The Baghdad Documentation Department at the Center for Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage Organizes a Scientific Seminar
the Baghdad Documentation Department at the Center for Revival of Arab Scientific Heritage at University of Baghdad organized a scientific seminar entitled: “Markets and Traditional Crafts in Baghdad: Between Past and Present” The seminar was held at Professor Nabila Abdul Munim Dawood Hall, with the attendance of a number of professors, researchers, and specialists in the fields of history, popular heritage, and urban studies. The seminar began with a welcoming speech by Dr. Liqaa Shaker Al-Sharifi, Chair of the Session, followed by remarks from Assistant Lecturer Hajar Bassem Mohammed, who emphasized the importance of documenting Baghdad’s heritage and preserving the city’s historical memory, particularly concerning the old markets and traditional crafts that have been a central part of Baghdad’s social, economic, and cultural identity throughout the ages. The seminar addressed several key topics, including the origins and development of Baghdad’s markets across historical eras, the role of markets in economic and social life, and a review of the most prominent traditional crafts for which Baghdad is known, such as copperwork, carpentry, goldsmithing, popular sewing, and other heritage-related professions. Several scientific papers were presented during the seminar:\ Professor Dr. Ahmed Farhan Jassam from the College of Open Education presented a paper entitled “Heritage Markets on Al-Rasheed Street and Old Markets in Baghdad”, discussing the establishment of traditional markets and their importance in shaping the daily and economic life of the city’s residents. Dr. Qusay Dhiab Abbas Al-Tamimi, also from the College of Open Education, presented a paper on the relationship between the geographical locations of markets and Baghdad’s urban structure, addressing the influence of city planning and site selection on the distribution and functions of the markets. Professor Dr. Anas Ahmed Hammadi Al-Mashhadani from the College of Open Education presented a paper entitled “The Emergence of Markets in Baghdad during the Abbasid Era”, outlining the stages of market establishment and their development during that historical period. Additionally, several other faculty members and researchers presented studies and research related to the topic. The final presentation was delivered by Assistant Lecturer Juman Adnan Hussein from our Center, focusing on the customs, traditions, and popular reputation associated with heritage markets. Her presentation highlighted the results of field and archival studies on the history of Baghdad’s markets and craftsmen, their working methods, and included archival photos and documents illustrating daily life in old Baghdad. The seminar concluded with an open discussion, during which attendees offered a range of opinions and recommendations, emphasizing the need to support craftsmen, enhance documentation and archiving programs, and promote cultural and educational initiatives aimed at preserving Baghdad’s heritage and transmitting it to future generations.
