Erbil Fair redefines book exhibitions
Shafaq News/ The 17th Erbil International Book Fair has redefined its role as more than a literary marketplace, evolving into a dynamic forum for ideas with a marked increase in panel discussions, seminars, and workshops energizing the exhibition space.
Academic Aram Hussein told Shafaq News, 'The fair has moved beyond being merely a book market to become an open space for dialogue,' noting that the presence of authors, translators, and critics, along with discussions on contemporary intellectual issues, offers attendees content that goes beyond ink and paper.
Kawah, a visitor, revealed to Shafaq News that attendance at seminars this year was particularly strong, 'reflecting a growing public interest in interactive experiences rather than just book shopping.' He pointed out that a seminar on nanotechnology, in which he participated, sparked a lively exchange between experts and the audience, ural t.
Among the standout events were panels dedicated to Kurdish literature and issues of translation to and from the Kurdish language, featuring both emerging and established writers.
Another visitor, Aryan, stated to Shafaq News that this year's fair has transformed panel discussions and cultural events from peripheral activities into a core part of its identity, turning the exhibition into a vibrant forum for free expression and intellectual exchange.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
2 days ago
- Shafaq News
Sadr City revives Eid traditions: Swings, horses replace screens
Shafaq News/ In Baghdad's Sadr City, Eid al-Adha revives a beloved tradition as handmade swings, horse rides, and ferris wheels draw children back into the streets and away from screens. Families gather around makeshift carousels and metal slides built by local blacksmiths, while horses weave through the narrow alleys, drawing crowds of excited kids. The scene, captured by Shafaq News, recalls mid-20th-century Eid celebrations, with parents eager to preserve these simple joys and pass them on—connecting generations through a shared rhythm of laughter and tradition in the capital's working-class stronghold.
Shafaq News
03-06-2025
- Shafaq News
From soul to spectacle: How Iraqi music lost its voice
Shafaq News/ Once steeped in spiritual and emotional richness, Iraq's music now struggles against noise, nostalgia, and a shifting cultural identity. Despite its historical richness and deep emotional resonance, Iraqi music has steadily lost much of its identity, nuance, and poetic core—deteriorating under the weight of social transformation and political turbulence. Today, critics argue, Iraqi music is no longer guided by artistic intent or heritage but by superficial rhythms designed to 'make shoulders move,' as one folklorist described. Historical Foundations Iraq's musical heritage stretches back thousands of years, with significant development over time—particularly after the introduction of the oud and the addition of its fifth string, as well as refinements in rhythm and the evolution of the Iraqi maqam (musical mode). The 1920s marked a golden era, witnessing the emergence of prominent female vocalists. Later decades brought a new generation of influential composers such as Abbas Jamil, Nazem Naeem, Mohammed Nushi, Koukab Hamza, Jaafar Al-Khafaf, and Talib Al-Qaraghuli, whose melodies remain etched in the nation's collective memory. Sufi Roots and Identity The 20th century witnessed a global musical revolution. Western composers like Igor Stravinsky and Arnold Schoenberg broke classical conventions, while jazz, blues, rock, and electronic music reshaped cultural norms. Technological innovation accelerated music production and access—digitization and online platforms have made music more available than ever before. Iraq's music still bears a distinct cultural signature. 'Mesopotamian music has characteristics unlike any other musical form in the world,' Nasser Jamal, a member of the National Music Ensemble, indicated in an interview with Shafaq News. 'These rhythms are not found elsewhere. Iraq's musical legacy is essentially a Sufi one, originating in ancient temples and religious traditions of Mesopotamia.' The 1950s saw the widespread popularization of maqam-infused songs, with Jewish Iraqi composers like Saleh and Daoud Al-Kuwaiti playing foundational roles. Jamal emphasized that even the most iconic works of that era were anchored in maqam. The 1970s then brought a major transformation, particularly through the merging of rural music into the Baghdadi soundscape—infusing compositions with sorrow and longing. Figures like Talib Al-Qaraghuli, Mohammed Jawad Amouri, and Mohsen Farhan defined the tone of the decade. But in the 1980s, music became an instrument of political propaganda. 'Nearly all compositions were militarized to serve the regime, with only rare exceptions,' Jamal said. The 1990s carried a unique identity of their own. Jamal suggests that many of those songs deserve to be musically re-arranged today, as they mark a stylistic shift distinct from other eras. Cultural Reflection Music in Iraq has long served as a reflection of cultural, political, and social shifts. Yet even amid decades of change, its signature melancholy tones have remained a defining feature. 'The sorrowful melodies are among the most prominent characteristics of Iraqi music,' composer Mohammed Al-Khazaali told Shafaq News, adding that they reflect the emotional turbulence of Iraqi society. Al-Khazaali notes that the music of the 1970s represents a high point. 'That era produced beautiful voices, graceful compositions, and poetic lyrics. Iraqi songs ranked second in the Arab world after Egypt in terms of influence and reach,' he stated. Then, Iraqi music veered away from these foundations, degenerating into indecent lyrics and erratic compositions. This decline is attributed to Iraq's volatile environment and harsh socio-political changes, according to Al-Khazaali. However, he sees hope in initiatives like the Iraqi Symphony Orchestra and the Dajla Birds Ensemble led by Maestro Alaa Majid, who are reviving the country's musical heritage through live performances. He also credits the Musicians' Syndicate and the Iraqi Musicians' Association for promoting quality compositions that still appeal to refined tastes. From Song to Spectacle Heritage and folklore critic Ali Shibib sees today's music as lacking in artistic depth. 'Contemporary Iraqi songs rely heavily on technology,' he told our agency. 'But instead of using it to enhance musical integrity, it's mostly used to create shoulder-shaking beats—without structure or sophistication.' Shibib believes that lyrics are now shaped more by consumer trends than cultural consciousness. 'Modern remixes often distort the original compositions. Attempts to modernize old songs are usually unstudied and superficial.' Rise of the Noise Maestro Ahmad Abdul-Jabbar, artistic director at the School of Music and Ballet, laments what he calls the rise of 'noise.' 'Iraqi music used to be rooted in authenticity and heritage. Today, it's buried under chaotic sounds that stray from its core principles.' Speaking with our agency, he acknowledges that 1990s music differed from that of the 1970s—especially in tempo—but still preserved its beauty and soul. 'Now, Iraqi music has become a hybrid of noise and shallow melody,' he said. 'It lacks artistic depth and fails to represent the country's civilization and cultural heritage.' Despite this, Abdul-Jabbar believes the foundational elements of Iraqi music are resilient. 'It remains a distinctive form—immune, to some extent, to the randomness flooding the music market today.'
Shafaq News
01-06-2025
- Shafaq News
Hora festival in Ilam revives ancient Feyli Kurdish musical heritage
Shafaq News/ On Friday, the Iranian city of Chavar in Ilam province hosted the 'Hora' festival, celebrating one of the oldest traditional musical forms of the Feyli Kurds. Chavar District Governor Farajollah Bavand described the Hora festival as a key contributor to social cohesion in Ilam, adding that 'Hora is a mythical sound that has inspired numerous musical styles and art forms.' Bavand also highlighted Hora's place among the Zagros inhabitants, stressing the importance of protecting and expanding its presence.
