Hidden bookshop in Baghdad promotes reading culture

Beneath Baghdad's iconic Al-Mutanabbi street lies a hidden gem: Al-Hekma (Arabic for wisdom) bookshop - a small underground bookshop run by 68-year-old Adnan Jafar Ghani.

For decades, Ghani has dedicated himself to the mission of making reading accessible to all, transforming his book cellar into an impactful cultural landmark.

Ghani sells books at modest prices or provides them free of charge to those who can't afford them.

"I see the bookshop as a call because people only progress through reading," he said, adding about his goal of no one leaving his shop without a book.

The bookshop's basement is a treasure trove, with shelves and boxes crammed with thousands of titles, from science and history to rare novels. It attracts a diverse crowd, including students, academics, and professionals, all drawn to its rich collection.

The narrow alleys leading to Al-Hekma are alive with the bustle of university students, intellectuals, and curious readers in search of knowledge.

Ghani's initiative is considered to be showcasing a personal endeavour to sustain the culture of reading and uphold the legacy of Al-Mutanabbi street as the cultural heart of Baghdad.

-Ahmed Saad and Maher Nazeh