The Spice Seller

The Attar was the vendor who specialized in selling spices, medicinal herbs, perfumes, and incense one of the most well-known shopkeepers in the old markets of Baghdad. The Attar was distinguished by his deep knowledge of the benefits of herbs and spices, and he played a key role in preparing traditional medicinal blends, as well as in custom spice mixes for cooking and pickling.

He would prepare signature spice blends for famous Iraqi dishes such as dolma, biryani, and masgouf fish, grinding spices with stone mills and packaging them in paper bags or small containers to preserve their aroma and flavor.

Though the Attar’s methods and product displays have evolved, his shops still exist in Baghdad today, offering a rich heritage experience blending flavor and memory in every jar and packet.