Dr. Dhia Jafar

He had political concerns as well as practical ones. Is the state being properly managed? Is there progress that serves the best interest of Iraqi citizens? It saddened him to see regression prevail.

Mr. Hamid Dhia Jafar

He was designated by the Cabinet to spearhead negotiations with his British counterparts. Eventually, the British counterparts agreed to give Iraq 50% of the profits of the two companies; i.e. Iraq Petroleum Company (IPC) and Basra Petroleum Company (BPC).

Dr. Jafar Dhia Jafar

As Minister of Development, my father wanted the budget surplus to fund residential projects for Iraqis.

Mr. Yahya Dhia Jafar

He was efficient in his work. He was remarkable. You would be baffled by his list of achievements. How this man, through only four tenures in the last decade of the monarchical era, conducted all those studies, is truly astonishing. He conducted studies for developing five major dams that greatly served Iraq.

Dr. Imad Abdulsalam Raoof, Historian

He was the first mechanical engineer with a doctorate degree. Dhia Jafar was not the first mechanical engineer to have graduated from an international university, but was the first one to hold a PhD degree in mechanical engineering.

Naguib Mohiuddin, Researcher

During Iraq’s monarchical era, ministry officials would always seek well-educated reputable young men, among whom was Dhia Jafar, who was a well-educated graduate of a British university renowned for its mechanical engineering programme, the University of Birmingham. This background has underpinned his successful ministerial practice.

Atta Abdel-Wahab, Personal Secretary of King Faisal II

Dr. Dhia Jafar is a true statesman, who well-deserved his ministerial capacities, not just for pure political considerations. His position as Minister of Transport in 1947 was ideal for him. He was aptly capable of handling its responsibilities, unlike others who rose to power by luck not by competence.

Dr. Salim El Wardi, Researcher in Oil Affairs

He entered the battlefield of ministries and was a man of high efficiency and ability. He was therefore eagerly pursued by prime ministers, each with a ministry to offer.

Abdel Hamid Al-Rashoudi, Researcher and Historian

One’s worth is not measured by the roles he holds, but by his contribution to the development of nations and serving people. This is exemplified by a number of nationalist ministers who led during Iraq’s monarchical period, most notable of whom was Dhia Jafar.

Salem Al-Alousi, Historian

Nuri al-Said chose Dhia Jafar and his counterparts for their knowledge, competence and status. He believed in their potential to drive this country forward. The urban projects of that era remain of significant value today.

Naseer al-Chaderchi, Iraqi Politician

The Statesman

Dr. Dhia Jafar successfully led four ministries between 1947 and 1957, during the last decade of the Iraqi Monarchy. He sought education and technical expertise throughout his life and viewed politics as an enabler of national prosperity. He had no political affiliation despite the widespread political affiliations in Iraq.

As the Minister of Works and Transport, Dr. Jafar laid the foundations of most technical ministries that later branched out from his and conducted studies for developing five major dams in Iraq, including the Tharthar Dam, which saved Baghdad from flooding and expanded its agricultural lands.

In his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Dr. Jafar set the gold standard for the Iraqi currency, which was pegged to Pounds Sterling. As the Minister of Development, he helped nurture modern landmarks and amended development allocations considering increased oil revenues.

Dr. Jafar enabled the electricity sector to be led by Iraqis and sought maximum national benefit from the country’s oil assets through all his ministerial capacities.

Dr. Dhia Jafar as Minister of Development launching several major infrastructure projects with HM King Faisall II and Crown Prince Abdulilah, Iraqi Development Week 1957.

1910

Dhia Jafar is born to a prominent merchant family in Baghdad, Iraq.

1936

Dhia Jafar earns his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Birmingham, UK, the first holder of a scientific PhD in Iraq.

1937-1946

Dr. Jafar holds several engineering positions in Iraq and helps launch the country’s first industrial school.

1947

Dr. Jafar is appointed by Prime Minister Nuri al-Said to head the Ministry of Works and Transport in Iraq, where he restructures all directorates and employ an all-Iraqi specialist cadre.

1949

Dr. Jafar is nominated as Minister of Economy and spearheads the nationalisation of the energy sector.

1954

Dr. Jafar leads the Ministry of Finance and sets a gold standard for the Iraqi currency.

1955- 1957

Dr. Jafar heads the Ministry of Development, where he oversees major infrastructure projects that enhance flood control, water storage, irrigation, and drainage in Iraq.

1957-1958

Dr. Jafar presides over the Society of Iraqi Engineers.

1958

Dr. Jafar moves to London, UK, where he remains after the fall of the Iraqi monarchy.

1962

Dr. Jafar returns to Baghdad to launch an architectural firm.

1969

Dr. Jafar moves to Beirut, Lebanon, then to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, before settling in London.

1992

Dr. Jafar passes during heart surgery in London.