A resident of Abu Al-Khasib stands with his bicycle on a rural road lined with palm trees and dense greenery. The tradition of using bicycles continues in this historic coastal town in Basra governorate, where narrow streets and close-knit neighborhoods make them a practical choice. Photo by 964media
Basra
In Abu Al-Khasib, bicycles endure as symbols of tradition, economy, and daily life
BASRA — In Abu Al-Khasib, a historic coastal district south of Basra once known as Iraq’s maritime gateway, bicycles remain a fixture of daily life. While modern SUVs weave through wider roads, it’s not uncommon to see locals pedaling through narrow alleys, maintaining a tradition shaped by geography, culture, and economic necessity.
The district’s identity — a blend of dense greenery, urban Basra culture, and maritime heritage stretching as far as Oman and the Indian Ocean — is reflected in its customs and language. Among them, bicycles, or baiskalat in the local dialect, serve not just as transportation but as a cultural mainstay.
“I’m from the Bab Tawil area, and we’ve been riding bicycles since we were kids,” said Mohammed Al-Abbadi, a longtime resident. “I’ve been riding mine for about 40 years. I use it to travel from Abu Al-Khasib to Bab Tawil, then to the Khawz River and the market. Everyone in the area prefers bikes — young, old, everyone.”
Abu Al-Khasib’s dense, compact neighborhoods make bicycles especially practical. Distances between homes, shops, and schools are short, and the layout of the town favors two wheels over four.
“I use my bike to get to Hamdan, which is about 15 kilometers away,” said Mohammed Hadi. “It’s exercise, activity, and safety. The areas are close, and people use bikes for shopping. If someone steals my bike, it costs me 50,000 dinars (about $33) to replace it — unlike a motorcycle that costs over a million dinars.”
For many, bicycles are also more secure. Naji Asi, a local mechanic, said the tradition dates back generations.
“People in Abu Al-Khasib have been using bicycles since the 1940s,” he said. “They don’t break down easily, and even if they do, you can leave them anywhere without worrying about theft. The financial situation of many people also makes bikes the best option.”
He said residents from surrounding neighborhoods like Al-Fayyadi and Al-Burayniyah often ride into Abu Al-Khasib. “Back then, there were only four or five transport cars in the whole area,” he added.