Fishermen revive floating reed platforms in Iraq’s southern marshes despite drought challenges

MAYSAN – In Iraq’s southern marshes, residents of Hur al-Sanaf in the al-Mashrah subdistrict of Maysan governorate are reviving a traditional technique for building floating islands, crafting reed platforms for fishing, rest, and temporary shelter.

These handmade structures are created by bending reeds to form a flat base, then layering more reeds to raise the surface. Soil or straw is added on top to support lightweight reed dwellings. Fishermen typically anchor the platforms near deeper parts of the wetlands where fish tend to gather.

“We bend the reeds and build a large shelter to live on and build homes,” said fisherman Hammoud Muhsin. “We start by cutting or bending the reeds to an even level, then layer more reeds to elevate the surface, and finally spread soil to make it suitable for living.”

Fisherman Jawwi Muttashar said the platforms serve as both living space and fishing tool. “The water current is monitored by fishermen while on the platform. Based on this, they determine fish movement and estimate their numbers. Then they open a passage in the middle of the reeds to catch as much fish as possible using a multi-pronged spear,” he said.

He added that many locals believe fish can detect human scent and may avoid areas with frequent human activity, requiring quiet observation from a distance.

The construction process begins in the summer or fall and can take several days. Young people assist with harvesting reeds — a process known locally as jabbasha — before straw or earth is added to stabilize the structure. In some cases, naturally occurring reed-covered patches detach from land and drift before settling in new locations, where they are repurposed.

However, persistent drought conditions have made the work more difficult. “We can’t do that now because of the drought that hit the marshes,” Muhsin said, referring to the widespread decline in water levels affecting the region.