From the Heart of Baghdad: The Heritage and Civilization Festival that brought the past to life
Written by Abdulrahman Al-Khafaji, Fourth Archaeological Excavator, Department of Ancient Writings, Iraq Museum (Iraq, ITP 2024)
The Baghdad Festival of Heritage and Civilization, held over two days in the historic Sarai Street, was a unique opportunity to revive Iraqi heritage. I was part of the tour team that organized this wonderful event in collaboration with a group of amazing volunteers. A distinctive idea I contributed to the festival was the Cuneiform (Tokee Game), which I created to blend authentic Iraqi heritage with civilization. Through this game, we provided the public with the chance to interact with cuneiform characters in an innovative way, adding a contemporary touch to Iraq’s ancient heritage.
The festival’s activities were diverse and enjoyable, featuring traditional food like Maddoka, along with coloring sessions for children and a Memory Wall that allowed the audience to participate in preserving their cultural moments. Despite the bad weather we faced on the second day of the festival, the public continued to attend and engage, which motivated us to continue offering a variety of activities, including traditional Iraqi songs that were met with great enthusiasm.
Sarai Street, the historical location that hosted the festival, is part of Baghdad’s cultural heart and features historical landmarks like the Qishla building, which was the starting point for the establishment of the Iraq Museum by Gertrude Bell in 1923. Through my participation in the 2024 International Training Programme, I was able to access Gertrude Bell’s archives, which gave me a deeper understanding of her role in founding the museum and documenting Iraqi heritage.
During the festival, I wore the traditional Baghdad attire, consisting of the suit and saddara, which was invented by King Faisal I during the royal era and became a symbol of pride and Iraqi identity. The saddara, which was part of the official dress, gave the festival an authentic cultural touch and reinforced that Iraqi heritage remains alive and influential for current generations.
The success of the festival was the result of the collaboration between all team members and the wonderful volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this event possible. The goal was to present Iraqi heritage in a new and contemporary way that appeals to all ages, emphasizing the importance of our heritage in our daily lives.
Today, as we live in a rapidly changing world, we are confident that Iraqi heritage will remain alive in our hearts and minds, no matter the passage of time. The festival was the starting point for a new experience of pride, heritage, and intergenerational connection, and our vision for future events will continue to narrate the stories of Baghdad and a country whose legacy is endless. Our heritage is the strength of our presence, and no matter how nations progress, our roots will always be deeply embedded in the earth and history.
Finally, the Baghdad Festival of Heritage and Civilization reinforced that heritage is not just a past we preserve, but a vibrant spirit that interacts with the present and inspires the future. The festival served as a bridge between generations, offering the public a chance to explore Iraq’s history and heritage through innovative and enjoyable activities. From the cuneiform token game that blended heritage with modernity, to interactive activities that left a deep impact on both children and adults, we proved that Iraqi culture is a foundational pillar in building identity and fostering national pride.