The eco-friendly hotel helping save the Mesopotamian Marshes

For visitors to Iraq's southern Chibayish marshes, finding a place to sleep can be a challenge since there are no hotels directly in the Mesopotamian wetlands.

However, The Marsh House, also known as Bait Al Ahwari in Arabic, is a unique and convenient solution.

Raad Al-Asadi, an environmental activist born and raised in the Mesopotamian Marshes, founded The Marsh House. It is an eco-friendly house designed to address the concerns of visitors seeking a unique experience in the marsh.

Some call it a hotel, however, its main purpose is to promote eco-tourism and attract more visitors.

"The location is great — the landscape is peaceful and the hotel's interior design makes use of all local materials, reflecting the heritage and craftsmanship of the marshes"

Before the launch of his project, tourists had been complaining to Saad about the lack of suitable accommodation options, which forced them to organise quick tours and return to Thi Qar or Basra provinces to stay overnight.

"Now they have a comfortable place to sleep and enjoy the unique marsh ecosystem in the morning. We have blended tradition with comfort to offer an environmental option, using eco-friendly materials like wooden beds, clay water cups, and hand fans. It's a sustainable operation that reminds our guests of our way of life," explained Saad to The New Arab.

The hotel's prime location allows visitors to explore the stunning Mesopotamian Marshes with a relaxing boat tour that takes them deep into the marsh's heart.

Moreover, with its capacity of 20 people, the hotel is perfect for small groups, family gatherings, or even small conferences. Researchers or educators can also take advantage of the hotel's facilities to lead workshops about the marshes.

Mesopotamian roots

Susanne Ayoub, an Iraqi-Austrian tourist and guest at The Marsh House, told The New Arab that travelling to the Mesopotamian Marshes was a lifelong dream.

"My father was born in Nasiriyah in the Thi Qar province. He brought my mother once to the mashes and her stories sounded like a fairytale, especially the image of a swarm of flamingoes that colour the skyline pink," Susanne tells The New Arab.

"I wanted to learn more about the traditional reed houses of the Mesopotamian Marshes and the buffaloes that cool their bodies in the Tigris."

Susanne visited the marshes with her Austrian husband, Peter Messner, and her friend Rima Al-Juburi, who has a similar background to Susanne. 

"The marshes are a wonderful place," Susanne says. "The landscape and the lifestyle of the inhabitants are incredible for people living in the so-called 'first world'. People are so kind, honest, and friendly. They were so happy to show me around and tell me about my roots."

An unforgettable experience

Susanne's experience could have been vastly different were it not for the hospitality of the eco-lodge. "Peter forgot his wallet with our money," she says.

"When he found out in the afternoon we were in Uruk, three hours away. The Marsh House was amazing, they sent a friend to bring the money back for us. Before travelling we'd been warned about being robbed. In reality, the opposite happened! It was an unforgettable experience."

Rima Al-Juburi, an Iraqi artist based in Vienna, also had a great time in the marshes. "It's my second time to the Chibayish marshes," Rima tells The New Arab.

"Last year, I stayed a night at Raad's father's guest house in his home. They said they were building an eco-friendly hotel and so here I am. 

"The location is great — the landscape is peaceful and the hotel's interior design makes use of all local materials, reflecting the heritage and craftsmanship of the marshes. Even the breakfast was great, having Geymar — a thickened cream made from buffalos milk — fresh bread, and cardamom tea was a perfect start to the day.

"I'll definitely be back," the 55-year-old artist told The New Arab.

"The marshland of Iraq is one of the most important places on earth. I recommend everyone to visit, not only as a tourist but as a conscious visitor who respects the land, enjoys the hospitality of the people, and experiences the ecosystem.

"It's a wonderful way to experience Arab marsh culture."

Azhar Al-Rubaie is a freelance journalist based in Iraq. His writing focuses on a variety of issues, including politics, health, society, wars, and human rights

Follow him on Twitter: @AzherRubaie