Mohammed Al-Khashali, owner of Baghdad’s iconic Al-Shabandar café, passes away at 93

BAGHDAD — Mohammed Al-Khashali, the owner of Baghdad’s iconic Al-Shabandar Café, passed away Saturday at the age of 93.

Known for his daily presence at the cultural landmark, Al-Khashali was a steadfast figure in the preservation of Baghdad’s heritage.

Al-Shabandar Café, situated in the historic Al-Mutanabbi Street, is one of Baghdad’s oldest and most renowned cultural hubs. It has been managed by Mohammed Al-Khashali, who has dedicated decades of his life to it.

Al-Khashali adorned its walls with photographs of his four sons and grandson, all of whom were killed in a single day during a 2007 bombing that devastated the café. Despite the tragedy, Al-Khashali rebuilt and reopened the café, maintaining its status as a symbol of resilience and tradition.

In a condolence message, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani praised Al-Khashali as “a unique Iraqi figure” whose influence was characterized by “resilience and sacrifice.” The Prime Minister highlighted Al-Khashali’s role in maintaining one of Baghdad’s key cultural landmarks.

Al-Khashali was committed to preserving the café’s heritage, which spans more than a century. He rejected many mod cons, including the installation of digital payment systems, and called on the Iraqi government to exempt the café from regulations that mandated them, which was approved.

Al-Shabandar Café, located at the end of Al-Mutanabbi Street near the Qushla building, is one of Baghdad’s most renowned heritage cafés and a key cultural landmark in Iraq. The building dates back to 1907, originally known as Al-Shabandar Printing Press.

Over time, the café became a prominent social and cultural hub, attracting enthusiasts of culture, art, poetry, and politics. It has been frequented by politicians, thinkers, traders, employees, and the general public.

This article has been updated with quotes from Prime Minister Sudani’s statement