We can only scratch the surface of a body of work steeped in dozens of traditions, languages and histories. But if there is one thing that unites music from Iraq, whether it’s a oud masterpiece, a fiery dance or Hp-Hop track and that is the poetry that carves out of Iraqi tongues.

A look at the life and art of Jewad Selim — an Iraqi painter and sculptor who was considered one of the founders of modern art in Iraq. Image via The National News.

A curated Listen, Watch, Read list spotlighting works from Iraq. Featuring an album by Natik Awayez, poetry by Nizak al-Mala’ika and Maysoon Pachachi’s 2021 film Our River….Our Sky.