Ali Badr’s ‘The Leader’ draws readers on Mutanabbi Street as interest grows in historical works

BAGHDAD — Book lovers on Baghdad’s renowned Mutanabbi Street have shown growing interest in several titles this week, with a notable demand for Ali Badr’s latest novel, *The Leader*, alongside works exploring Iraq’s ancient history and modern challenges.

Ali Badr’s “The Leader” has become a bestseller since its release, with the first edition nearly sold out. The novel delves into the 1950s and the revolutionary period led by Abdul-Karim Qasim in 1958, a transformative time in Iraq’s political, cultural, and intellectual history.

The 14 July Revolution of 1958, led by Brigadier General Abdul-Karim Qasim, marked the end of Iraq’s Hashemite monarchy and the beginning of a republic. Discontent with the monarchy’s pro-Western stance fueled Qasim’s forces as they took control of Baghdad, deposed King Faisal II. Qasim was overthrown in 1963 by a coup led by the Ba’ath Party, supported by elements within the Iraqi military.

“The Leader has generated a lot of buzz among Iraqi readers,” said literary critic Mohammed Al-Omari in an interview with 964media. “Ali Badr captures the essence of the political and cultural shifts during Qasim’s era, using his extensive travels through cities like Nasiriyah and Mosul for inspiration.”

Kareem Hanash, owner of Hanash Bookstore, pointed out that “Status Anxiety” by British author Alain de Botton, translated by Mohammed Abd Al-Nabi, has also captivated readers on Mutanabbi Street. “It’s a significant work that addresses how scientific discoveries influence civilizations,” Hanash noted.

Another title gaining attention is “Erasing Iraq: The Human Costs of Carnage” by Michael Otterman, Paul Wilson, and Richard Hil. “The book offers a sobering analysis of Iraq’s division post-2003 and the human cost of the Saddam Hussein regime’s fall,” Hanash explained.

“The Sumerian Prophets” by exiled Iraqi scholar Khazal Al-Majidi has also emerged as a top choice for readers, according to Mohammed Al-Kutbi of Gilgamesh Publishing. “This book presents historical figures from Iraq’s past in a realistic light, moving away from mythological interpretations,” Al-Kutbi told 964media.

Mutanabbi Street, a hub of Baghdad’s literary and intellectual life, has recently reopened after renovations, continuing its legacy as a symbol of Iraq’s cultural heritage. Known for its vibrant book market and intellectual gatherings, the street attracts readers, scholars, and writers from across the country, reflecting Iraq’s rich literary traditions and current cultural trends.