Basra: A memorial service in Basra commemorates the writer, poet, and journalist Ali Nakil Abu Iraq on the first anniversary of his passing. Writers, intellectuals, and media figures gathered on Saturday evening to honor his memory at a session organized by Dar Al-Samar and Waraqoun Printing and Publishing House, in cooperation with the Artists Association. The event took place at the association’s hall, attracting a select group of individuals who shared personal and professional connections with the late Abu Iraq.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the session was moderated by writer Abdul Karim Al-Samar, who highlighted key moments from Abu Iraq’s life, emphasizing his significant contributions to poetry, literature, and journalism over the years. Al-Samar noted the void left in Basra’s cultural landscape following Abu Iraq’s passing. Several attendees spoke about the deceased’s cultural and social contributions, recognizing his role in enriching Basra’s literary movement through his writings and intellectual input.

On the event’s sidelines, Abu Iraq’s latest publication was distributed. Although completed before his death, it had not been published until now. The posthumous release serves as a tribute to his literary legacy and aims to keep his memory alive.

Journalist Masar Ali Nakil, the son of the deceased, remarked, “My father, may God have mercy on him, was a prominent figure among Basra’s intellectuals and journalists. He worked for several media outlets and literary magazines and had numerous published works. He left behind a rich literary legacy, including several poetry collections such as ‘What Absence Suggests,’ ‘The River of Night,’ ‘Early, O Sunset,’ and ‘Mathnawiyyas.'” He further added that his father was known for documenting Basra’s folklore and environment, playing a pivotal role in preserving the city’s memory and its folk tales.