The Stories behind Iraq’s Revolutionary Places: Habboubi Square in Nasiriyah

20/01/2020
1,954 2 minutes read

Ali Al-Naseri

In the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah, the anti-government protests have centred on a square downtown known as Habboubi Square. It sits at the intersection of Nile and Habboubi streets and in its centre, one can see a statue of Mohammed Saeed al-Habboubi, a poet and warrior.

The statue was carved by a local sculptor, Abdul Reda Keshish, in 1973. It took him six months to complete the sculpture, with its base measuring 4 square meters and the statue reaching a height of 3.5 meters. “He holds a piece of paper with a message to the Iraqi revolutionaries, telling them not to surrender to the British in the 1920s, until they have been liberated from colonialism,” Keshish explains.

Before it was a square, this area was simply known as Akad Al Hawa street, a place where a breeze could blow straight through the city from north to south. It was place of social harmony, where lovers and friends could meet, and where it didn’t matter which sect you belonged to or where you came from.

“This street was always the heart of Nasiriyah,” recalls Wasef Jassem, a 70 year old retiree. “It was full of cafes, where people would meet in the evenings.”

Today Habboubi Square is a temporary home for young Iraqis protesting against their government, demanding better state services and an end to corruption and cronyism. All kinds of activities have taken place in the square, including the launching of balloons, sending messages of support to other protesters in other squares around the country, football matches have been screened here and bicycle races were a frequent event.

What is happening in Habboubi Square today is simply an extension of what has always happened here, says local historian Amir Doshi. “This square is associated with the spirt of revolution because of the presence of the statue and it has witnessed the emergence of many protests against political regimes.”

“This gathering in Habboubi Square is a revolution for a new generation, one that rejects corruption and aspires to a decent life” Ali Mohsen, a 20-year-old protestor, enthuses. “Habboubi Square is a symbol that is becoming known to people right around Iraq.”

The sculptor Keshish says he is happy that his homage to the warrior poet remains standing tall in the square. And in some ways there is also new poetry being written for this revolution in Nasiriyah. “They who are frightened cannot create freedom,” the protesters’ banners proclaim proudly, beneath Habboubi’s statue.

20/01/2020
1,954 2 minutes read

Related Articles

Photo of The fall of Baghdad, and a friendship forged

The fall of Baghdad, and a friendship forged

09/04/2023
Photo of In Nasiriyah, memories of US invasion of Iraq still strong

In Nasiriyah, memories of US invasion of Iraq still strong

09/04/2023
Photo of HIGH DANGER: The Dying Art of Climbing a Date Palm

HIGH DANGER: The Dying Art of Climbing a Date Palm

10/09/2022
Photo of DOUBLE THE PAIN: In underfunded, overcrowded Basra hospitals, birthing mothers are abused

DOUBLE THE PAIN: In underfunded, overcrowded Basra hospitals, birthing mothers are abused

31/03/2022

421 Comments

  1. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your blog.
    You have some really good articles and I think
    I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of
    the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to
    mine. Please blast me an email if interested. Thanks!

  3. I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of area .

    Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this website.
    Studying this info So i’m happy to show
    that I have an incredibly just right uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed.
    I most certainly will make sure to don?t omit this site and provides it a look on a continuing basis.

    Feel free to surf to my blog – https://mpc-install.com/

  7. I was honored to get a call from a friend when he found the important suggestions shared
    on your site. Reading through your blog publication is a real brilliant experience.
    Many thanks for taking into account readers just
    like me, and I want for you the best of achievements like a professional in this field.

    Here is my website – chengdian.cc

  9. Simply want to say your article is as surprising. The clarity to your submit is just great and
    i could think you are an expert in this subject.
    Well with your permission allow me to seize your RSS feed to keep up to
    date with coming near near post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please keep up the
    enjoyable work.

    Feel free to visit my web blog; mpc-install.com

  11. Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time
    as you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a weblog web
    site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
    I were tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered shiny transparent
    concept.

    Feel free to surf to my page … consulenzaleonardo.com

  13. I’ve been surfing online greater than three hours as of
    late, yet I never found any attention-grabbing article like
    yours. It is beautiful value enough for me. In my
    view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net might be a lot more
    helpful than ever before.

    My website :: Ali

  16. I think this is one of the most vital information for me.

    And i am glad reading your article. But wanna
    remark on few general things, The web site style is ideal,
    the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers

    My web-site … chengdian.cc

  17. Howdy, I do believe your website may be having browser
    compatibility issues. When I take a look at your website in Safari,
    it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues.
    I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that, wonderful blog!

  20. Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am
    a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; we have developed some nice practices and we are looking to swap techniques with other folks,
    be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.

  21. I do accept as true with all of the ideas you have introduced for your post.
    They’re very convincing and will definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very brief for newbies.
    May just you please lengthen them a bit from subsequent time?
    Thanks for the post.

    Review my site … Keto Premium Shot Pills

  26. Your style is really unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from.
    Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this page.

  27. With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement?
    My site has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it looks like a
    lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my
    agreement. Do you know any techniques to help stop content from being stolen?
    I’d truly appreciate it.

  36. excellent put up, very informative. I ponder why the other experts of this sector do not realize
    this. You must continue your writing. I’m sure,
    you’ve a great readers’ base already!

  37. Howdy! This article couldn’t be written much better! Going through this article
    reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this.
    I most certainly will forward this article to him.
    Fairly certain he will have a great read. Thanks for sharing!

  38. fantastic points altogether, you just gained a logo new reader.
    What would you suggest in regards to your publish that you simply made some days ago?
    Any positive?

  39. Good day! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering
    which blog platform are you using for this website?
    I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.
    I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  40. I’m not sure why but this site is loading very slow for me.

    Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end?

    I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

  43. Hi there! This post could not be written much better!

    Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!

    He continually kept talking about this. I most certainly will send this information to him.
    Pretty sure he’ll have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
    quest bars http://bitly.com/3C2tkMR quest bars

  65. Опытные психотерапевты и психологи.

    Консультация у психологов Консультация и лечение
    психотерапевта (психолога) Услуги психолога.
    Психолог Онлайн. Психолог в
    Харькове, консультация.
    Консультация психолога онлайн.
    Профессиональные психологи.

  88. My programmer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.

    I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on a variety of websites for about a
    year and am nervous about switching to another platform.
    I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it?

    Any kind of help would be really appreciated!

  89. Hi there friends, how is all, and what you want to
    say concerning this paragraph, in my view its genuinely amazing in favor of me.

  125. You need to take part in a contest for one of the most useful blogs on the
    web. I am going to highly recommend this site!

  127. Does your website have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d
    like to send you an e-mail. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might
    be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I
    look forward to seeing it develop over time.

  138. I am in fact pleased to read this webpage posts which contains plenty of valuable information, thanks for providing these statistics.

  179. Collective efficacy is defined as social cohesion among neighbors combined with their willingness to intervene on behalf of the Lecture The Power of PlaceCommunities and Health common good. plaquenil eye damage Pzkvio Rayh Health Care Pvt.Ltd Viagra

  183. Wow, amazing weblog structure! How long have you ever been blogging for?
    you make running a blog look easy. The overall look of your
    web site is magnificent, let alone the content material!

  184. Behind the window was a reflection that only instilled fear. agency When I cook spaghetti, I like to boil it a few minutes past al dente so the noodles are super slippery.

  185. Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your
    site. You have some really great articles and I feel
    I would be a good asset. If you ever want
    to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for
    a link back to mine. Please shoot me an e-mail if interested.
    Regards!

  186. Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog!
    We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new
    project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us
    useful information to work on. You have done a extraordinary job!

  193. Hi, i feel that i noticed you visited my weblog so i got here to return the
    want?.I am attempting to in finding issues to enhance my site!I assume its good enough to use a few
    of your ideas!!

  197. We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our
    whole community will be grateful to you.

  200. We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.

    Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on.
    You have done a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful to you.

  204. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my
    own weblog and was wondering what all is required to get set up?
    I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a
    pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% certain. Any tips or advice would be greatly
    appreciated. Thank you

  205. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something
    that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and
    extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next
    post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  207. Every weekend i used to go to see this site, for the reason that i wish for enjoyment, since this this web page conations truly good funny stuff too.

  230. Всі фільми новинки 2020 року онлайн
    українською в хорошій якості Link

  234. Нові сучасні фільми дивитися українською мовою
    онлайн в хорошій якості HD
    Link

  238. Нові сучасні фільми дивитися українською мовою
    онлайн в хорошій якості HD Link

  241. I am really impressed together with your writing skills
    as smartly as with the format for your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it yourself?
    Either way stay up the nice high quality writing, it’s uncommon to peer a nice blog like this one today..

  243. Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it
    can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83
    views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it
    with someone!

  251. Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that
    it’s truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will
    appreciate if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited
    from your writing. Cheers!

  279. I was curious if you ever thought of changing the structure of your website?
    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with
    it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 images.
    Maybe you could space it out better?

  280. You should take part in a contest for one of the greatest sites online.
    I’m going to recommend this website!

  290. Просмотр телеканала НТВ Хит
    в режиме онлайн.. По ссылке Тор 2022.
    Смотреть мультфильмы онлайн бесплатно и легально.

  298. Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some
    advice from an established blog. Is it tough to set up your
    own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out
    pretty fast. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?
    Many thanks

  301. Link exchange is nothing else however it is just
    placing the other person’s webpage link on your page at suitable place and other
    person will also do same in support of you.

  302. Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely wonderful.
    I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and
    the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart.
    I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a great website.

  303. Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with
    hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard
    work due to no back up. Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?

  305. If some one needs to be updated with latest technologies
    then he must be pay a visit this web site and be up
    to date everyday.

  308. I’ve been browsing online more than 4 hours today, yet
    I never found any interesting article like yours.
    It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  310. You can certainly see your expertise within the article you write.

    The arena hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to
    say how they believe. Always go after your heart.

  312. I don’t know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing problems with your
    website. It seems like some of the text on your
    posts are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide
    feedback and let me know if this is happening
    to them too? This may be a problem with my web browser because I’ve
    had this happen previously. Cheers

    My web page raycon

  313. Hi! I’ve been reading your weblog for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood Texas!
    Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic work!

  314. Wonderful website. A lot of useful information here.
    I’m sending it to several buddies ans also sharing in delicious.
    And naturally, thanks for your effort!

  316. Usually I don’t learn post on blogs, but I would like to say that this
    write-up very forced me to take a look at and do it!
    Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, very
    nice article.

  318. I every time used to study post in news papers
    but now as I am a user of web therefore from now I am using net for articles, thanks to web.

  319. Excellent blog here! Also your site loads up fast! What host are you using?
    Can I get your affiliate link to your host?

    I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  320. I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a
    blog that’s both educative and amusing, and without a doubt,
    you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough men and
    women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I found this in my search for something concerning this.

  321. Hey there! I’ve been following your blog for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and
    give you a shout out from Huffman Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent work!

  404. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.

    I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some
    interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you
    can write next articles referring to this article.
    I want to read more things about it!

  413. Люди, веря, что новый государь окажется лучше прежнего, охотно восстают против старого, но вскоре они убеждаются на опыте, что обманулись, ибо новый правитель всегда оказывается хуже старого.
    Как продавать через интернет: идеи

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button