SOAS Research Online

Abstract

1. An introductory chapter deals with the general description of Iraq, its area, size, shape, boundaries, surface, and other physical features; rivers, soil, natural history, climate, the people, agriculture, minerals, industries, and manufactures. 2. The first chapter is a brief history of the province. The period of Turkish occupation is described. British influence is traced through the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century; the early days of British Military Occupation to the Arab rebellion of 1920; the formation of the Iraq Provisional Government and the election of the Emir in 1921. 3. Some of the questions involved in this work are set out: the natural potentialities of Iraq; the early condition of Iraq: the causes leading to its decay are traced. The present labour shortage; the country could become a world market; religious differences. Arabs are classified: nomad, semi-nomad and settled; the position of Arab women; tribal characteristics; the mode of Ottoman administration; the productivity, with details of crops; antiquities of Iraq; a comparison with Scotland and South Africa; comparison with Oudh. British efforts, and an introduction to one of the main issues - Land Tenure. 4. The question of Land Tenure treated historically, and a description of conditions in pre-Islamic, Islamic, and Ottoman times. The Turkish Land Code explained. Land Laws and Tapu in detail; the judicial aspect of Land Tenure set out. Unreliable accounts of the early systems; incongruity between theory and facts as revealed in a series of incidents set forth here. 5. The Sa'dun as a peculiar agrarian problem; the history of the Sa'dun; the attempt at settlement under the Turks - Midhat Pasha; recent efforts at solution; possible solutions. A further example of failure in the attempt to impose a theoretical system which ignores the normal conditions. 6. Land Revenue; assessment under the Turks; date cultivation; the Government share; apportionment of revenue demand; relations between landlord, tenant, and fellahs; the farming of taxes; subsidies and rebates; land registration. The collection of land revenue from the "farmer" - the division on the threshing floor. The 'Khalasiyah' - The Madhif - tribal customs. System of harvesting; modes of transport. 7. The irrigation of Iraq; early times and the successful system employed; rivers and canalisation; historical survey leading to Turkish times; the British occupation and recent efforts. The present situation. 8. Summary of conclusions through a survey of the last decade.