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Gufas and bellums on the Tigris
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Gufas and bellums on the Tigris
Gufa and Bellum boats awaiting hire on the River Tigris, which splits Baghdad, Iraq, in half. A gufa is a circular boat propelled by a pole or single paddle, rather like a coracle. This model represents a Baghdad gufa from 1930. The round basketry hull is constructed from ribs of wood from the pomegranate tree, interwoven with rope made from date-palm leaves and a rail of tamarisk roots. The outer surface of the gufa is made watertight by a coating of bitumen
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Media ID 4408817
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10272555
Baghdad Boatmen Circular Coracle Hire Iraq Iraqi Regional Tigris Unusual Waiting Kufa
EDITORS COMMENTS
Gufas and Bellums on the Tigris: A Snapshot of Baghdad's Rich Maritime History This photograph captures the timeless scene of gufas and bellums, traditional Iraqi boats, patiently awaiting hire on the banks of the Tigris River in Baghdad. The Tigris, a major waterway that splits the city in half, has been a vital transportation route for centuries, and these circular boats, reminiscent of coracles, have long been an integral part of the region's maritime heritage. The gufa, represented here by a model from the 1930s, is a circular boat propelled by a pole or single paddle. Its round basketry hull is meticulously constructed from ribs of wood from the pomegranate tree, interwoven with rope made from date-palm leaves, and a rail of tamarisk roots. The outer surface of the gufa is made watertight by a coating of bitumen, ensuring its durability and seaworthiness. The bellum, or bellums, are larger, flat-bottomed boats, typically used for transporting goods and passengers over longer distances. Both gufas and bellums have played a crucial role in the daily lives of the people of Baghdad, providing essential transport services on the Tigris. This photograph offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural traditions of Iraq, showcasing the unique and unusual boats that have graced the waters of the Tigris for generations. The scene is a testament to the enduring allure of the river, which continues to be an integral part of the city's identity and heritage.
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