Nasiriyah artisan preserves Iraq’s architectural memory through traditional shanashil

DHI QAR — Qasim Hassan, a craftsman who returned to his hometown of Nasiriyah in 2006 after living in several European countries, has devoted himself to reviving Iraq’s architectural heritage—particularly the intricate wooden bay windows known as shanashil.

“The heritage we lived in stayed engraved in our memory, especially the shanashil. They never left us for a moment,” Hassan told 964media from his workshop in the Al-Seif neighborhood.

Shanashil are a hallmark of traditional Iraqi homes, especially in Basra, Baghdad, and the southern governorates. The projecting wooden structures feature carved latticework similar to the Islamic mashrabiya and often served to cool homes while maintaining privacy.

Hassan said their design varies by region due to differences in climate and social norms.

“Shanashil in Nasiriyah are different from those in Baghdad or Basra, because each governorate has its own condition,” he said. “For example, Basra is hotter, so the shanashil protrude more to allow water spraying for cooling, and homes have internal corridors to maintain privacy, especially for women and neighbors.”

His workshop is a modest space filled with machines, wooden materials, and computer-driven tools. “Most of the work is done through data input and fabrication,” he said. “My biggest project took months, but some I finish in four days.”

In addition to architectural restoration, Hassan also repairs antique items. He’s currently working on a wooden rifle stock from a vintage Brno firearm.

“If the butt of the rifle is broken, I sketch it, make a matching piece, and assemble it with the rest,” he said. “When I make a rifle, I imagine how it looked back then. I picture someone in a dishdasha carrying it on his shoulder, like a film playing in my mind.”

Hassan frequently exhibits his work in bazaars across Iraq, including in Erbil, and once received support from the United Nations at an event. “The income is modest, but I’m grateful,” he said.

He encouraged visitors—both local and abroad—to stop by his workshop and contribute ideas. “I hope our friends, inside and outside the country, will come see our work—even a short visit,” he said. “If they have any suggestions or ideas to improve the place or add a new touch, they’re welcome. This heritage isn’t mine alone. It belongs to everyone.”