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'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.

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.

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.

Baghdad's heritage houses crumble - in pictures

Apple’s iPhone 15 was the world's best-selling smartphone in the third quarter of 2024, according to Counterpoint Research. All Photos: AFP

Best-selling smartphones in third quarter of 2024 - in pictures

Feeding gulls in the Yamuna River while engulfed in smog, in New Delhi, India. AFP

Pictures of the week: From smog in New Delhi to a Christmas dinosaur