Culture and Heritage
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Baghdad Heritage Site: Khan Marjan
Khan Marjan, founded in 1358 by Wali Amin al-Din Mirjan, stands as one of Baghdad’s oldest khans, embodying a rich tradition of hospitality and commerce. Serving as a hub for social and economic activity, it provided a secure overnight stay for travelers crossing the region. This historic establishment not only…
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Easter Mass at St. George’s Episcopal Anglican Church in Baghdad
On Sunday 31st March, Iraqi Catholics and Protestants celebrated Easter Sunday, commemorating the resurrection (rising from the dead) of Jesus Christ. This was led up to by what Catholics/Protestants refer to as the ‘Holy Week’. It represents Jesus’ last days as well as his crucifixion, and these days are honoured…
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The Ancient Neighborhoods of Baghdad
Al-Fadl neighborhood is named after a mosque established near the tomb of Fadl ibn Sahl ibn Bishr al-Shafi’i, a preacher from Baghdad who passed away in the year 548 AH. Al-Fadl is considered to be one of the neighborhoods of ancient Baghdad. It is located on the side of Al-Rusafa,…
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Sustaining Tradition: Pottery and Reed Crafts in Modern Homes
For thousands of years, clay utensils for cooking and storing food have been an integral part of households in Sumer, the earliest known civilisation in what is now southern Iraq. Pottery holds a profound significance in Iraqi culture, where ancient civilisations relied on clay for constructing homes, crafting cooking tools,…
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International Women’s Day: Women Producers Exhibition at Dijlah Touristic Village
On the Friday of March 8th 2024, woman worldwide came together to honour International Women’s Day. In the heart of Baghdad’s Dijlah Touristic Village, a group of enterprising women curated an event: the Women’s Producers Exhibition and Bazaar. Led by Zahraa Al Ali and Ola Al Khafaji, the exhibition showcases an array…
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Abbasid Palace: Baghdad’s Majestic Legacy
The Abbasid Palace is recognised to be one of the most important heritage sites in Baghdad, located to the left bank of the Tigris River. It was built approximately between 1179 to 1225 AD by the Caliph Al-Nasser, which is towards the end of the Abbasid Dynasty. Entirely built with…
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Haydarkhana Mosque in Baghdad
The Haydarkhana mosque, constructed in 1826 under the supervision of Daoud, the Pasha of Baghdad, and subsequently refurbished in 1893 and 1920, is located within Baghdad’s al Rusafah neighbourhood, on al-Rasheed street. Despite its modest size, it is highly regarded for its exemplary Ottoman architectural style. The primary structure, crafted…
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The Great Ziggurat of Ur: A Structure of 4,000 Years Ago
Nasiriyah – (iina) Considered one of the most well-preserved ancient architectural innovations, the Ziggurat of Ur, consists of a pyramid-like structure with long stairs reaching the top of the tower. It is made out of bricks which date back to approximately 2100 B.C.E. The building is located close to Nasiriyah,…
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The Ancient Church of Al-Aqiser
Karbala (iina) – Karbala being the pilgrimage city of Muslims, also contains ancient heritage sites including one of the oldest churches in the Middle-East. Al-Aqiser church is situated in a desert area called Al-Qaseer. The ancient church dates back to the 50th century AD, meaning that Karbala is holds a…
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