Baghdad Day celebrations revive city’s heritage through immersive experiences

BAGHDAD — Al-Mutanabbi Street is alive with history as Baghdad celebrates its annual heritage-themed event organized by the Municipality of Baghdad, marking the city’s cultural evolution from 1924 to 2024. This year’s extended celebration features reenactments of traditional roles and historic characters, offering a window into the daily life of Baghdad over the decades.

A highlight of the fourth day was a fashion show in Qushla Square, where models showcased clothing styles spanning from the 1920s to the present. The event displayed the evolution of Baghdadi fashion, including official attire, costumes representing iconic figures, and traditional craftsperson outfits.

“These activities are purely Baghdadi,” Mohammed Al-Rubaie, Director of Public Relations and Media for the Baghdad Municipality, told 964media. “Many younger Iraqis have never heard of these traditions. Old television once portrayed them, but today social media dominates, and much of this history is unfamiliar to the current generation.”

Al-Rubaie elaborated, “On this street, we spoke about the theater generation, the open museum, and the 1930s through the 1960s in Baghdad — the television, cinema, photographers, artists, and theater. We highlighted both the city’s strengths and its challenges.”

Participants and attendees expressed their enthusiasm for the event. “We used to only hear about old government institutions and buildings, but today, we can experience them firsthand,” said Mohammed Nayef, one attendee. “Now, we can see the design, cleanliness, and how people interacted. Our community is finding joy in this space. We hope those responsible continue to revive Baghdad’s heritage so we can cherish our city even more.”

Daoud Salman, a participant, shared, “Today, we saw historic performances, traditional dances, Iraqi artifacts, family weddings, and more. I’m here portraying the character of Rajab Baghdadi with my colleague.”

Aseel Talal, another participant, described her role, saying, “I’m playing the role of a blind, impoverished woman selling broad beans, and the man beside me portrays her husband, who works under his master and has limited means. We are thrilled by this grand festival, and families continue to flock to Al-Mutanabbi Street.”

This year’s celebration, which has been extended to eight days instead of the usual one, includes a wide array of activities that honor Baghdad’s rich cultural legacy while engaging both younger and older generations in rediscovering the city’s history.