Narratives of Baghdad

An ethnographic study through five public spaces in Baghdad, Iraq

Master thesis (2019)

Authors

A. Ali Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

R.R.J. van de Pas Architectural Engineering - Architecture and the Built Environment (coach)
E.J.G.C. van Dooren Architectural Engineering - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 1)
H.L. van der Meel Architectural Engineering - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment
Copyright: © 2019 Achmed Ali
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Published Date

02-07-2019

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

aghdad, once the cultural and social centre of the Arab world, has become a theatre of violence and devastation. Simultaneously, altering people lives, social interaction, urban fabric and Iraqi’s identity. This paper examines this situation by sharing five narratives of five places in Baghdad. Those places are public spaces, each different in function, but all essential to the urban fabric and all historically charged. The five public spaces are:
1. Swords of Qadisiyah
2. Nasb Al-Hurriyah
3. Al Mutannabi Street
4. Al-Khilani Mosque
5. AL Zawraa park
The analysis is based upon an ethnographic case study, which is grounded upon fieldwork, interviews and plan analysis. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the development of the five places, allowing the reader to grasp an idea of the recent events and the meaning of the public space in a conflict environment. The narrative presented has shown that the public spaces are neglected, in shortage and segregated, which results in a decrease of social life and aggravation of sectarianism.