The sidewalk café that shaped Al-Zubair’s cultural conversations

BASRA — For nearly two decades, intellectuals in Al-Zubair, Basra, faced challenges in continuing their cultural activities due to a lack of suitable venues. They began gathering at a modest tea stand in the middle of the market, run by Rahim Hamid. What started as informal sessions has grown into a vital cultural hub, now known as the “Rahim Hamid Café” or “Cultural Sidewalk Café,” frequented by a diverse group of writers, researchers, and athletes.

Those who attend regularly discuss political events and literary ideas, transforming the simple tea stand into a space for brainstorming and cultural exchange.

Rahim Hamid, the café’s owner, said that the café has become a constant gathering spot for educators, athletes, artists, poets, and musicians. These groups meet every evening to discuss common concerns and achievements.

“The location was chosen because it offers a beautiful and attractive view in front of Al-Zubair’s main market, where passersby stroll or enjoy the various voices of the people, which writers use as a space for writing or creative thinking,” he said.

The café, which opened in 2004 after older establishments like Café Al-Mulla and Café Idris were demolished to make way for commercial shops, remains open late into the night.

Discussions at the café typically start around 5 p.m. in the summer and 3 p.m. in the winter, with traditional tea, coffee, and water accompanying the conversations.

Over the past two decades, this sidewalk café has witnessed the formation of numerous cultural proposals and initiatives stemming from the conversations among its patrons. Notable figures of the community have gathered here to share stories and engage in debates about theater, cinema, history, and the daily life in Al-Zubair.

Researcher Mohammed Hussein Al-Rashid emphasized that the café, overlooking the bustling market, has become an integral part of Al-Zubair’s cultural landscape. “The life of the place is shaped by discussions and dialogues about theater, cinema, history, and our good and bad days,” he said.

Cafés across Iraq have long played a significant cultural role, offering a space for intellectuals to meet and exchange ideas. The iconic “Café of Intellectuals” in Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar, has served as a cultural landmark for decades, attracting artists, writers, and intellectuals.

In Dhi Qar’s Suq Al-Shuyukh district, Al-Jins Café, which has welcomed patrons since 1948, is known for its calm atmosphere and its role as a gathering spot for various political groups.

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