In the heart of Baghdad, near the tranquil Tigris River, a remarkable celebration takes place every year—a celebration of resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of a city that has seen more than its fair share of challenges. This celebration is the Dar es Salaam Festival, a cultural event that started as a simple yet powerful gesture on International Peace Day and has grown into a symbol of Baghdad’s strength and cultural revival.

I had the privilege of staying in Baghdad during the festival, and the experience left a lasting impression on me. The city, once known as the City of Peace, has faced numerous struggles over the years, but in the midst of it all, the Dar es Salaam Festival stands as a testament to the hope and determination of its people. It is a reminder that, even in the darkest times, moments of unity and peace can flourish.

A Dream Turned Reality: The Birth of the Dar es Salaam Festival

The Dar es Salaam Festival was born out of the efforts of a group of young Baghdadis who sought to bring their community together on International Peace Day. In 2011, the festival organizers secured permission to host a few bands in a park—an act that drew a few hundred attendees. It was a modest beginning, but it captured the hearts of the people. Over time, it blossomed into an annual celebration held on the banks of the Tigris River, near the iconic statues of Scheherazade and King Shahryar—figures immortalized in the One Thousand and One Nights—and along the street named after the great 8th-century Arabic poet, Abu Nawas.

For me, walking along the riverbank, the sight of these statues felt like a spiritual experience. Scheherazade and Abu Nawas, whose stories have resonated through the ages, are not only literary symbols but also cultural icons, representing Baghdad’s rich heritage. To see this intersection of history, literature, and music at the festival felt like the city was reclaiming its identity, standing tall amidst the turbulence that has marked recent years.

A Cultural Renaissance Amidst Struggles

The Dar es Salaam Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a cultural renaissance. It brings together music, theatre, art, and community engagement in a way that honours Baghdad’s historical significance as a cultural and intellectual hub of the Arab world. The festival acts as a bridge between the past and the present, offering a glimpse of a future where Baghdad’s cultural vibrancy can once again shine.

During the festival, attendees can experience a diverse array of performances, from traditional Iraqi music to contemporary art exhibitions. It’s not just about entertainment—it’s about educating the public, engaging with social issues, and advocating for important causes such as healthcare and social justice. I was struck by how the festival created a space for meaningful conversations about the future of Iraq and its people.

A Symbol of Peace & Unity

As I walked through the festival, I felt a profound sense of peace and unity in the air. The hustle and bustle of daily life in Baghdad—often overshadowed by the challenges of conflict—was momentarily replaced by a collective energy focused on celebration and collaboration. People from all walks of life, young and old, came together to enjoy the festivities, dance to the rhythms of local bands, and admire the art that adorned the streets.

What struck me most was the symbolism of the location itself. The festival takes place near the statues of Scheherazade and King Shahryar, iconic figures whose stories have always been about the transformative power of words and love. Their presence at the festival, alongside the spirit of Abu Nawas, created a surreal feeling of connection between the past and present. It was as if Baghdad’s history—rich with stories of resilience and hope—was breathing life back into the city’s future.

A Glimpse of Hope for Baghdad’s Future

Despite the challenges that Baghdad faces—both political and social—the Dar es Salaam Festival provides a hopeful vision for the future. It is a celebration that looks beyond the immediate struggles and focuses on what unites the people of Iraq: their culture, their creativity, and their shared desire for peace and prosperity. The festival reminds us that, even in the most difficult of circumstances, the human spirit has an incredible ability to persevere, to heal, and to grow.

For me, the Dar es Salaam Festival was a powerful reminder that the future of Baghdad lies not in the past conflicts but in the hope that its people continue to carry. It is a place where art and culture become tools for transformation, where community engagement is the key to a brighter tomorrow, and where the rich history of Iraq can be celebrated even amidst turmoil.

Closing Thoughts

The Dar es Salaam Festival is more than just an event—it is a beacon of hope for Baghdad. It offers a moment of peace in a city that has seen its fair share of strife, a reminder that amid the chaos, culture and unity can flourish. As I reflect on my experience there, I am filled with optimism for the future of Iraq—a future that, like the stories of Scheherazade and King Shahryar, will continue to be shaped by the power of resilience, storytelling, and community.