Workshop on Maqam music draws musicians to Baghdad’s Al-Mutanabbi Street

BAGHDAD — The Oud House group hosted a workshop on Al-Mutanabbi Street this week, led by musician and composer Anwar Abu Dragh, exploring traditional Middle Eastern maqams and their role in Iraqi music.

The session focused on the differences between the Panjgah and Lami maqams and drew a large number of musicians and students. “We focused on the Panjgah maqam,” Abu Dragh told 964media. “It is a branch of the Rast maqam.” He said one of the most famous songs performed in this style is “Dari wal-leila helwa,” a tune widely known among Iraqis.

Maqam refers to a system of melodic modes in Middle Eastern music that defines not only scales but also the rules for improvisation and composition. Each maqam conveys a distinct mood and plays an essential role in the region’s classical and spiritual music traditions.

Discussing the Lami maqam, Abu Dragh said, “It is completely different. It is an independent scale, derived from the Kurd maqam.” He cited “Yali nseituna,” “Al-hijr mo ‘ada ghareeba,” and “Mani sahet yamma ahah” by Abbas Jameel as examples of compositions in this mode.

“Not all maqams need to include rhythm,” Abu Dragh added. “Some incorporate it, others don’t — and that doesn’t diminish the value of the maqam at all.”

Music professor Habib Dhahir Al-Abbas, who attended the workshop, praised the event. “I saw something truly remarkable,” he said. “Our students have become artists. This shows that music today is doing well, and it shows that people respect music.”

He added, “As long as there are young men and women keeping music alive, it’s a sign of a true musical and cultural environment.”

Musician Mariam Amin, one of the participants, said such sessions are vital for musicians’ growth. “Holding workshops like this is very important because it develops each player’s skills and increases their experience,” she said.