Brothers create home-away-from-home at new Basra café

BASRA — A newly opened café in Basra, Bassora, offers a unique experience, inviting customers to enjoy the comfort of a traditional Iraqi home outside their own walls. Founded by brothers Salem and Sajad Hazem, the café has succeeded in creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere that stands apart from typical cafés in the city.

Salem Hazem, the café’s founder, told 964media, “The idea for the café has been on my mind since 2018, and now was the right time to bring it to life.”

Unlike many other establishments, the brothers wanted their café to resemble a traditional Basran or Iraqi household. “We didn’t want to set up a small café in a commercial space or within a building. Instead, we wanted our customers to feel as though they were at home,” Hazem said.

Cstomers sit both inside the house-like rooms and outside in the courtyard. Some patrons arrive alone, while others come with friends or family, all appreciating the homely atmosphere together.

Salem added that they had kept the original features of the house they converted into the café, preserving the floors, doors, and windows to give patrons the true sense of being in a home.

Furat Rashad, a customer, spoke to 964media about his experience, saying, “This café belongs to our friends, so we come here to support them. But honestly, the place is worth it. It’s quiet, far from the noise of dominoes and hookah.”

Bassora sets itself apart by offering a peaceful alternative for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere.

Rashad continued, “The café is perfect for families and young people, offering both hot and cold drinks. I personally prefer the Turkish coffee they serve.”