Babylon:Lebanese musician and artist Marcel Khalife has highlighted the profound impact of Iraq’s musical and poetic heritage on his artistic career. He emphasized that this rich cultural legacy has been a significant source of inspiration for his music, with his first oud being of Baghdadi craftsmanship.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Khalife expressed that Iraqi heritage, especially the Maqam and the works of great poets, has enriched his understanding and appreciation of art. He acknowledged Iraq’s deep cultural roots and how they have significantly contributed to his own artistic consciousness.

Khalife also shared his personal connection to Iraq through the first oud he played, crafted by the renowned Baghdadi luthier Mohammed Fadhil. He mentioned the warmth and affection he felt from the Iraqi people upon his arrival in Babylon, which filled him with joy and pride.

The musician further explained that Iraq’s melodies and poetry have left a lasting imprint on his musical journey. He reminisced about his compositions inspired by the works of celebrated Iraqi poets such as Badr Shakir al-Sayyab and Saadi Youssef, underscoring his continued spiritual and artistic ties to Iraqi music and poetry.