The Bookbinder

The bookbinder was the craftsman responsible for the manual restoration and binding of books and manuscripts, using leather, cardboard, or cloth. This profession flourished in old libraries and traditional markets, especially in places like al-Mutanabbi Street and Souq al-Saray, where old books and manuscripts in need of delicate care were often found.

The binder would repair torn pages and worn covers, reattaching them with natural adhesives. He would also sew the pages together using strong thread, ensuring durable joints that protected the book from damage caused by frequent use and page-turning.

Though this profession has declined with the rise of modern printing, it still exists in limited form today, with a few traditional bookbinders in al-Mutanabbi Street continuing to practice the craft—preserving Baghdad’s literary and cultural heritage through their work.