Samir Café preserves a neighborhood tradition, serving as a cherished gathering spot

BASRA — Nestled in a historic neighborhood within the walls of Ottoman-era Basra, “Samir Café” has become a beloved communal hub for residents. What began as a humble tea stand in 1990 has grown into a tranquil space where locals gather to share tea, stories, and camaraderie.

The café, open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight, is more than just a meeting place; it fosters a strong sense of community. Patrons often continue their connections through a neighborhood WhatsApp group, sharing updates and checking in on one another after the café closes for the night.

Maki Samir, the son of the café’s founder, shared with 964media, “My father opened this café in 1990 without giving it a name because of its simplicity, so people just started calling it ‘Samir Café.’ Its location made it a natural gathering place for the neighborhood’s young and old, where they could discuss community matters in peace.”

After his father passed away a year ago, Maki decided to keep the café open despite his busy university schedule. “I couldn’t close a place so loved by the community and named after my father, so I open it every day after my classes,” he said.

Majid Al-Farsani, a longtime patron of the café, recalled its early days. “I was born in Simir in the 1950s and have frequented its cafés since my youth. While the older Simir Café is still around, it’s noisy and filled with smoke. Since the 1990s, we’ve been coming to Samir Café to drink tea and discuss life—whether it was during the sanctions or other challenges we’ve faced,” he said.

He added, “Meeting here every evening has become a tradition. If someone is absent, we call to check on them. If someone is sick or faces hardship, we gather to visit them at home. We even created a WhatsApp group to share updates.”

Al-Farsani expressed gratitude, saying, “May Samir rest in peace for bringing us together, and may his son, Maki, be blessed for continuing this legacy.”

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