Religious and political books draw high demand on Al-Farahidi Street

BASRA — Religious, political, and intellectual books led sales on Al-Farahidi Cultural Street in Basra during the final week of Ramadan, with vendors reporting strong turnout and growing interest in both classical and contemporary works.

Among the most sought-after titles was “Ghurar Al-Hikam wa Durar Al-Kalim”, a compilation of sayings by Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin of the Prophet Mohammed and the first Imam in Shia Islam. The book sold out at several stands, according to local booksellers.

In addition to classical Islamic texts, readers showed interest in the works of modern religious scholars such as Mohammed Arkoun and Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd, who explore themes of religious heritage and reform.

Political literature also remained in demand, particularly books on the history of communist movements and modern leftist thought.

“There is an especially strong turnout on Fridays, and demand for religious and intellectual books increased on the last Friday of Ramadan. Imam Ali’s book was among those that sold out,” said Tawfiq Al-Jazaeri, owner of Al-Jazaeri Bookstore.

Ahmad Issam of Al-Mad Bookstore, affiliated with the Iraqi Worker-Communist Party, said many of their titles focus on political, social and economic issues. “We aspire to an Iraq in which individuals are conscious of their human identity,” he said, adding that youth readers continue to engage with the shop’s offerings.