Mapping the unseen: harnessing indigenous knowledge through participatory mapping to address displacement and housing challenges in post-invasion Iraq

Post-invasion Iraq has been grappling with high rates of internal displacement and severe housing shortages for the past 20 years, largely fuelled by violence, genocide and political instability. The intricacy of these interrelated challenges necessitates contextually informed, innovative and participatory approaches to effect change. This paper proposes the use of participatory mapping as a creative tool to tap into the indigenous knowledge and wayfinding skills of Iraqis, fostering a deeper understanding of the lived realities that can contribute to the design of effective policies for managing displacement and housing issues. The rising trend of internal displacement and the subsequent housing shortages, compounded by the emergence of new cities across the country, necessitate a comprehensive housing policy, underpinned by strategic planning and coordination.