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





























Photo Gallery: © Jordi Zaragozà Anglès / Iraq 2026