On historic Baghdad book street, literature and culture shine again

People walk past an installation depicting a Christmas tree made of lights and marking the new year 2022 during the reopening of the renovated al-Mutanabbi street in Baghdad. Photo: AFP

The Iraqi capital Baghdad on Saturday celebrated the renovation of the historic heart of its book trade, in the latest sign of an artistic renaissance after decades of conflict and strife.

In a city where explosions once could mean only one thing - violence - colourful fireworks lit up the sky during festivities organised by Baghdad municipality to inaugurate the renovated Al-Mutanabbi Street.