| Baghdadi Museum | |
| Native Name: | المتحف البغدادي |
| Native Name Lang: | ar |
| Established: | 1940 |
| Dissolved: | 2003 and reopened in 2008 |
| Location: | Baghdad, Iraq |
| Type: | history museum |
| Collections: | folk crafts, trades, professions, local customs, and street life |
The Baghdadi Museum (Arabic: المتحف البغدادي) is a local history museum and a tourist landmark located in and about the capital city of Baghdad, Iraq.[1] [2] It was established in 1940.[3]
The museum is situated near the River Tigris on Al-Rusafa district in one of the old buildings of the area that goes back to the year 1869. It features 70 scenes from different periods using life-size models presenting Baghdad life, especially folk crafts, trades, professions, local customs, and street life. The museum suffered damage due to the American invasion during the Iraq War in 2003 causing the suspension of its operation.[4] It officially reopened in August 2008.
The Museum documents a historic period of time from the history of Baghdad and conveys details from the lives of Baghdadi people from the period. As a result, the museum contains 385 statue models spread throughout 77 scenes accompanied by artistic materials, necessities, and accessories from the older periods. The scenes' astatic and realism restore the simplicity and cohesion of life that presents how Baghdadi families practiced their life rituals and popular traditions in the company with the tools and household items. The Museum helps preserve and shed light on the rich and social heritage along with folklore and traditional lifestyle of ancient Baghdadis so that future generations can get access to the past of Baghdad.[5]
One scene illustrates matriarchy in an old Baghdadi household in which the character "Oum Ibrahim" admonishes her son “Ibrahim” for leaving the family household immediately after his wedding, forgetting about his mother while with his bride. It showcases mothers’ attachment to their sons which is common in many oriental societies. Another scene showcases the "Zaffa" which was an old ceremony where the bride accompanied by family and female friends, proceeds to the bride’s home and spoils her with applause, music, and dances. Occupied by colorful glazed outfits. Other scenes consist of other scenarios including traditional Maqam singers and Iraqi musicians, circumcision rituals, afternoon tea gatherings, and much more. The Museum's sets have been described as reminiscent of scenes from the One Thousand and One Nights due to its preserved efforts.[6]