Al Shabandar Cafe

Al Shabandar Café is one of the most famous old cafés in Baghdad. The café building was previously the 'Al Shabandar Press' which was established in 1907 and owned by Musa Al Shabandar, who became Foreign Minister during the monarchy in 1941 in Rashid Ali Al Gaylani's government. It has now become one of the important social clubs in Baghdad, and is considered one of the important cultural landmarks in Iraq, where discussions about culture, art, poetry, and politics take place. It is frequented by ordinary people, merchants, employees, and writers, and Iraqi politicians and intellectuals used to gather there.

The café is distinguished by its authentic Baghdadi architectural style, built from brick and plaster, and retains its old wooden furniture and traditional tea samovars. Its walls are adorned with historical photographs of prominent figures such as King Faisal I, Khalil Pasha, and Umm Kulthum, making it resemble a living museum of Baghdad's memory.

In March 2007, the café was subjected to a terrorist bombing that killed more than 100 people, including four of the café owner's sons, Haji Mohammad Al Khashali, and his grandson. Despite this tragedy, the café was rebuilt with support from the state and community, and was given the title 'Martyrs' Café' in honor of the victims.