Al-Qayra Oil Refinery and its Impact on the Iraqi Economy during the Royal Reign (1932-1958): A Documentary Study

Abstract

   The oil industry witnessed a major global development after the establishment of oil refineries (refineries).  Once oil was discovered in Iraq in 1927, the Iraqi government looked seriously forward to develop its oil industry through the establishment of an oil refinery in the Qayra area of the Mosul Brigade.  Since the oil explorer in the refinery of Qayara oil was a relatively heavy type that contained high sulfur mixed with oil, the refinery was unable to produce other oil materials, despite the huge amounts spent on it and  the large efforts by oil experts foreigners.  However, the refinery was only suitable for the production of the material of the Qir (asphalt) which is an important source for producing this material used in the perpetuation of streets and other uses, and this is what all documents and sources have agreed upon.