• Traditional 'meshhouf' boats in the Tigris river in Baghdad. All photos: AFP
    Traditional 'meshhouf' boats in the Tigris river in Baghdad. All photos: AFP
  • The elongated boats with tapered bows and sterns have been around since the time of the Sumerians, said Rashad Salim
    The elongated boats with tapered bows and sterns have been around since the time of the Sumerians, said Rashad Salim
  • But they are now outnumbered by motorised vessels and threatened by droughts linked to climate change
    But they are now outnumbered by motorised vessels and threatened by droughts linked to climate change
  • Iraq must save 'from extinction an essential facet of our civilisation which has existed for four or five millenia', said Mr Salim
    Iraq must save 'from extinction an essential facet of our civilisation which has existed for four or five millenia', said Mr Salim
  • The 62-year-old is the co-founder of Safina Projects, which works to preserve Iraq's traditional boating culture
    The 62-year-old is the co-founder of Safina Projects, which works to preserve Iraq's traditional boating culture
  • Five years ago, Mr Salim set out to find Iraq's last meshhouf makers, locating them in Huweir on the edge of the Mesopotamian Marshes
    Five years ago, Mr Salim set out to find Iraq's last meshhouf makers, locating them in Huweir on the edge of the Mesopotamian Marshes
  • He put in orders to make more, then went to nautical clubs to arrange teaching for young people on how to navigate the gondola-like vessels
    He put in orders to make more, then went to nautical clubs to arrange teaching for young people on how to navigate the gondola-like vessels
  • His efforts led to a flotilla of 18 taking to the Tigris in Baghdad as part of a cultural festival
    His efforts led to a flotilla of 18 taking to the Tigris in Baghdad as part of a cultural festival
  • The meshhouf is part of the history and heritage of the country, said sailor Omar Youssef, 21
    The meshhouf is part of the history and heritage of the country, said sailor Omar Youssef, 21
  • Seven meshhouf clubs have been founded, with funding from Britain and the Aliph Foundation, which protects cultural heritage in conflict zones
    Seven meshhouf clubs have been founded, with funding from Britain and the Aliph Foundation, which protects cultural heritage in conflict zones
  • In this picture taken on April 29, 2023 a man rows a newly-constructed traditional "meshhouf" wooden boat in the area of al-Huwair in the sub-district of al-Madinah in Iraq's southern Basra province. A flotilla of traditional wooden boats piloted by young Iraqis makes its way along Baghdad's Tigris river, revealing a glimpse of the now drought-stricken country's ancient waterborne heritage. Once a fixture on Iraq's rivers and marshes, the elongated boats with tapered ends, known as "meshhouf", have been present "since the time of the Sumerians", says organiser Rashad Salim -- but their continued existence is threatened by modern technology and the impacts of climate change. (Photo by Asaad NIAZI / AFP)
    In this picture taken on April 29, 2023 a man rows a newly-constructed traditional "meshhouf" wooden boat in the area of al-Huwair in the sub-district of al-Madinah in Iraq's southern Basra province. A flotilla of traditional wooden boats piloted by young Iraqis makes its way along Baghdad's Tigris river, revealing a glimpse of the now drought-stricken country's ancient waterborne heritage. Once a fixture on Iraq's rivers and marshes, the elongated boats with tapered ends, known as "meshhouf", have been present "since the time of the Sumerians", says organiser Rashad Salim -- but their continued existence is threatened by modern technology and the impacts of climate change. (Photo by Asaad NIAZI / AFP)
  • In 1977, Mr Salim was the youngest crew member aboard the Tigris, a ship built from reeds by Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl
    In 1977, Mr Salim was the youngest crew member aboard the Tigris, a ship built from reeds by Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl
  • His ambition is to find a business plan to make his project financially viable and create jobs
    His ambition is to find a business plan to make his project financially viable and create jobs
  • Traditional boat builder Zouheir Raisan, 40, lives by the marshes in Huweir, 400km south of Baghdad
    Traditional boat builder Zouheir Raisan, 40, lives by the marshes in Huweir, 400km south of Baghdad
  • The father of eight welcomes a revival in the business, which supplements his main job as a lorry driver
    The father of eight welcomes a revival in the business, which supplements his main job as a lorry driver
  • He said he remembers helping his father and brothers make meshhoufs, some of them 11 metres long
    He said he remembers helping his father and brothers make meshhoufs, some of them 11 metres long
  • Other countries, Mr Raisan said, are sending experts 'in search of this heritage, to encourage its rebirth'
    Other countries, Mr Raisan said, are sending experts 'in search of this heritage, to encourage its rebirth'
  • 'Why don't we bring it back to life ourselves?'
    'Why don't we bring it back to life ourselves?'

MENA

Iraq

Against the tide: Iraqi artist battles to save boating tradition - in pictures

Young people celebrate ancient heritage in country hit by drought

The National

May 22, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic
Updated: May 22, 2023, 9:09 AM
Middle EastIraq