Latest news with #Mesopotamian
Shafaq News
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- 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
6 days ago
- Shafaq News
Babil skeletons unearth legal and historical firestorm
Shafaq News/ A seemingly routine excavation in the Nile subdistrict of Babil Province has escalated into a matter of national scrutiny, after the unearthing of five unidentified human skeletons. Uncovering the Facts: What Was Found? According to Babil MP Amir Al-Mamouri, the remains of four individuals were unearthed during a dig at Tell Jaryan in the Nile subdistrict. Instead of alerting security or judicial authorities, excavation workers reportedly collected the bones in plastic bags and removed them from the site without authorization. A fifth set of remains was subsequently found during a joint site inspection. 'The initial remains were placed outside the archaeological zone without notifying the relevant authorities,' Al-Mamouri told Shafaq News, condemning the act as 'illegal and unacceptable.' Al-Mamouri emphasized that early statements from excavation workers suggested the bones were not ancient, with estimated ages ranging between 40–60 years. The remains were reportedly buried above the stratigraphic layer of the archaeological artifacts, implying a more recent origin. Archaeological Significance Vs. Ethical Complexity Babil is no stranger to historical revelations. Once home to the mighty city of Babylon, the province holds a central place in Mesopotamian civilization, with layers of history embedded across its lands. Tell Jaryan itself is among many sites scattered in the region that contribute to the understanding of Iraq's ancient past. Yet, the latest discovery deviates from traditional archaeological narratives, exposing a critical gap in coordination between excavators and oversight bodies. Raed Hamed, Director of Babil Antiquities, confirmed the remains were encountered as the excavation team wrapped up its field season. 'Finding skeletal remains during excavations is not unusual in Iraq,' he said. 'But we cannot determine their age without proper laboratory analysis unless a cuneiform inscription or identifiable artifact accompanies them.' Hamed justified the temporary burial of the bones, stating it was intended to preserve the remains from environmental degradation while awaiting legal approval for transport to Baghdad. 'Transporting human remains without official paperwork can expose teams to legal repercussions,' he explained. Legal Gaps and Human Rights Concerns Despite archaeological norms, the handling of the remains raised red flags among human rights monitors and legal experts. Ahmed Al-Attar, Director of the Human Rights Commission in Babil, visited the site alongside law enforcement, forensic experts, and MP Al-Mamouri. 'There is no indication this is a mass grave,' Al-Attar said, clarifying that under Iraqi law, a mass grave must contain at least two bodies buried together. 'Each skeleton was buried separately. However, the lack of official oversight during their recovery is a serious breach.' Al-Attar indicated that the site's excavation should be halted temporarily, pending a formal investigation. 'We've requested the Martyrs Foundation to suspend activity at the site. A committee headed by a judge and including the public prosecutor, the Human Rights Commission, and relevant agencies will inspect the location to determine the context of the remains,' he told Shafaq News. Should the findings suggest a mass grave, Iraq's Directorate for the Protection of Mass Graves would deploy a forensic team to excavate the site systematically. Otherwise, the remains will be reinterred in a designated cemetery after securing judicial clearance. A Heritage Site Under Private Investment Further complicating matters is the site's legal status. MP Al-Mamouri revealed that Tell Jaryan, while classified as an archaeological mound, has been granted to a private investor. This arrangement allows for land ownership to transfer to the investor after excavation, with discovered antiquities handed over to the state. This hybrid model—where heritage sites become economically utilized land—raises questions about the effectiveness of oversight and the potential for heritage mismanagement. While technically legal, critics argue that this model prioritizes commercial value over historical and ethical stewardship. Recent Discoveries and Their Broader Implications The discovery of the unidentified skeletons stands in stark contrast to other recent archaeological developments in Babil. Over the past year, teams working under the supervision of Iraq's State Board of Antiquities and Heritage have unearthed a range of relics—including a Babylonian cuneiform tablet in the Qasr area and ancient urban structures in the Borsippa district. These discoveries have bolstered calls for a comprehensive preservation strategy, amid fears that Iraq's archaeological wealth could be further compromised by conflict, looting, or administrative neglect. The remains now await forensic testing in Baghdad, while authorities debate whether the site should be classified as a crime scene or preserved as an archaeological landmark. For now, the Nile subdistrict remains the focus of both legal scrutiny and historical intrigue.
Shafaq News
7 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Skeletal remains found at Sassanid-era site in central Iraq
Shafaq News/ Archaeological teams have uncovered four unidentified human skeletons during excavations at a Sassanid-era mound in Babil province, an Iraqi security source confirmed on Tuesday. The discovery occurred as excavation teams recovered ancient clay jars and pottery from the Nile subdistrict, north of Hilla, dating back to the Sassanid Empire (224–651 AD)—a significant pre-Islamic period in Mesopotamian history. The skeletal remains were transferred to the Department of Forensic Medicine for further analysis to determine their age, origin, and cause of death. While this find appears to be archaeological in nature, Iraq remains deeply scarred by decades of war, dictatorship, and insurgency, which have left behind some of the world's largest concentrations of mass graves. According to the Iraqi Martyrs Foundation and UN reports, Iraq has more than 200 known mass grave sites, many of them dating back to the Baathist regime under Saddam Hussein, particularly the 1988 Anfal campaign that targeted Kurdish civilians in the north, the 1991 suppression of Shia uprisings in the south, and the brutal crackdowns on political dissidents throughout the 1980s. After 2003, Iraq witnessed a new wave of mass killings at the hands of al-Qaeda and ISIS, especially in areas like Sinjar, where thousands of Yazidis were massacred, and Camp Speicher, where ISIS executed over 1,700 Iraqi cadets.
LeMonde
26-05-2025
- Politics
- LeMonde
The persistent threat of the Islamic State group in Syria
The sun had barely set on Sunday, May 18, when an explosion shattered the tranquility of the Euphrates' banks. In front of the police station in the small town of Mayadin, located about 400 kilometers East of Damascus in the Deir Ezzor province, a car bomb exploded, killing three police officers from the Syrian Interior Ministry's general security and injuring several people, according to the SANA news agency. A civilian was also killed, according to Syrian television. Videos shared on social media showed a Syrian security forces vehicle engulfed in flames and a crater left in the charred ground at the explosion site. For now, the attack has not been claimed. No statement has been made by the Syrian government, which administers this region at the edge of its territory. Many experts see the mark of the Islamic State group (IS), which already claimed two attacks near Mayadin on May 6 and May 18 against soldiers of the predominantly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The town, a strategic hub linking the Badiya desert and the Mesopotamian plains, not far from the Iraqi border, where security forces' presence remains limited, is extremely marginalized, as Le Monde observed in late April.
Mint
25-05-2025
- Science
- Mint
Mysterious sphere found in Buga, Colombia sparks UFO speculation
A strange metallic sphere discovered in Buga, Colombia, has reignited public interest in UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). The object, retrieved on March 2, has prompted both excitement and caution among researchers and skeptics alike. The object, first reported by social media page @Truthpolex, was seen flying before it landed in the Colombian town. Witnesses described it as a smooth, metallic orb with no visible welds or joints. Observers noted that it consists of three concentric layers, and inside are 18 micro-spheres arranged around a dense central core. The sphere has no welds or joints. Weighing approximately 4.5 pounds and unusually cold to the touch, the orb also bears markings that resemble ancient writing systems, including runes, Ogham, and Mesopotamian scripts, further deepening the mystery. While the object's design and discovery have led to UFO speculation, scientists like Julia Mossbridge, founder of The Institute for Love and Time (TILT) and a physicist at the University of San Diego, are urging restraint. 'It looks to me like a really cool art project,' Mossbridge told Fox News Digital. 'We are entering a time when we don't have the control that we thought we had.' She said that jumping to conclusions about alien origins reflects humanity's difficulty in accepting uncertainty. 'Something shows up that doesn't fit our model of the world, and we immediately want to label it,' she added. Mossbridge places the Colombian sphere in a broader global context, highlighting the ongoing interest and investigation into UAPs. 'Frankly, we've been looking at UAPs for decades,' she said. 'The federal government has admitted there are things that we don't understand, but we are investigating them.' Groups like the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies, the UAP Disclosure Fund, and the Galileo Project are spearheading independent scientific inquiries. 'They are all trying to get rigorous information themselves, not necessarily waiting on the federal government,' Mossbridge said. 'And they're looking for international cooperation. Because, for instance, the sphere in Colombia is in a different country. So, what are the rules about how we deal with something that's interesting that's found there?' Before assuming extraterrestrial origins, Mossbridge strongly recommends that such objects undergo scientific vetting. 'Bring the object to a group like the Galileo Project,' she said. 'Experts can determine if the material is clearly non-human-made.' While skeptical of this particular find, Mossbridge emphasised that it doesn't invalidate the broader phenomenon. Despite her doubts about the Buga sphere, she emphasised that it doesn't discount all the other objects that are of extraterrestrial origin.'
