Haydar-Khana محلة الحيدرخانة | |
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Neighborhood | |
 The main moque in the locality | |
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| Country | Iraq |
| Governorate | Baghdad Governorate |
| First settled | Abbasid Caliphate |
| Time zone | UTC+3 |
Haydar-Khana (Arabic:محلة الحيدرخانة) is an old locality andneighborhood located inBaghdad,Iraq. Located at the beginning ofal-Rashid Street and nearal-Maidan Square, it's one of the oldest localities in Baghdad which dates back to the Abbasid Caliphate. The locality was also home to many personalities of Iraq such as Iraqi artistNazem al-Ghazali and former-Iraqi Prime MinisterNuri al-Said.[1][2]
The locality has been settled as far back as the Abbasid Caliphate.[1] The word "Khana" means "residence, dwelling" in thePersian language while the origins of the name "Haydar" is disputed, but its first attestation is the given name of theSogdian Iranian prince ofUsrushana, better known asal-Afshin. The name is attributed to a Sufi man who went by the name of "Haydar" whose history is unknown,[3] although it was later attributed to Haydar Pasha Jalabi Shabandar, an Iraqi notable who establishedHammam Haydar in the locality in 1650 and is buried in the same place along with some members of his family. Although no there's no historical connection between Shabandar and the locality's name.[1][4]
One of the most notable landmarks of the locality is theHaydar-Khana Mosque, located between the locality and al-Rashid Street, the Mosque dates back to the reign of AbbasidCaliphal-Nasir and later renovated byDawud Pasha, the lastMamluk governor of Baghdad in 1827 where aMadrasa was established inside of it. In 1920, the notables of Baghdad would gather in the mosque which kickstarted theIraqi Revolt againstBritish colonialism of Iraq. It was nicknamed by Iraqis the "Revolution Mosque."[3] The Mosque witnessed many arrests by British forces, as it was a major center for the uprisings that were launched from al-Rashid Street.[1]
Despite the locality being one of the poorest neighborhoods in Baghdad, it was the home of many prominent Iraqi personalities and poets such as the artist Nazem al-Ghazali and poets such asJamil Sidqi al-Zahawi. Poets recited poems in the Haydar-Khana Mosque andIraqi Jews lived in the locality and had an influence in the area for a while.[2] It's also home to the oldest families in Baghdad. Cafés such asal-Zahawi Café and Hassan 'Ajami Café in the locality were widespread and became havens for artists, writers, poets, and intellectuals.[1][5]
The locality currently suffers from neglect and its narrow alleyways and roads are filled up with litter. A lot of the apartments have also been abandoned and parts have been turned into warehouses. It is also bordered byal-Jumhuriya Street.[4]
Al-Aqoli Mosque (Arabic:جامع العاقولي) is one of the oldest mosques in Baghdad and was built in 1327. The mosque is characterized by several domes connected to each other, and the domes rest on four columns of brown alabaster, in addition to the domes resting on the surrounding walls.[6]
Haydar-Khana Mosque (Arabic:جامع الحيدر خانة) is the most well-known landmark in the locality. The mosque represents a great historical and revolutionary symbol for Iraqis as it enjoyed the gathering of many demonstrations against British forces. The mosque includes a number of Madrasa for teaching Islamic sciences, and a library containing works by the most prominent scholars of the country. Due to its age, it was also a tourist attraction.[7]
One of the most well-known areas of the locality among its locals is the home of artist Nazam al-Ghazali.[4]
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| West | ||
| Suburban | ||