Heritage
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Kirkuk Government Backs Iraqi Maqam Heritage Preservation Efforts
The Iraqi Maqam House in Kirkuk has opened discussions with local authorities, in an attempt to strengthen and promote the city’s rich cultural heritage. The talks focused on organising heritage and folklore events, that celebrate Kirkuk’s deep-rooted traditions and reinforce the Iraqi Maqam as a vital artistic legacy with historical…
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Art Without Borders – Interview with Iraqi Artist Lina Ogaily
Once the Medieval centre of the literary and artistic Arab world, Iraq has long been known for the depth of its cultural expression. From early pioneers of modern art to internationally recognised architects, Iraqi creatives, both within the country and across the diaspora, have continued to use art to preserve…
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Romanian Travel Influencer Laura Isac on Finding Community During Ramadan in Iraq
During Ramadan, life in Iraq follows a distinct and familiar pattern. The long hours of fasting give way to evenings centred around iftar, when families and communities gather to share meals. Across cities and towns, this routine creates a sense of continuity and brings together people from all walks of…
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Interview with ‘Gilgamesh Contemporary’ Artist Asmaa Alanbari
From ancient Mesopotamian civilisations to the 21st century, Iraq has long been a centre of artistic inspiration and development. Monumental works such as The Epic of Gilgamesh continue to inspire Iraqis worldwide in their journeys of self-expression. In this interview, we spoke with Iraqi-French artist Asmaa Alanbari about her installation…
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Iraq Intensifies Inspections to Protect Archaeological Heritage Sites
Archaeological and heritage inspection teams in several Iraqi provinces have continued field monitoring visits to archaeological sites and mounds to strengthen protection measures and prevent illegal excavations and encroachments, according to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities. In Karbala province, archaeological staff conducted inspection tours across several historic mounds…
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Ramadan Food Bank Introduced in Iraq By the Ministry of Finance
The Ministry of Culture’s Dar Al-Mamoun for Translation and Publishing has launched today, 23 February, this year’s first edition of its quarterly English magazine, Gilgamesh, with a focus on the various Iraqi Women’s days celebrated in March. The new digital edition dedicated a section highlighting the role of Iraqi women in…
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Photos: Interview with ‘Floodlines’ Author Saleem Haddad
On February 18th, Iraqi-Palestinian author, Saleem Haddad, celebrated the UK release of his latest novel, ‘Floodlines’, with a conversation with the 2023 Desmond Elliot Residency prize winner, Santanu Bhattacharya, at Waterstones bookshop. Click here to read the full interview with author Saleem Haddad. At its heart, Floodlines is a novel about…
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UNESCO Representative Visits Al Malwiyah Minaret
Iraq’s Al-Malwiyah Minaret in Samarra was visited by a UNESCO representative in Iraq, earlier this week. The Al-Malwiyah Minaret, also known as the Great Mosque of Samarra, is largely regarded as a unique architectural landmark, and a symbol of the history behind Iraq’s civilisations. This visit came as part of…
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Iraqi Storytelling and Legacy: Interview with ‘Floodlines’ Author Saleem Haddad
From The Epic of Gilgamesh, the world’s oldest surviving written story, to Al-Mutanabbi, widely regarded as one of the most influential poets in the Arabic language, Iraq’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in storytelling. For centuries, stories have provided a space for creative expression, emotional release and, at times, quiet…
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Iraqi Palestinian Author, Saleem Haddad, Celebrates the Release of Novel ‘Floodlines’ in UK
Iraqi-Palestinian author, Saleem Haddad, celebrates the UK release of his latest novel, ‘Floodlines’, demonstrating the continued cultural contributions of the Iraqi diaspora. On February 18th, Haddad appeared at Waterstones, Islington, in conversation with the 2023 Desmond Elliot Residency prize winner, Santanu Bhattacharya. At its heart, Floodlines is a novel about…
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