Basra’s Al-Madinah district revives Sumerian heritage with traditional canoe trips

BASRA — The Sports and Scouting Department in the Al-Madinah Education Directorate in notherern Basra plans to organize boat trips on the Euphrates River using newly crafted traditional canoes, styled after ancient Sumerian heritage. The initiative aims to educate students about the region’s cultural legacy while providing free transportation for the public within the area’s river network, officials announced during a scouting excursion.

“We organized a river trip using Sumerian-style traditional canoes, starting from the Al-Abara area in northern Al-Madinah and ending at the district center,” said Talib Al-Jundi, head of the Scouting Education division, speaking to 964media. “This effort was supported by the Shanashil Foundation for River Heritage and carried out by scout leaders using paddles to navigate the boats.”

Al-Jundi added, “The goal of this trip is to recall the legacy and glory of the Sumerians, who once inhabited these areas along the Euphrates River. The next phase will include students and pupils from Al-Madinah schools.”

Wisam Mohammed, head of sports activities, reflected on the significance of the event. “The trip was beautiful, and it allowed us to revisit the civilization of the Sumerians,” he said. “The canoes are available for everyone, enabling local youth to use them freely.”