Abu Al Farrarat

Abu Al Farrarat was a street vendor who roamed the neighborhoods, markets, and cafés of Baghdad, carrying with him a collection of farrarat simple spinning toys that were once among the most beloved traditional games, bringing joy to children’s hearts. With his distinctive voice, he would call out to attract the children, who came running toward him in delight.

The farrarat are simple toys made from colored paper or lightweight plastic, fixed onto a small wooden stick. They spin rapidly when the wind blows or when turned by hand, producing a soft humming sound that adds to their charm and liveliness, making them especially appealing to children.

Abu Al Farrarat would often stand at school gates, in parks, or near marketplaces places filled with children and families. Although this trade has declined with the rise of modern and electronic toys, it still survives in some traditional markets and public gardens during holidays and cultural celebrations, preserving the spirit of joy tied to Baghdad’s folk memory.