TO GO WITH 'Iraq-Environment-Culture' by Tony GAMAL-GABRIEL AND Asaad NIAZI
In this picture taken on April 15, 2023, people row traditional "meshhouf" boats in the Tigris river in Baghdad. A flotilla of traditional wooden boats piloted by young Iraqis makes its way along Baghdad's Tigris river, revealing a glimpse of the now drought-stricken country's ancient waterborne heritage. Once a fixture on Iraq's rivers and marshes, the elongated boats with tapered ends, known as "meshhouf", have been present "since the time of the Sumerians", says organiser Rashad Salim -- but their continued existence is threatened by modern technology and the impacts of climate change. (Photo by Ayman HENNA / AFP)