Yousef Ghanima


Yousef Rizq Alah Ghanima Iraqi politician, journalist and historian. He is one who represents Christians at time of Kingdom of Iraq, then he was appointed to the Ministry of Finance six times, and the Ministry of Supply one time. he also known for founding Seda babel, one of first newspapers in Iraq in 1908. he also write many books about history of Iraq.

Early life

Ghanima born in Baghdad to an Chaldean Christian family, he studied theology and Arabic literature by Anastas Al-Karmali, he also learn French and English language in church. he joined to Committee of Union and Progress, and become one of first members in Baghdad. he founded Seda Babel newspaper in 1908 with Dawud Sliwa, which was closed in July 1914 before World War I by order from Nur Al-Deen pasha governor of Baghdad Vilayet.

Career

After Entry of British army to Baghdad in March 1917, he is called from Gen.Hooker with other state men for founding municipal council to City. he welcomed King Faisal I after his arriving to Basra in 1921, he is one who appointing from king for negotiation of Anglo-Iraqi Treaty of 1922. after founding Council of Representatives of Iraq by order of King, he was choose at first term from 1925 to 1928 for represent Christians of Baghdad. He become minister of finance at third government of Abdul-Muhsin Al-Saadoun, First government of Tawfiq al-Suwaidi, first government of Ali Jawdat al-Aiyubi, third government of Jamil al-Midfai, first government of Arshad al-Umari and in government of Salih Jabr. he also become minister of supply at government of Hamdi al-Pachachi. he also appointed in many other position in finance. he died on August 10, 1950 in London.

Books