A landmark project is underway in Basra to honor the legacy of Badr Shakir Al-Sayyab, a pioneer of modern Arabic poetry. Authorities have launched a cultural initiative aimed at Reviving Literary Memory by restoring the poet’s historic home in Jaykur, Abu Al-Khaseeb. The goal is to transform the residence into a literary museum celebrating his life and contributions.
The Iraqi Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities is leading the project in partnership with UNESCO and the European Union. This endeavor falls under the broader “Reviving the Old Cities of Mosul and Basra” initiative, now in its third phase. Minister Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani is personally supporting the transformation, highlighting the government’s growing interest in preserving Iraq’s cultural landmarks.
Officials emphasize that this museum will enhance Iraq’s cultural infrastructure while creating a space for literary reflection. By drawing visitors who admire modern Arab literature, the museum will also support cultural tourism and help renew local interest in the arts. The restoration of Al-Sayyab’s home reflects a larger national effort to protect the stories and spaces that shape Iraqi identity.
The announcement was made during a seminar in Basra attended by scholars, writers, and international delegates. Their presence underscored strong domestic and global support for preserving Iraq’s literary and historical heritage.
The museum will offer curated exhibits on Al-Sayyab’s poetry, manuscripts, and personal life. Educational programs, readings, and literary gatherings will further its mission of Reviving Literary Memory in the region. Officials also expect the project to inspire new generations of Iraqi writers by reconnecting them with one of the nation’s most revered poetic voices.
This initiative sends a clear message: preserving the homes and works of cultural icons is essential for national identity and global recognition. Reviving Literary Memory in Basra is more than restoring a building—it is about reawakening a legacy that continues to shape literature across the Arab world.
