Neutral venue
Oldest café in Suq Al-Shuyukh continues 75-year tradition
DHI QAR — The Al-Jins Café, located in Suq Al-Shuyukh in Dhi Qar governorate, has welcomed patrons since 1948. Unlike other cafés that have become gathering spots for specific political groups, Al-Jins has maintained its neutrality and calm atmosphere, according to its customers.
Haider Abdul Jabbar Al-Jins, the current owner, told 964media, “Al-Jins Café was established by my father Abdul Jabbar Al-Jins in 1948 and managed by him until his death in 1996. I took over afterward. The café is still preserving its historical artifacts.”
The café, open from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., becomes particularly busy on Fridays and Saturdays with academics and intellectuals discussing politics, literature, and art.
He added, “We have regular customers, some of whom have been visiting since their college days in the 1960s. The café operates year-round except during Ramadan.”
Walid Khayoun, a local writer, commented to 964media, “Suq Al-Shuyukh is distinct from other cities. Back then, cafés were divided among different political groups: there was a café for communists, another for Baathists, one for Islamists, another for nationalists, and a café for workers.”
Al-Jins Café, located away from the main street, did not attract political figures. It was frequented by workers, poets, and writers. Unlike other cafés, it did not align with any political factions or cater to a specific group.
“I have been visiting this café for many years, and it has become a part of my daily routine. Missing a day feels like losing something,” said Khayoun.
The café, known for its delicious tea, is run by Haj Haidar, who inherited it from his father.
“In this place, we look out for each other. We gather more often on Fridays and Saturdays, creating a community akin to that found in a mosque,” Khayoun added.
The café serves as a meeting place where people learn from one another, exchange cultures, and, despite differing political views, maintain a bond of friendship and city pride.
Abdul Hadi Sultan, a regular customer, said, “We consider Al-Jins Café a sacred place. We look forward to meeting friends on Fridays and Saturdays, as everyone is busy during the week. Friends from the province and other parts of Iraq gather here.”
Kassid Qasim, another regular, added, “This café has a special flavor, and most of its patrons are university professors and intellectuals. Meeting these kind faces has become an essential part of our lives.”
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