The Gallery in Baghdad opened the “What If” exhibition by Mazin Ahmed, an Iraqi artist based in Australia. Running until January 15, 2025, the exhibition features Ahmed's reflections on human potential, Iraqi folklore, and cultural nostalgia. His work, which has been shown internationally, is deeply rooted in Iraqi culture, even though Ahmed has lived abroad for many years.
The “What...
Iraq, the cradle of civilization, a land steeped in history and culture, is experiencing a remarkable tourism revival. After decades of conflict and instability kept its treasures hidden, 2024 marked a watershed year, welcoming a growing wave of adventurous travelers eager to explore the wonders of ancient Mesopotamia.
This resurgence follows the global pandemic slowdown and signifies a significant shift...
Iraqi students have achieved a stunning victory at the 2024 Global Mental Arithmetic Championship in Vietnam. Facing stiff competition from 300 participants representing 24 nations, including global powerhouses like China, South Korea, and Russia, the 24-member Iraqi team brought home an impressive 24 awards. Ten students earned first-place titles, with five others also claiming championship wins in their respective...
The Kufiyah: A Symbol of Heritage, Unity, and Resistance
The Kufiyah, a checkered headscarf, is a powerful symbol of Arab heritage, resilience, and unity. While it’s commonly associated with Palestine, its origins trace back to Iraq’s ancient marshlands, where it was initially called the “Shmagh.” The design, inspired by fishing nets and water ripples, connects the garment to Iraq’s rich...
The painstaking reconstruction of the Al-Nouri Mosque's iconic minaret is nearing completion, according to the archaeological committee overseeing the project. Despite the devastation wrought by ISIS in 2017, the minaret is being painstakingly rebuilt using original materials recovered from the site.
Archaeologist Abdullah Mahmoud, head of the committee, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the minaret's structure is now...
Hamza Abbas and the Growing Legal Threat to Social Media Creators in Iraq
Hamza Abbas, a 24-year-old social media influencer from Mosul, faced legal consequences for posting a video in May 2019 where he criticized the "Mosuli" and "Baghdadi" dialects. Despite deleting the video after a few minutes at his father's request, a follower saved it and shared it on...