Rifat Chadirji, one of the most important living architects from Iraq, turned 90 this month. As an architect and planning consultant Chadirji played a central role in the urban development of Baghdad from the 1950s to the 70s. He created a new urban aesthetic for the city, which was a synthesis of Modernist principles and elements of Islamic architecture. Chadirji is the author of numerous books on art and architecture and his oeuvre also includes photography. He has built an archive of over 90,000 images taken in Iraq by himself and his father, Kamil Chadirji. Chadirji photographed daily life and religious practices in cities and towns across Iraq. These highlight the effects of Iraq’s growing economy and modernisation after the first petrol boom of the 1950s. Ruya celebrates his birthday with images of two buildings in Baghad: the Offices and Tobacco Warehouses and the Central Post Office.
Rifat Chadirji, Black and White Drawings for the Offices and Tobacco Warehouses, 1974. (c) Courtesy of the architect.
Rifat Chadirji, B&W drawing, conceptual sketch for the Offices and Tobacco Warehouses, 1974. Courtesy of the architect.
Rifat Chadirji, View from street of main facade of the Offices and Tobacco Warehouses, Baghdad, 1976. (c) Courtesy of the architect.
Rifaat Chadirji, Black and White Drawing for the Central Post Office, Baghdad, 1970. (c) Courtesy of the architect.
Rifat Chadirji, General View to Central Post Office, 1976. (c) Courtesy of the architect.
Rifat Chadirji, Main view to Central Post Office, 1976. (c) Courtesy of the architect.
Rifat Chadirji, View to Main Entrance to Central Post Office, 1976. (c) Courtesy of the architect.
Rifat Chadirji, View from street of the front facade of the Central Post Office , 1976. Courtesy of the architect.
Rifat Chadirji, View from street to rear façade of Central Post Office, Baghdad, 1976. (c) Courtesy of the architect.