The Lamplighter

The Lambachi was the person responsible for lighting and maintaining street lanterns in old Baghdad, in the days before electricity spread through the city. He would roam the alleys and narrow streets carrying a long wooden ladder, using a stick or a lit wick to ignite the lamps each evening then return at dawn to extinguish them or refill them with oil.

The lanterns were fueled by kerosene or olive oil and equipped with cotton wicks. Each day, the Lambachi would clean their glass from soot and smoke, keeping the streets bright and tidy. These lanterns were often concentrated in gathering spots such as cafés, markets, and mosques, providing enough light to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere for residents.

The Lambachi was considered a vital figure in the neighborhood, as he played a key role in ensuring nightly safety. Children would often gather around him, fascinated by his method of lighting the lamps, which made his presence beloved and full of life.

With the advent of electricity, this profession gradually disappeared, surviving only in cultural events and heritage festivals, where it is showcased as part of Baghdad’s collective memory. Though gone from everyday life, the traditional lantern remains a powerful symbol of old Baghdad and is still sometimes used to decorate homes during Ramadan and festive occasions.