Basra: Seven years since his passing, Ibrahim Al-Khayyat remains present in Basra’s memory. On Thursday evening, the cultural scene in Basra commemorated the life of the late poet and journalist Ibrahim al-Khayyat during a memorial session organized by the Jikur Cultural Forum and the Dar al-Basra Cultural Foundation, marking the seventh anniversary of his passing.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the session, held in the Martyr Hindal Hall at the Basra branch of the Iraqi Communist Party, was attended by a number of writers, intellectuals, and friends of the deceased. It was moderated by poet and journalist Abdul-Sada al-Basri, who discussed key moments in al-Khayyat’s life, his poetic, media, and cultural experiences, as well as his administrative career, highlighting his significant impact on the Iraqi cultural landscape.

Al-Basri emphasized that al-Khayyat was not merely a passing figure in the cultural and literary scene, but rather left a lasting influence on his personal relationships, friendships, and stances. He explained that the late poet combined poetry, media, cultural work, and administration, remaining close to the people and believing that culture transcends words to become a stance and a human connection.

The session included memorial speeches delivered by representatives of the Dar Al-Basra Cultural Foundation, including Zaki Al-Dirawi, and the Jikur Cultural Forum, including Basim Muhammad Hussein. A speech was also given by the family of the deceased, delivered by his brother, Muhammad Haider Al-Khayyat, who recalled aspects of his personality, career, and impact on his cultural and humanitarian surroundings.

The event also featured a documentary film produced by the Al-Nahda Cultural Foundation, which explored the life and career of Ibrahim Al-Khayyat. This was followed by a selection of poems and testimonials that evoked his literary experience, friendships, and presence in the cultural and literary circles.

Participating in the commemoration were poets and writers: Omar Al-Sarai, Ali Al-Imara, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Khayyat, Riyadh Al-Gharib, Karim Chakhior, Ali Shabib, Miqdad Masoud, Subhi Omar, Jabbar Al-Kawaz, Ahmed Mouhan, Salah Omran, and Haitham Jabbar.

At the conclusion of the session, its director, Abdul-Sada al-Basri, recited a poem in memory of the deceased, while his brother, Dr. Mahmoud al-Khayyat, recited a poem from his collection “The Republic of Oranges.” Following this, a large rug bearing a portrait of the late Ibrahim al-Khayyat was presented by the Dar al-Basra Cultural Foundation, commemorating his memory and acknowledging his achievements and enduring presence in Iraqi cultural and literary history.