The Iraqi Marshlands are among the world’s most important wetland ecosystems, recognized for their rich biodiversity and cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. This region represents a vital center of material knowledge, with traditional practices such as boatbuilding, sustainable fishing, weaving, and the construction of reed houses reflecting the deep connection between the communities and their environment. In 2016, UNESCO inscribed the Iraqi Marshlands on the World Heritage List due to their exceptional natural and cultural value. Today, these marshes face severe threats. Water scarcity, driven by prolonged droughts, climate change, and the construction of dams in neighboring countries such as Turkey and Iran, has dramatically reduced water levels, dried large areas, and harmed biodiversity. These environmental challenges endanger the livelihoods of marshland communities and the survival of their traditions, pushing many families to abandon their ancestral lands. In response, this project focuses on documenting the marshlands’ endangered crafts and material knowledge, particularly those based on reeds, a material that defines the identity of the region. Reeds are used in building traditional houses (mudhif), boats, fishing traps, mats, and tools, all of which reflect a sustainable way of life adapted to the wetland environment. By recording these practices, the project aims to preserve and promote this unique heritage, ensuring its transmission to future generations. The documentation will not only safeguard cultural identity but also raise awareness of the urgent need to protect the marshes and their communities in the face of ongoing environmental threats.
PI: Dhiaa Kareem Ali
Collaborators: Ahmed Saleh Nema, Miss Malath Feadha, Ali Rahim Al-Askari
Location of Research: Al-Chibayish and Al-Huwaizah marshes, Iraq
Host Institution: Al-Rewaq Foundation for Culture and Development
Top Banner Image: A traditional reed guesthouse used to welcome visitors, alongside the “mashhoof” or “balam” — wooden boats that serve as essential means of transportation through the waters of Iraq’s Marshlands. Photo credit: Ali Al-Askary.