Al-Husseiniya Reads Festival celebrates fourth edition with books, art, and music

BAGHDAD — The fourth Al-Husseiniya Reads Festival launched in Baghdad’s Al-Zuhour Park, drawing a large crowd from the local community. Organized by the Baghdad branch of the Iraqi Artists’ Syndicate in collaboration with the Al-Husseiniya Cultural Arts Association and the Iraqi Palm Organization, the festival distributed 2,500 books and featured artistic, literary, and musical performances.

“Al-Husseiniya Reads is considered one of the district’s primary cultural events,” event organizer Mustafa Raheem told 964media. “We successfully held the fourth edition without obstacles, and public interest has been growing since the festival’s early years.”

In addition to the book giveaways, the festival supported reforestation campaigns by distributing a variety of plants. Bazaars, musical acts, and theatrical performances added to the event’s vibrancy.

Local writer Mohammed Ghazi praised the festival’s role in underserved areas. “We hope these initiatives will expand and be repeated semi-annually or quarterly in the future,” he told 964media.

Zaid Shaker, a member of the festival’s volunteer committee, expressed optimism about the event’s impact on promoting reading among all groups in Al-Husseiniya.

Comedian Mohannad Qasim highlighted the importance of reading, encouraging people to make it a habit. “It’s essential for people to make reading a habit, even if it’s just one book a month,” he told 964media, emphasizing the festival’s role in fostering cultural literacy.