Al-Nahr Street
| Native name | Arabic: شارع النهر |
|---|---|
| Part of | Old Baghdad |
| Location | Baghdad, Iraq |
| Other | |
| Known for |
|
Al-Nahr Street (Arabic: شارع النهر, lit. 'The River Street') is an old street and market located next to the Tigris River on the Rusafa side in Baghdad, Iraq. Built during the late Ottoman period, the street is typically recognized as the first modern street in modern Baghdad; however, this title is disputed.
Historical background
Before the 20th century, Baghdad's roads mostly consisted of narrow passageways and streets reserved for covered traditional markets. All of them connected. In 1910, the Ottoman Viceroy of Baghdad, Nazım Pasha, established al-Nahr Street as a modern street. Although it's typically considered the first modern street in Baghdad, it was still a narrow road and market akin to the narrow passageways of the city. It wasn't until the last Ottoman Viceroy of Baghdad, Halil Pasha, paved al-Rashid Street, which is recognized as the first modern roadway in Baghdad.[1] Starting from the 1930s, Russian gold from Baku became popular in Baghdad. As a result of increase immigration from foreign lands, many silversmithing stores were opened in the street. By the 1940s, the silversmithing stores expanded to include goldsmithing.[2]
The street sold many jewelry and became the center of young female fashion starting from the 1950s until the 1970s. The shift was due to many more competing fashion stores opening around Baghdad. However, the street remained a part of collective memory for Baghdadis as the first women's street.[3] This also gave the street the nickname "al-Banat Street."[2]
Mandaean presence
Around the late Ottoman period, many Iraqi Mandaeans, also known as Sabeans, began immigrating to cities and setting up goldsmith shops in them. Goldsmithing and silversmithing were among the most popular occupations that the communities pursued. Al-Nahr Street was among the many locations in Baghdad's al-Rusafa that contained these stores that were run by Mandaeans. Eventually, the stores became dwelling places for the communities and evolved into neighborhoods.[4] As such, local Mandaean gold craftsmanship became an integral part of the street.[5]
Present era
The street's status began declining following 2003. During the Iraq War, violence and kidnappings forced the Mandaean community, alongside the craftsmen, to flee the country. Influx of imported gold from Türkiye and the Gulf states also became more favorable to people than Iraqi craftsmanship. Goldsmiths and traders that remain in the street accuse the post-2003 governments of neglecting the street, the Iraqi gold industry, and creative traditional talents.[5]
References
- ↑ Al-Wardi, Ali (2010). Social Glimpses from the History of Modern Iraq, Volumes 1-8, Part 4 (in Arabic). Beirut: Dar al-Rashid. p. 349.
- 1 2 Al-Slik, Ghada (July 2020). "Al-Nahir Shines". ResearchGate.
- ↑ Al-Baghdadi, Salwa (9 October 2016). "Al-Nahr Street: A Meeting Place of Beauty and Elegance in a bygone era". Al-Gardeniyya: Public Cultural Magazine. Retrieved 2026-07-22.
- ↑ ""The Mandaean Sabians are Iraqis, among them scholars, poets, professionals, and goldsmiths. What were they like and what have they become!?"". Al-Gardeniyya: Pubic Cultural Magazine. 31 October 2020. Retrieved 2026-07-22.
- 1 2 "Baghdad's Golden Past: Al-Nahr Street struggles to survive Amid imported competition". Shafaq News | Latest breaking news in Iraq and the world. 22 January 2025.