Following the end of Mamluk rule in Iraq, a period marked by significant transformations unfolded, profoundly impacting the region's political, social, and economic landscape. This era, extending from the early 19th century into the 20th century, was characterized by Ottoman centralization efforts, the rise of nationalism, and the eventual involvement of European powers, particularly during World War I.

The conclusion of Mamluk rule in 1831, initiated by the Ottomans to reassert direct control over Iraq, marked the beginning of a new administrative phase. The Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II, in his pursuit of modernizing the empire and consolidating power, abolished the Mamluk system that had effectively governed Iraq for over a century. This move was part of the broader Tanzimat reforms, aimed at centralizing administrative control and modernizing various aspects of the empire. In Iraq, these reforms included reorganizing the provincial structure and introducing new legal and educational systems, aiming to integrate the region more closely with the rest of the Ottoman Empire.

The mid-19th century saw the emergence of new challenges for the Ottoman administration in Iraq. The region experienced significant social and economic changes, partly due to increasing European commercial interests. Cities like Baghdad and Basra became important centers for trade, with European powers establishing commercial ties and exerting economic influence. This period also witnessed the construction of railroads and telegraph lines, further integrating Iraq into global economic networks.

The onset of World War I in 1914 marked a turning point for Iraq. The Ottoman Empire, having joined the Central Powers, found its Iraqi territories becoming battlegrounds between Ottoman and British forces. The British aimed to secure control over the region, partly due to its strategic location and the discovery of oil. The Mesopotamian campaign, as it was known, saw significant battles, including the Siege of Kut (1915-1916) and the Fall of Baghdad in 1917. These military engagements had devastating effects on the local population, leading to widespread suffering and casualties.