A sanctuary for creatives: Tikrit cultural salon revives traditional Iraqi music and poetry

TIKRIT — Every week, Ismail Haqi’s home on Al-Arbaeen Street in central Tikrit transforms into a vibrant hub for traditional music and poetry, hosting maqam readers and musicians playing the oud, violin, and flute to preserve Iraq’s cultural heritage.

Haqi, who began his cultural salon in Samarra in 2010 and relocated it to Tikrit two years later, continues to attract poets and musicians from across Salah Al-Din province. The gatherings provide a platform for participants to explore poetic meters and musical scales, helping young talents refine their skills.

“My home has become a sanctuary for creatives, where poets and musicians gather to keep alive our shared heritage and old songs,” Haqi told 964media. He emphasized the importance of preserving Iraq’s artistic legacy through these intimate gatherings.

The salon offers attendees opportunities to learn and practice maqam, a complex framework of melodic modes integral to Middle Eastern classical and religious music. Each maqam conveys a distinct mood and cultural significance, enriching the region’s artistic traditions.

“Some seasoned artists prefer not to appear on screen, choosing to keep their talents within the salon’s intimate setting,” Haqi said. “However, I hope this creativity reaches the world so that art lovers can witness the talents of these great artists.”

Haqi lamented the lack of institutional support for intellectuals in Salah Al-Din but noted the resilience of the artistic community. “The lack of support for intellectuals has not stopped poets and artists from opening their homes to art and creativity. It is a message to society that culture does not die,” he concluded.

Local musician Ghaith Saeed praised Haqi’s efforts, calling his home “a house of creativity,” where artists exchange knowledge and skills weekly, keeping Iraq’s rich cultural traditions alive.