BAGHDAD – 22 February 2026: Iraq has unveiled its first AI-powered museum, offering visitors an immersive journey into the Ottoman period through advanced digital technologies.
Located inside the Baghdadi Cultural Centre along the banks of the Tigris River, the museum blends heritage preservation with artificial intelligence to present historical materials in interactive formats.
The museum places special focus on the Rouchdiye School, a 19th-century institution widely regarded as a catalyst for modern education in Iraq. Visitors can explore historical documents, photographs and archival materials from the Ottoman era, enhanced and revitalised using contemporary digital tools.
AI-generated visuals recreate scenes from daily life and education during the Ottoman period, including the training of soldiers at the Rouchdiye School. The use of artificial intelligence allows damaged photographs to be restored, colourised and enhanced, enabling visitors to see previously obscured details.
Haider Abed, head of the Information and Communications Technology Department at the cultural centre, described the project as the first of its kind in Iraq to utilise AI technologies in presenting historical content. He noted that digital techniques are used to reprocess ageing materials and improve accessibility.
In addition to public displays, the museum provides researchers with electronic access to Ottoman archives, streamlining the research process and supporting academic study.
The initiative reflects Iraq’s efforts to safeguard its cultural heritage while embracing digital innovation, positioning the museum as a new cultural landmark for history enthusiasts and scholars alike.
