'Life, brotherhood, friendship'
Ramadi’s Hazem Café offers quiet retreat
ANBAR — Hazem Café, established in 1995 in the heart of Ramadi, has earned a reputation as a calm gathering place for pensioners, thinkers and journalists, drawing comparisons to Baghdad’s renowned Shabandar Café.
Unlike many coffeehouses, Hazem Café does not offer hookah or games like dominoes. Visitors say the quieter atmosphere encourages discussion.
“The café is primarily for retirees and intellectuals. We urge the local government to support this heritage spot that reflects the city’s history,” said Ayman Ibrahim, a Ramadi journalist who frequents the café. He told 964media the café draws patrons from across the city, including Aziziyah, Jama’iyah and Qatana.
Retiree Abdul Jabbar Abdullah described arriving each evening after prayers during Ramadan. “We sit and talk about life, brotherhood, friendship, books and old memories,” he said. “In the past, there was more kindness, sincerity and trust among people.”
Photographer Omar Mahmoud noted that many local journalists and artists are regulars at Hazem Café. “What makes this place special is that it’s free of noise, hookah or games,” he said.
