Mosul’s first ‘rage room’ offers new way to blow off steam

MOSUL — A young entrepreneur in the Al-Baladiyat neighborhood has opened the city’s first “rage room,” giving locals a novel option for venting frustration by smashing damaged items.

“When you’re angry, don’t stay confused,” said Hamza Ali, founder of Stress House. Spanning about 200 square meters, the business has three themed rooms: a standard room, a VIP room, and one exclusively for women. Guests can spend up to 40 minutes destroying old printers, computers, glassware and other scrap equipment.

“The idea exists in Western countries, and I saw it wasn’t expensive to set up,” Ali said, noting he buys damaged items cheaply. “We don’t do walk-ins yet, so people must book ahead.”

Each room has its own lighting and decor. “The girls’ room has pink paint and messages for them,” Ali said. “The VIP room includes a photographer who documents the whole experience.” Prices start at 15,000 Iraqi dinars (about $10.27) for the basic room and 25,000 dinars (about $17.12) for VIP access.

Ali said he developed the concept with a friend who helped hide wall defects. “We used special paints and lighting that change how writing looks under different colors,” he said. “We wanted something unique; most businesses here are restaurants and cafés, which cost more and face bigger competition.”

At the front desk, receptionist Tamara Fares outfits visitors with a face shield, protective suit, rubber gloves and bats. “We have different types of bats depending on gender,” she said, adding that customers can choose room lighting before entering.

One recent visitor, Mohammed Sufyan, said he felt “psychological relief” after shattering junk items in the room. “It’s unusual in Mosul, but it’s a good way to release negative energy,” he said.