. Abdulameer Al-Hamdani’s publications reflect his unique career path, merging hands-on protection of cultural heritage with cutting-edge academic scholarship. His work is primarily centered on the archaeology, landscape, and cultural challenges of Southern Mesopotamia, particularly the Iraqi Marshes and the Sumerian heartland.
His contributions fall into several major themes:
- Protecting and Documenting Iraqi Heritage: A significant portion of his writing documents the threats of looting and damage to archaeological sites in the post-2003 era, detailing the efforts he led to record and safeguard these endangered locations.
- GIS and Landscape Archaeology: His core academic focus involves the innovative use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and remote sensing to reconstruct ancient landscapes, settlement systems, and canal networks, especially in the Marshlands. His dissertations are prime examples of this work.
- Archaeology of the Mesopotamian Marshes: Drawing on his personal background, he published specialized research on the history and settlement patterns of the Marshlands, challenging traditional views that focused only on irrigated agriculture by highlighting the significance of the marsh environment.
Here is a list of some of his most notable publications and academic works, highlighting his areas of expertise:
Dr. Al-Hamdani’s bibliography demonstrates his lasting commitment to documenting, defending, and utilizing advanced techniques to understand Iraq’s vast and vulnerable cultural heritage.