Affordable books and cultural gatherings keep Mosul’s Book Street alive

MOSUL — Rainy weather did not stop roving bookstore owners and readers in Mosul from gathering at ‘Book Street,’ where hundreds of titles old and new are displayed and sold at some of the lowest prices in Iraq. Some books are priced as low as 250 IQD.

Alaa Jassim, the owner of Al-Saad Bookstore, said, “Some visitors don’t buy books, but they love browsing titles and watching cultural or artistic activities that distinguish this street.”

Youssef Ahmed, a regular visitor and pharmacy student, expressed his dedication to attending the street’s weekly events despite the rain. “I always attend the events announced before Friday. I come to look for history books, novels, and medical books related to my specialty.”

Ahmed emphasized, “I came today despite the rain. Nothing stops a reader, especially with these very low prices, that draws us to attend.”

Ahmed highlighted mixed feelings about the low prices, explaining that while they make books more accessible, they also reflect a lack of appreciation for the book’s true value.

“This is both joyful and sad at the same time because we see books as having great moral value, but their material value is low. While this supports readers, it also reflects a lack of interest in books,” he added.

Alaa Jassim noted that sales primarily include novels and short stories. “Attendance is good despite the rain. Prices range between 250 and 1,000 IQD, but some valuable books are more expensive. Many visitors come just to browse titles or enjoy the cultural atmosphere.”

He added that cultural activities play a huge role in attracting readers and hopes for more diverse events in the future.

Talal Safawi, another regular visitor, described the initiative as a cultural hub established by young enthusiasts. “A group of young people turned ‘Book Street’ into a cultural meeting point for readers and knowledge enthusiasts,” he said.

Reflecting on his reading preferences, Safawi noted a shift in taste over time: “In my childhood, I preferred Egyptian and Lebanese books, but as I grew older and gained more awareness, I started favoring Arabic philosophical books and translations.”