Postcard from Iraq: photographs and film by Mouayad Sary

Maureen Duffy: Postcards from the International Authors Forum

KING'S COLLEGE LONDON, 2017

Postcard from Iraq: photographs and film by Mouayad Sary

Mouayad Sary was born in 1979 in Baghdad. He is a documentary maker interested in the history and civilizations of the Middle East. He lives in Sweden and is a graduate of Oriental Studies at Uppsala University.

This film and exhibition show the religious and cultural diversity which exists in the ancient civilisations of Iraq, now so often effaced by the mainstream media’s images of conflict and war. Scratch a little deeper, and there is beauty, art, expression and incredible diversity to be excavated and honoured.

Yardena: short film

Photographs

All photographs taken by Mouayad Sary, with captions also provided by the photographer.

Edublalmahr Temple 2100 BC. Ancient Ur, Iraq. One of the oldest arches in the world, at Edublalmahr temple in ancient Ur, which is dedicated to the moon. On the site there is a Sumerian temple called the Ziggurat dating back to 2100 BC, the remains of Abraham's house, 7000-year-old graves, and many other things that have not been excavated yet. Here we have a classic arch executed in mud brick. Photo taken in 2011, by Mouayad Sary.

Inside of ancient city of Babylon 2017, by Mouayad Sary.

Brick with seal from city of Babylon, 2017, by Mouayad Sary.

The Processional Way in Babylon. This was most beautiful way inside of ancient city of Babylon. Photo taken in 2017, by Mouayad Sary.

Lion of Babylon is a stone sculpture that was found in the ancient city of Babylon, Iraq. The Lion of Babylon is a historic theme in the region. The statue is considered among the most important symbols of Babylon in particular and Mesopotamian art in general. Photo taken in 2017, by Mouayad Sary.

Marduk's symbol animal, the mušḫuššu or "snake-dragon". Photo taken inside of city of Babylon 2017, by Mouayad Sary.

Marduk's symbol animal, the mušḫuššu or "snake-dragon". Photo inside of city of Babylon, 2017, by Mouayad Sary.

Marduk (god) was the most important god in ancient Babylon. Photo taken inside of city of Babylon 2017, by Mouayad Sary.

Marduk (god), the most important god in ancient Babylon. Photo inside the city of Babylon, 2017, by Mouayad Sary.

The ruins of an old Baghdadi house in the Torah Neighborhood, photo taken in 2017 by Mouayad Sary.

Old Baghdadi house in the Torah Neighborhood, photo taken in 2017 by Mouayad Sary.

Alshanashil: An old Iraqi building feature. It is akin to a balcony which allowed people inside the house to see outside while allowing air to circulate inside. Photo taken in altorah neighborhood in Baghdad, 2017, by Mouayad Sary.

Old Door from Altorat (Jewish) Neighborhood in Baghdad. Photo taken Baghdad 2017, by Mouayad Sary.

Old Door from Altorat (Jewish) Neighborhood in Baghdad. Photo, Baghdad 2017, by Mouayad Sary.

Old Door from Altorat (Jewish) Neighborhood in Baghdad. Photo taken Baghdad, 2017, by Mouayad Sary.

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