Baghdad's remaining heritage houses falling apart - in pictures

Decades of political turmoil and neglect have taken their toll

Many of Baghdad's roughly 2,500 remaining historic houses are falling apart. All photos: Reuters

Decades of political turmoil, neglect, soaring real estate prices and a lack of funds have taken their toll on the buildings.

Dhikra Sarsam, a founding member of the Burj Babel Initiative, works to raise awareness of the need to preserve old Baghdad.

Owners of listed buildings are not allowed to demolish them, and the government can provide loans or grants for renovations, if needed.

Residential alleyways are dotted with crumbling homes and 'shanasheel – traditional balconies with ornate woodwork – are falling apart.

To circumvent the ban on demolishing listed buildings, owners sometimes flood or set fire to them.

'This is a huge loss for the history of Baghdad. With each house collapsing, Baghdad also loses a piece of its identity,' Ms Sarsam said.

More from The National:

Staggering images of the submerged Gary Qasruka village in Iraq - in pictures

The Great Mosque of Samarra's spiral Malwiya minaret - in pictures

Iraqi National Museum reopens after three years - in pictures