Designed in Iraq

Pattern — Muqarnas, Baghdad

Muqarnas are three-dimensional decoration elements used widely in Islamic architecture, executed in stucco, brick, wood and stone and applied to cornices, squinches, pendentives, vaults and other parts of buildings.

Muqarnas are niche-like cells, brackets and pendants, projected over those below. Seen from below, they present a stunning visual effect as light plays over the deeply sculpted but regularly composed surface.

Interior view of the dome of Zumurrud Khatoun Tomb, Sheikh Marouf Cemetry, Baghdad

Outside view of the dome of Zumurrud Khatoun Tomb, Sheikh Marouf Cemetry, Baghdad

Abbasid Palace Baghdad, courtyard

Abbasid Palace Baghdad, vaults

Royal Cemetry Baghdad, entrance gate

The project “Cultural and Creative Industries” is implemented by the GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut. It improves employment and income opportunities for creative professionals in six partner countries; Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa and operates mainly in the music, fashion, design and animation sectors. In addition to promoting the development of entrepreneurial, digital, creative and technical skills through training programmes, the project aims to strengthen the framework conditions and the ecosystem of the cultural and creative industries.