The Caf Culture of Iraq

During the run-up to Iraq&rsquos parliamentary elections this month, the Book Forum Café in Mosul (a city in northern Iran) became a favourite haunt of citizens where talks and discussions centred on political literacy and awareness were regularly organised, often led by the Khutwa Club, a debating society. While the bold step taken by the café astonished many in the outside world, those acquainted with the café culture in Iraq were not surprised. Because cafes in Iraq have been traditionally known as spaces which nurtured political and cultural discussions.