The Ironer

The Otachi was the traditional ironer an artisan who specialized in pressing clothes, towels, and fabrics using a heavy, coal-heated iron (al mihraqa) long before electric irons became common. This profession held great importance in the past, especially in the days leading up to holidays and special occasions, when people would send their garments to the Otachi to be neatly pressed and clean.

The Otachi would ignite natural charcoal in a small stove, then load it into a heavy metal iron. Often, he worked from a small shop or workshop, though some would travel from house to house depending on the neighborhood’s needs.

Because of his mobility, the Otachi became more than just a tradesman he was also a bearer of news, exchanging stories and conversations while ironing, bringing a sense of familiarity and warmth to the community.

With the rise of electric irons and modern laundries, this profession has largely faded. Today, the Otachi survives only in cultural festivals or as a nostalgic echo of Baghdad’s rich past.