Iraqis seek blessings with centuries-old tradition - in pictures

Neighbours in Baghdad’s western Ghazaliya neighborhood have funded a community cooking custom during Muharram – the first month of the Islamic calendar. This is when Shiite Muslims commemorate the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammed. Sinan Mahmoud / The National
Neighbours in Baghdad’s western Ghazaliya neighborhood have funded a community cooking custom during Muharram – the first month of the Islamic calendar. This is when Shiite Muslims commemorate the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammed. Sinan Mahmoud / The National
Muntadhar Hussein, 26, founder of Timman and Qeema in Ghazaliya Facebook group, holds a plate of a thick chickpea and diced meat stew – locally known as Qeema – which is served with rice at the event. Photo: Muntadhar Hussein.
Muntadhar Hussein, 26, founder of Timman and Qeema in Ghazaliya Facebook group, holds a plate of a thick chickpea and diced meat stew – locally known as Qeema – which is served with rice at the event. Photo: Muntadhar Hussein.
This is the fourth consecutive year that neighbours have come together to fund the community cooking ritual. Sinan Mahmoud / The National
This is the fourth consecutive year that neighbours have come together to fund the community cooking ritual. Sinan Mahmoud / The National
Safa Jabbar Karim, 34, stirs a vat of meat. He says the community raised about 1.75 million Iraqi dinars ($1,200) for the food. Sinan Mahmoud / The National
Safa Jabbar Karim, 34, stirs a vat of meat. He says the community raised about 1.75 million Iraqi dinars ($1,200) for the food. Sinan Mahmoud / The National
Mr Hussein's Timman and Qeema in Ghazaliya Facebook group, which keeps the community updated on news and events, has attracted nearly 6,000 members. Sinan Mahmoud / The National
Mr Hussein's Timman and Qeema in Ghazaliya Facebook group, which keeps the community updated on news and events, has attracted nearly 6,000 members. Sinan Mahmoud / The National