Women Baker

In the alleyways of popular Baghdad, the role of the baker was one of the oldest and most vital professions, a pillar of daily life that could not be dispensed with. Bakeries, locally known as the clay tannour or the oven, formed a familiar scene in every neighborhood and alley, where people would gather in the mornings to buy fresh bread and exchange news.

This profession was not exclusive to men; some Baghdadi women practiced it as well. They would bake bread in their homes and then sell it in the markets. After baking, the bread would be placed on wide trays called “al tabak”, woven from palm fronds, and carefully carried to the places of sale.

Bakeries served as social gathering points not only for purchasing bread, but also for sharing conversations and neighborhood news. “The baker” was considered a respected and beloved figure, thanks to their essential role in providing a basic staple for every household.

Despite the passage of time, some bakeries in Baghdad still preserve the traditional clay tannour, baking bread in the same way that Baghdadis have handed down for generations. However, most modern bakeries now rely on electric or gas ovens, especially in larger cities.

Though the tools have changed, the scent of Baghdadi bread remains an indelible part of memory, a symbol of warm homes and neighborhood spirit, and a craft that still carries the flavor of the land and its people.