Al-Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad is known as the estuary of Iraq’s literature. Tens of thousands of books are displayed here in multitudes of titles.
The street goes back to the time of the Ottomans in Iraq. It was once called Qishla. In 1932 it was given the name al-Mutanabi, after Iraq’s most famous poet who lived in the 10th Century.
Al-Mutanabbi Street boasts many bookstores and is the perfect home for avid book lovers and poets. The street, filled with bookstores and outdoor book stalls and is often referred to as the heart and soul of Baghdad's literary and intellectual community.
Friday is the busiest day here. Poets, writers, artists and intellectuals come from all parts of the country to check out the latest print and catch up with friends in one of the many cafes.
