This study critically examines Iraq’s national policy N.55 of 2002, highlighting the disconnect between legislative frameworks and practical execution of conservation management for tangible heritage sites. Iraq’s legislative history dates back to Hammurabi’s Code, reflecting a long-standing tradition of structured social governance and cultural heritage preservation. Employing qualitative content analysis, the research traces the historical evolution of Iraq’s policies on heritage preservation, uncovering significant gaps between legal mandates and real-world practices. The findings reveal that insufficient regulatory clarity and weak enforcement mechanisms have exacerbated challenges in implementing effective conservation management. The study emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of heritage preservation among Iraqi authorities and the public, highlighting the pressing importance of safeguarding tangible heritage assets. It contributes valuable insights into shortcomings of Iraq’s current policies and offers recommendations for future reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness of heritage preservation strategies. The study is relevant to decision-makers, heritage experts, architects, engineers, researchers, and the public, providing a foundation for policy reform and practical strategies for protection of Iraq’s cultural heritage. Furthermore, schools, organizations, and stakeholders involved in heritage conservation can utilize these findings to strengthen their contributions to preserving Iraq’s rich cultural legacy for future generations.