Stories
Stories
SAFEGUARDING IRAQ’S ANCIENT HISTORY: One Sumerian miniature at a time
By Murtada al-Hudoud in Dhi Qar In a small workshop on the rooftop of an apartment building in the heart of the central Iraqi city of Nasiriyah, a young artist Alaa Dali is giving new life to an ancient people. Dali is busy making miniatures of Sumerian and Assyrian kings. The young man's fascination with…
Stories
GROOMING, THE OLD SCHOOL WAY: The Baghdad barber who attracts customers with his traditional style
In an alley in the Shawaka neighbourhood in Baghdad, most of the stores sell gear for fishing. But there is one store that stands out: In it, a barber’s chair, razors, scissors and combs. This is where barber Salem Rashid works. Salem Rashid, nicknamed "Abu Ali", is 64 years old and has been working as…
Stories
A SWEET SUCCESS STORY: A Baghdad juice shop celebrates 66 years in business
The family's shop, in the heart of Baghdad, has been going for 66 years. The founder of the business, Haji Ubaid, began his venture with a single glass bottle of raisin juice on Al Rasheed Street. His commitment to purity and quality — he only ever sold products without artificial colours or flavours — laid…
Stories
IRAQIS ACKNOWLEDGING CLIMATE CHANGE: In Baghdad, a shopkeeper is changing attitudes — one umbrella at a time
By Fatima Karim in Baghdad In the busy streets of the Al Rashid shopping district in Baghdad, the store owned by Abdul Rahman Salman used to be considered a little strange. For over 15 years, Salman sold school supplies, stationery and posters here. But recently, after several summers of record breaking heat that saw temperatures…
