Religious studies and philosophy top demand on Baghdad’s Mutanabbi Street

BAGHDAD — The publishers on Baghdad’s Mutanabbi Street spoke about the most sought-after titles last week. Sellers highlighted works on religious rituals, anthropology, Western philosophy, and autobiographies of Iraqi literary figures.

Ali Talib, owner of Awrak Publishing House, said this week’s standout title is Prayers of the World by Dr. Faleh Mahdi. The book is a historical anthropological study of prayer rituals in various world religions.

He said the book explores the diversity of prayer practices across monotheistic and non-monotheistic traditions, offering an in-depth reading of the anthropology of spiritual customs.

Talib also noted interest in My Memories by Mohammad Mahdi Al-Jawahiri. The memoir recounts the famous poet’s childhood, his literary beginnings in Najaf, and his early career in journalism.

Kareem Hanash, owner of Al-Hanash Bookstore, said The True Believer by American thinker Eric Hoffer is the most in-demand book this week.

He added that the book analyses mass movements, including religious and political ones, and the personality of what Hoffer calls the “true believer.”

Another frequently requested title, according to Hanash, is Beyond Good and Evil by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, which delves into the nature of humanity and the existential traits of good and evil.