Girls from the Mesopotamian Marshes

Acrylic & charcoal on linen canvas, 98”x70”

If you are interested in purchasing this painting, click on this link to automatically email Salam Al-Rawi: salamny@gmail.com.

The Mesopotamian or Iraqi Marshes are historic wetlands located on the floodplains of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. From a young age, I heard stories passed down through generations about the legendary beauty of the marsh girls who sold water buffalo yogurt and cream (Iraqi delicacies). I was also in awe of the ability of the ‘marsh people’ to endure and thrive in a very harsh environment. Little did I know that I would experience it first-hand as a soldier during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88).

Located near the border, the marshes created a barrier between the Iranians and us. I will never be able to erase the memory of the extreme conditions I endured there—the fierce battles, the summer’s blazing 122ºF heat, and its insects, reptiles, and snakes.

However, I did finally get to see for myself several of the famous marsh girls. They were blonde and beautiful. Even stunning.