SHANASHEEL Balconies - Iraq

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Traditional Iraqi balconies are a beautiful and distinctive feature of historic architecture, especially in cities like Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul.
The most iconic type is called the "Shanasheel". The shanasheel is an Iraqi name for the Mashrbiya, a well-known Islamic architectural element, which appears as an extruded wooden structure from the frontal façade of domestic buildings, and distinguishes the designs of traditional houses in the big cities in many Middle East and North African countries.

Key Features:

• Wooden enclosed balconies that project out over the street
• Intricate carved wood latticework (mashrabiya-style)
• Small decorative windows with colored or clear glass
• Often built on the upper floors of houses
• Designed to provide privacy, airflow, and shade

Iraq has a very hot climate, especially in the south. Shanashil balconies were designed to:

• Allow cool air circulation
• Block harsh sunlight
• Let residents (especially women, traditionally) look outside without being seen
• Expand interior space without enlarging the ground footprint

Cultural Significance

• Common in Ottoman-era houses (18th–19th century)
• Very famous in old Basra and Baghdad’s Al-Rusafa district
• Symbol of Iraqi heritage and craftsmanship
• Sadly, many have been damaged or lost, but restoration efforts are ongoing

Unfortunately, today (2026), these traditional architectural elements are being destroyed or replaced due to the continuous wars suffered, economic problems and the progressive abandonment of traditional architecture.

Extended info about Shanasheel (Mashrbiya)