Life and the Marshes

In southern Iraq, where the marshes spread like a sea of reeds and water, an innovative project is launched to develop this area as a new tourist destination. The site is distinguished by its rich environment and the lifestyle of its inhabitants, making it an unknown attraction, especially after its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016.

Tourists, whether from Iraq or abroad, face a lack of information about the importance of this area and its unique characteristics, particularly in preserving the inherited lifestyle dating back to the Sumerian era. The project aims to improve the living conditions of marsh dwellers while providing an authentic experience for visitors by enhancing the interaction between locals and tourists.

The strategic vision includes creating a “sustainable tourist village” inspired by the local environment, serving as a bridge between sustainable development requirements and the reality of the marshes. This village will contribute to enhancing the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the local community.

The marshes face increasing challenges, highlighting the need for integrated architectural solutions to address environmental degradation and social and economic decline. With rising displacement rates and the extinction of traditional crafts, the project’s design, focused on sustainability, can positively impact the revival of the cultural identity of the marshes, making it a model for sustainable tourist villages globally.