Cultural landscapes:
By domesticating and exploiting the Iraqi natural environment in the
MARSHES” of the South, and in particular by way of agro-pastoral activity,
we can help to create “cultural landscapes”.
Some of these marshes (specially CHIBAYESH) are regarded as being of a
cultural nature. They owe more to the artistic circumstances of the nature
and the “Reeds ”, than to any tangible evidence of human intervention. Yet
others, such as the famous reed houses at “Chibayish” which, have been
endued by Marsh Arabs with a special spiritual meaning, that reflect their
conception of the relations between them and nature.
Chibayish, bear witness to humanity’s creative genius, technical, economic
and social development, imagination and cultural wealth. Their astonishing
variety is an indication of the world’s cultural wealth. They stand for the
reciprocal harmony and influence reigning between humanity and the rest of
the natural world. Which is why we should respect and protect them.
