The Iraqi Parliamentary Experience in the Council of the Ottoman Envoys(1876-1914)

Abstract

The research - a modest attempt to shed light on the first parliamentary experiment that Iraq had fought, following the participation of a number of Iraqi MPs in the discussions of the Ottoman Envoys Council, when Iraq as a whole was under Ottoman control. The Iraqis practiced this experience after the announcement of the Ottoman constitution and the formation of the Council of Envoys, during the rule of Sultan Abdul Hamid II and the federalists, during the period (1876-1914). Two conditionalities were formed, i.e. two constitutional covenants, in which four electoral cycles were achieved, one within the first conditionality, and three sessions in the second conditionality. The research reached two conclusions:The first conclusion: Instructing the commencement of work in the Council of Envoys and the Constitution, and then ordering their dissolution (and for many times), shows us that both Sultan Abdul Hamid II and the Unionists - alike - have shown little respect for the constitution and representative life. This means that they had taken all of this as a cover for them, in order to stay as long as possible in power. As for the second conclusion: Despite the negatives and contradictions that accompanied that experience, it was not without positive and beneficial concepts. Rather, it was in the eyes of the Iraqis a successful experience and a solid foundation, in order to practice the upcoming parliamentary life in Iraq.