Baghdad's heritage houses crumble - in pictures

Many of Baghdad's roughly 2,500 remaining historic houses are falling apart. All photos: Reuters
Many of Baghdad's roughly 2,500 remaining historic houses are falling apart. All photos: Reuters
Decades of political turmoil, neglect, soaring real estate prices and a lack of funds have taken their toll on the buildings.
Decades of political turmoil, neglect, soaring real estate prices and a lack of funds have taken their toll on the buildings.
Dhikra Sarsam, a founding member of the Burj Babel Initiative, works to raise awareness of the need to preserve old Baghdad.
Dhikra Sarsam, a founding member of the Burj Babel Initiative, works to raise awareness of the need to preserve old Baghdad.
Owners of listed buildings are not allowed to demolish them, and the government can provide loans or grants for renovations, if needed.
Owners of listed buildings are not allowed to demolish them, and the government can provide loans or grants for renovations, if needed.
Residential alleyways are dotted with crumbling homes and 'shanasheel – traditional balconies with ornate woodwork – are falling apart.
Residential alleyways are dotted with crumbling homes and 'shanasheel – traditional balconies with ornate woodwork – are falling apart.
To circumvent the ban on demolishing listed buildings, owners sometimes flood or set fire to them.
To circumvent the ban on demolishing listed buildings, owners sometimes flood or set fire to them.
'This is a huge loss for the history of Baghdad. With each house collapsing, Baghdad also loses a piece of its identity,' Ms Sarsam said.
'This is a huge loss for the history of Baghdad. With each house collapsing, Baghdad also loses a piece of its identity,' Ms Sarsam said.