Iraq’s Marshland Society Explored in Classic Study

A vivid portrait of Iraq’s marshland community returns to the spotlight with the publication of the fourth edition of Al-Chibayish: An Anthropological Study of a Village in the Marshes of Iraq, by esteemed Iraqi anthropologist Shaker Mustafa Salim.

This groundbreaking work offers a rare, in-depth account of life in the village of Al-Chibayish, nestled deep within the Euphrates Marshes. Based on extensive fieldwork conducted from January to September 1953, the study captures the complex social fabric, political structure, and economic rhythms of one of Iraq’s most distinctive and historically rich environments.

Across sixteen chapters, Salim documents the intricate details of daily life among the marsh dwellers—their systems of governance, religious beliefs, land ownership, and agricultural practices. He explores the local economy rooted in reeds and mat weaving, the patterns of seasonal labour migration, and the community’s secondary sources of income. The research also delves into the societal dynamics of extended families, the cultural significance of guest houses (mudhifs), and the delicate balance between environmental adaptation and cultural preservation.

Originally written as a PhD dissertation at the University of London, where Salim earned his doctorate in 1955, the book remains a foundational resource in the study of Iraqi anthropology. Rich with charts, tables, and detailed ethnographic observation, Al-Chibayish continues to serve as a vital record of a community shaped by water, resilience, and tradition.

The newly released edition reaffirms the enduring significance of the marshes as a site of cultural knowledge, reminding readers of the profound human stories woven into Iraq’s natural landscape.

Source: Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities