Iraqi Marshes Highlighted in Paris Photo Exhibit Amid Environmental Threats

Iraqi Marshes Highlighted in Paris Photo Exhibit Amid Environmental Threats
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A new photography exhibition in Paris has cast a spotlight on Iraq’s southern marshes, presenting them as a cultural and environmental treasure now facing severe threats, The National reported. The showcase, titled “An Imaginary Museum on Earth,” featured more than 1,000 images documenting the dramatic transformation of the wetlands over the past decade.

The photographs contrast serene views of the marshes—once defined by clear waters, rich biodiversity, and traditional ways of life—with stark images of cracked soil, stranded boats, and shrinking waterways caused by prolonged drought. The Iraqi photographer behind the project said the decline began with drainage campaigns under the former regime and has worsened in recent years due to upstream dam projects in Turkey and Iran, coupled with reduced rainfall.

The marshes, considered the cradle of Sumerian civilization, have sustained indigenous communities for centuries. The exhibition highlighted daily life traditions such as buffalo herding, travel by wooden canoes known as mashhuf, and the use of reed-built guesthouses (mudhif) for social gatherings. Many of these cultural landmarks have deteriorated as residents migrate to cities in search of better opportunities.

In an innovative curatorial approach, the photos were displayed along the floor and corridors of the venue to evoke the feel of water pathways. Artifacts from various museums were also included, underlining the marshes’ historical significance.

The project is scheduled to return to Paris in September before moving to Baghdad and Erbil, where it will be displayed at French cultural centers. Organizers hope the exhibition will raise both local and international awareness of the urgent need to preserve the marshes’ ecological and cultural heritage.