Associations, clubs and parties in Najaf 1900 - 1958

Abstract

The city of Najaf witnessed political, economic and social developments during the twentieth century, which had a great impact in establishing a number of associations, clubs, parties or branches of political parties that were established in the capital, Baghdad, both in secret and in public. These associations, clubs, parties or party branches played a clear and influential cultural, social, and political role during the first six decades of the twentieth century (1900-1958), which is the period that we have devoted to our study.

The activity of these societies, clubs and parties had a clear role in developing community awareness and breaking the restrictions of isolation and conservative frameworks that prevailed in Najaf society for many years. This led to the emergence of new concepts and unconventional convictions that pushed the conservative community to bypass the old restrictions that were previously considered constants, to keep pace with modernization, which began to impose its paths within the framework of renewal once and rebellion again.

The new awareness led to the participation of various segments of the local community, including intellectuals, students, and workers, as well as enlightened groups of clerics, in the quest for the local intellectual reconstruction and pushing it towards modernity, and the search for a role in the local and Iraqi political arena. Which led to the emergence of Najaf’s influential role culturally, socially and politically in many events. In spite of the influence of the conservative movement and its influence on the general public, it was unable to stop the activities of these societies, clubs and parties and their role as civil society organizations, and if it sought to halt the work of some of them.