Eye On Iraq

This exhibition is a visual story to reflect the nonviolent reality of everyday life in Mesopotamia (Iraq). The country is undergoing exceptional and critical circumstances that also prevent Maan from gaining access to several areas, so the project has been divided into stages and sections. The story documents daily life, challenges and hopes of Iraqis.

This project takes us on a journey and into the lives of ordinary Iraqi people and how they adapt to the difficulties they face. Each photo narrates the unique backstory of a person or several individuals with impact.

Eye on Iraq is a long-term project to bring the stories of the people to the world and inspire others to use their skills in a way we can all help others.

"Baghdad"

Baghdad is not just a capital of Iraq it is an ancient city that loves life.
This city overcame Wars and Bombings, and now it is a city full of life and struggles.
Everyone in Baghdad has a story that reflects the willingness to survive and the determination to call this great city HOME.

"Iraqi Marshes"

After thousands of years, the Iraqi marshlands are drying up. The people who are calling the marshes their home are living in fear and uncertainty of what the future of the area will look like, and how will they survive the upcoming drought. The drought caused by the climate change, increased temperatures the reach over 50° C/120°F, in addition, dams built by Iran and Turkey on Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which affected the water flow that used to reach the area. Another factor facing the marshlands is the pollution caused by salt and heavy metals, which could destroy the people, animals, wildlife and all forms of vegetation.

"The village of Brnun"

When the former Iraqi president Saddam Hussain ordered the marshlands to be dry in the late 80s, many people of the marshlands were affected and were forced to find a new home. Some of them found their new home in the village of Barnun, located on the bank of Shatt al-Hillah about 100 KM south of Baghdad. The people of Barnun adapted very well to their new homes and their water buffaloes thrived in this new home.

"Toxic Lives"

About 190 KM southeast of Baghdad, a major oil field with the name of Al-Ahdab is located. Around the oil field, there are several villages and local communities living in that area. Not just oil comes out from that oil field, also toxic fumes and smokes. The locals of the area suffered severely due to those fumes and smokes. Many of their newborn babies were deformed, additionally, many of them are suffering from
respiratory diseases and cancers. When the locals asked for help from their local regional government, their demands were ignored. The government did not even provide them with any health care. In one occasion, a father brought his son to a hospital and he was told: “let your son die, it is better and cheaper for you!”