Centuries-old black community still on the margins in Iraq - in pictures

Centred in the extreme south of the country, the community has its origins in East Africa

Majed al-Khalidy, 32, one of the activists within Iraq's black community, stands outside his home in the southern city of Basra on May 31, 2022. - Iraq's black minority remains relegated to the margins of society despite a centuries-old presence and a cultural role as guardians of musical tradition. Centred in the extreme south of the country, the community has its origins in East Africa. While activists denounce the community's marginalisation, talk of racism or discrimination offends its members who prefer the euphemism "dark skin" in Arabic to the word black. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP)

Iraq's black minority remains relegated to the margins of society.

This is despite a centuries-old presence and a cultural role as guardians of musical tradition.

Adnan Abdelrahman, 56, a member of Iraq's black community, with some of his drums at his home in the southern city of Zubair.

Centred in the extreme south of the country, the community has its origins in East Africa.

Khaled al-Dawsary is a maker of the community's traditional drums such as the daf and tabla.

While activists denounce the community's marginalisation, talk of racism or discrimination offends its members who prefer the euphemism ‘dark skin’ in Arabic to the word black.

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