Publishing 800 works since 2017
Mosul’s Nergal printing press thrives as a cultural beacon
MOSUL – Diaa Al-Salman sits at his computer in the Nergal printing press, finalizing the latest publication. Nearby, his staff assemble printed pages and operate machines to publish a new book. The walls of the printing hall are lined with books printed here.
Nergal printing press, the largest in Mosul, includes Noon Publishing House and has published 800 works since its establishment in 2017, just after the city’s liberation from the Islamic State group. Located in Majmu’a Al-Thaqafiyah, Mosul’s cultural hub, it produces novels, stories, poetry collections, history books, and sociology texts.
Supervisor Al-Samman explained that Mosul’s authors and poets rely on this publishing house, which uses various printing techniques and paper types. The press releases five to 10 new publications monthly. It uses both laser and water-based printing devices.
“We opened Nergal in 2017, becoming the first and largest publishing house in Mosul after ISIS rule ended. All local authors rely on us for printing their works. We also print postgraduate theses,” Al-Samman stated.
Recent titles from Nergal include “Studies in Ancient Iraqi Chemical Industries” by Dr. Suhaila Majid Ahmed, “Amer Younis: The Icon of Authentic Mosuli Music” by Muwafaq Al-Taie, “Narrative Criticism Between Theory and Practice” by Nihan Hassoun, “Reading the Poetry of Ibn Zilaq Al-Mosuli” by Osman Sameer, and “The Embroidered Robe,” a poetry collection by Tunisian poetess Abeer Al-Ghamam.
Book prices vary based on size, number of pages, type of paper, and binding, generally ranging from 1,500 to 15,000 IQD ($1 to $10).
Al-Salman takes immense pride in the high-quality work they produce at Nergal printing press. However, he acknowledges that they are grappling with significant challenges, particularly the rising costs of paper, ink, and equipment. Despite these obstacles, Al-Salman remains committed to play its vital role in the city’s cultural revival.
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