Al-Mutanabbi Street’s Friday Book Market Is Busier Than Ever

Booksellers say young readers are driving a new wave of visitors.

It’s the kind of news that had our Baghdad inbox buzzing all morning, and readers have been sharing it non-stop since it first appeared on our socials.

What you need to know

The details are still being finalised, but organisers told Mehfil that the first phase starts this month. Residents we spoke to were excited, with many saying it’s something the city has needed for years.

“This is exactly the kind of thing that makes Baghdad feel like home.”

We’ll keep this story updated as more information comes in.