The Tree I Love at Abu Nawas Street

2017

Abu Nawas Street is a Corniche street located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River in central Baghdad. It was one of the most famous places of entertainment for walking, spending enjoyable times, dining outdoors, etc in the city. It is famous for its density of trees and the abundance of cafes, restaurants, bars, and boats on the banks of the river.

…

In the 1980s, during the long Iran-Iraq War, on a beautiful summer night, after a night out that stretched until midnight, I found myself exhausted and dizzy. I didn't have enough money for a taxi home, so I decided to rest a while on the Abu Nawas Corniche and then walk back.

There, I found a secluded bench in a dark spot under an eucalyptus tree. I sat down to rest, and beneath the rustle of eucalyptus leaves and the gentle summer breeze, mingled with the scent of the Tigris River, I fell into a peaceful sleep. I woke at dawn to the birds singing among the branches of that majestic tree.

That was the most beautiful dawn I have ever experienced.

And that tree was a nurturing mother I will never forget.

This page is under construction