‘Joyful’ Baghdadis spend Ramadan nights on famed booksellers street
BAGHDAD, Iraq - After breaking their Ramadan fast, Iraqis pour into Baghdad’s famous Al-Mutanabbi street where they find joy among the booksellers and cultural landmarks.
Visitors say spending the night on the street that has in recent years been completely renovated brings them comfort.
“Following the renovations that gave a new look to Al-Mutanabbi street, it became a tourist spot not only for the people of Baghdad but all of the other provinces of Iraq as well as foreign tourists.” Al-Qahwaji Abu Zahraa, a coffee seller on Al-Mutanabbi Street, told Rudaw’s Anmar Ghazi.
“You cannot imagine how joyful the people are when wandering across the street,” he added.
Families wander until dawn between libraries and cafes.
Al-Mutanabbi is a famed poet. The street is also known as Souq Al-Warraqeen, named for its booksellers, printing presses, newspapers, and magazines. Today it has become a tourist place in addition to a space dedicated to literature and study.
"Al-Mutanabbi, for me, is the only spot for the intellectual, the reader, and others to visit. And those who search for sources for studies and postgraduate studies could come over here,” said bookseller Azhar Al-Musawi.
Visitors walk the pedestrian lane until they reach the end of the street, home to a statue of Al-Mutanabbi on the banks of the Tigris River.
Visitors say spending the night on the street that has in recent years been completely renovated brings them comfort.
“Following the renovations that gave a new look to Al-Mutanabbi street, it became a tourist spot not only for the people of Baghdad but all of the other provinces of Iraq as well as foreign tourists.” Al-Qahwaji Abu Zahraa, a coffee seller on Al-Mutanabbi Street, told Rudaw’s Anmar Ghazi.
“You cannot imagine how joyful the people are when wandering across the street,” he added.
Families wander until dawn between libraries and cafes.
Al-Mutanabbi is a famed poet. The street is also known as Souq Al-Warraqeen, named for its booksellers, printing presses, newspapers, and magazines. Today it has become a tourist place in addition to a space dedicated to literature and study.
"Al-Mutanabbi, for me, is the only spot for the intellectual, the reader, and others to visit. And those who search for sources for studies and postgraduate studies could come over here,” said bookseller Azhar Al-Musawi.
Visitors walk the pedestrian lane until they reach the end of the street, home to a statue of Al-Mutanabbi on the banks of the Tigris River.