'Maritime heritage'

Historic Iraqi boat ‘Al-Muhaila’ to set sail again in Basra

2024-08-25 | 17:41

BASRA — The historic wooden boat “Al-Muhaila,” renowned for its voyages along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and to ports beyond Iraq, is set to return to the waters of Shatt al-Arab after decades of absence. Measuring 16 meters in length, the boat was recently restored by a specialized team led by one of the oldest boat carpenters in Kufa, Najaf, and is now docked in Ashar, Basra.

This revival is part of a project spearheaded by artist Rashad Salim, who is driven by a mission to rejuvenate Iraq’s maritime heritage by merging elements of nature with historical identity. Salim, whose lineage includes the prominent Iraqi artist Jawad Salim, seeks to reintroduce this cultural icon to Basra’s waters.

“The ‘Al-Muhaila’ sailboat was among the largest vessels sailing the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, reaching up to 20 meters in length and transporting dates to ports outside Iraq,” Rashad Salim told 964media. He noted that the boat’s use dwindled by the early 1960s with the advent of road, rail, and modern ship transport, leading to its eventual obsolescence.

Reconstructed using traditional techniques, “Al-Muhaila” mirrors the original craftsmanship and detail of its historic design. The project not only aims to preserve the physical artifact but also to educate new generations about the pivotal role these boats played in Iraq’s maritime history.

Traditionally crafted in areas like Fao, Abu Flus, and Karma in northern Basra, finding craftsmen or “Qallafins” skilled in this ancient trade has become increasingly rare. Boat construction in Basra has largely transitioned to using modern materials like fiberglass, moving away from the classic wooden structures.

The reconstruction of “Al-Muhaila” took three months, with Salim collaborating closely with veteran boatbuilder Said Qasim from Kufa. “We initially created miniature models of the ‘Al-Muhaila’ to perfect the design and details before moving to Kufa for the full-scale construction,” Salim explained.

The boat is scheduled for its inaugural launch into the Shatt al-Arab next month, marking a significant milestone in Salim’s long-standing passion for reviving traditional boats. His involvement in traditional boat building dates back to 1977 when he helped construct the “Tigris Boat,” replicating ancient Sumerian ships.