Abandoned train platform in Musayyib transformed into a weekly animal market

BABIL — An old train platform, in Babil’s Musayyib city that dates back to early 20th century has been repurposed into a bustling weekly animal market, attracting visitors from across the region every Friday. Once used for unloading cargo brought by trains, the platform, known locally as the ‘Ramba’, has been given new life as a hub for pet lovers and traders.

The market, reminiscent of Baghdad’s famous Souq Al-Ghazal, draws hundreds of enthusiasts and sellers every week to trade ornamental birds, cats, dogs, and poultry.

According to local residents, the platform is nearly 100 years old and was left unused after modern transportation methods replaced traditional rail cargo systems. locals recently repurposed the site into a lively animal market, gradually attracting visitors from nearby areas such as Haswa, Latifiya, and Mahmudiya.

Mohammed Al-Masoudi, one of the market’s regular visitors, told 964media, “This platform was built over a century ago as an elevated concrete structure for unloading cargo from trains. With changes in transportation methods, it was abandoned.”

He continued, “We decided to transform it into a mini Souq Al-Ghazal, serving the local community and reducing the need to travel to other governorates for similar markets.”

Saad Araba, an animal trader, highlighted the market’s importance, “The market is a wonderful gathering spot for locals, offering a wide variety of animals at much more affordable prices compared to other governorates. This week marks the fourth Friday since the market started, and the turnout keeps growing week by week.”

Karrar Khudair, another trader, praised the market’s convenience, “It saved us the trouble of traveling to distant markets. Now, we have access to a variety of animals right here. Traders from nearby areas like Haswa, Latifiya, and Mahmudiya also bring their animals here to sell, and we buy from them as well.”