Princesses of the Hashemite House: Princess Badi'a as a Case Study (1920–2020)

Abstract

This study provides a historical examination of the Hashemite family, whose history in Iraq constitutes an important part of the history of the modern Iraqi state. The establishment of the monarchy in Iraq in 1921 was closely associated with the role of the Hashemite family, which descended from Sharif Hussein bin Ali, leader of the Great Arab Revolt.

Members of the Hashemite family contributed significantly to shaping Iraq’s political, cultural, and social life during the monarchical period. Among the prominent women of the family was Princess Badi'a bint Ali, regarded as the last princess of the Hashemite House in Iraq. She witnessed major historical transformations extending from the establishment of the modern Iraqi state to the fall of the monarchy on 14 July 1958, as well as the political and social changes that followed.

Princess Badi'a constituted an important historical witness to a pivotal period in modern Iraqi history, having lived through events and transformations that profoundly affected the fate of the royal family.

Her personal biography represents an important source for understanding the life of the royal family and its social and political circumstances. It also provides the testimony of a direct witness to many of the historical events experienced by the region.