Euphrates orchard in Dhi Qar draws families with reed huts and boat rides

DHI QAR — A five-dunam (1.25-hectare) orchard on the Euphrates in southern Dhi Qar has become a destination for families, drawing on marshland hospitality, river activities and traditional Iraqi food in a setting built around reed huts and rural life.

The orchard in al-Fadhliyah is open from morning until late at night and draws families from Nasiriyah and other governorates, foreign tourists and travelers on their way to the Chibayish marshes.

Owner Malik Nasser al-Ibrahimi said he started the project about five years ago because the governorate lacked places for families to spend time outdoors.

“The whole area is open and runs right along the Euphrates, and we wanted to bring back the Sumerian and rural feel with reed huts and traditional seating areas that are free to use, along with horses and farm animals like ducks around the grounds,” Ibrahimi told 964media.

The menu centers on traditional Iraqi food, including masgouf, the Iraqi grilled carp, duck with rice, khudairi, a wild marsh duck, kebabs, grilled chicken and mandi, a rice and meat dish, cooked in a clay oven and served with fresh bread.

“We have games for the children and boats during the day for trips on the Euphrates,” Ibrahimi said.

Jaafar Nasser, a visitor from Nasiriyah, said the riverside setting gave families an alternative to crowded city spaces.

“The city badly needs open spaces like this,” he said. “Sitting by the river, the boat rides, the smell of fish, it gives families real room to breathe away from the noise of the streets.”

Visitor Ruqaya Ali said her trip was a last outing before the school year began. “We wanted a quiet day by the river and the games before work and school take over,” she said.

Azhar Ahmed, another visitor, said the orchard had “everything a family needs in one place, from boat rides and quiet seating inside the huts to games for the kids and fresh fish grilled on the riverbank.”