'A beautiful step'

Tikrit opens Cultural Street to showcase arts, heritage, and literature

SALAH AL-DIN – The Tikrit Municipality officially launched “Tikrit Cultural Street” near the city’s iconic Dallah Monument, introducing a new initiative to promote arts, heritage, and literature. Organizers say they plan to host musical performances, art exhibitions, bazaars, and other cultural events, hoping to draw local writers, poets, and visitors to this vibrant new hub.

“Today, with God’s blessing, we inaugurated this area as the nucleus of a cultural and heritage street. In coordination with civil society organizations, we aim to bring together Tikrit’s writers and poets to showcase their activities and ideas,” said Nassif Jassim, head of Tikrit Municipality, speaking to 964media.

Jassim highlighted the long-term vision for the project, drawing parallels to Baghdad’s renowned Mutanabbi Street. “There are future plans to dedicate one of Tikrit’s streets as a permanent space for cultural events. This will allow writers and poets to exhibit their work daily, not just occasionally,” he added.

Attendees celebrated the street’s opening as a positive development for Tikrit’s cultural and social life. “The opening of such projects is a beautiful step for our governorate. I was captivated by the sculptures, paintings, and the spotlight on women’s roles in crafts and cooking. We hope for further development because our governorate deserves it,” said media professional Nabaa Al-Dulaimi.

Echoing that enthusiasm, Mohammed Mazen, head of the Salah Al-Din Heritage and Civilization Team, called the new cultural street “a dream come true” for the region. “This is the first cultural street in Tikrit and Salah al-Din as a whole. The project highlights our heritage and archaeological landmarks, with its launch under the Dallah Monument—a symbol of Tikrit’s history. We aspire for this initiative to resonate widely and position Tikrit as a future cultural and tourist destination,” Mazen told 964media.

Sunday’s launch featured musical performances, face painting for children, traditional bazaars, and a variety of artistic displays. “The turnout was exceptional, with participation from activists, intellectuals, and visitors,” Mazen said.

Bazaar participant Shahad Mahmoud welcomed the new venue as a long-awaited alternative to traveling elsewhere for cultural gatherings. “Our governorate needed a place like this. Instead of traveling to Baghdad and Mutanabbi Street, we now have our own cultural street. It’s a wonderful environment, and we hope for continued support to ensure this project flourishes,” she said.

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