How Latif Al Ani captured the ‘golden age’ of Iraq

From the 1950s to the 1970s — Hailed as the ‘father of Iraqi photography’, Al Ani’s iconic black and white shots offer a new perspective on Baghdad’s history.

Skyscrapers and palm trees, fur coats and lingerie – Latif Al Ani’s iconic shots of Iraq are worlds away from the country’s modern-day associations. The photographer, who is originally Baghdad, spent decades capturing the region; building a series of unique black and white memories from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.

“There were hardly any photographers in Iraq then,” Al Ani remembers in an extract from his new, self-titled photo book. The publication, published by Hatje Cantz, looks back on his career before it was forced to a halt by Saddam Hussein’s oppressive regime in 1979. “My love for photography gave me courage,” he says. “It pushed me to overcome all barriers.”

4270-latif-al-ani-hr-09 (1)

Today, Al Ani’s photos offer a new perspective on a lost era. Documenting a period of seismic change for the country – from the 1958 revolution to the rise of Saddam – his images uncover the true complexity of Iraqi culture and identity.

“I wanted to show our heritage against our present, the contrast between past and present, where we had arrived in comparison with the past,” he adds. “This past is being deleted; it has been deleted. I felt there would be no stability.”

“Pandora’s box was opened and ignorant people came to rule, who had no culture or understanding of the power they held. Fear was a major motive to document everything as it was. I did all that I could to document, to safeguard that time.”

4270-latif-al-ani-hr-05 4270-latif-al-ani-hr-03 4270-latif-al-ani-hr-02 4270-latif-al-ani-hr-04

Latif Al Ani’s new book, Latif Al Ani, is available to buy now on Hatje Cantz.

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter


You might like

Colourful collage of album covers and record sleeves on display in a gallery or museum setting, with glass panels on either side reflecting the vibrant arrangement.
Culture

Largest-Ever Display of UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Opens at Tate Modern

Grief Made Visible — Comprising hundreds of panels made by lovers, friends and chosen family, the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt returns in full for the first time since 1994 – a testament to grief, friendship and the ongoing fight against HIV stigma.

Written by: Ella Glossop

Rustic footbridge across a river, with people crossing it on a sunny day. Warm tones and shadows suggest an outdoor, natural setting.
Sport

In Medellín’s alleys and side streets, football’s founding spirit shines

Street Spirit — Granted two weeks of unfettered access, photographer Tom Ringsby captures the warmth and DIY essence of the Colombian city’s grassroots street football scene.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Diverse group of people with various expressions and styles, surrounded by bold text and graphics in dark colours.
Culture

Remembering New York’s ’90s gay scene via its vibrant nightclub flyers

Getting In — After coming out in his 20s, David Kennerley became a fixture on the city’s queer scene, while pocketing invites that he picked up along the way. His latest book dives into his rich archive.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Black and white image of several people in suits, some with long hair and unconventional appearances, alongside a large ship or boat model. Text overlaid: "FREAKS AND FINANCES".
Culture

On Alexander Skarsgård’s trousers, The Rehearsal, and the importance of weirdos

Freaks and Finances — In the May edition of our monthly culture newsletter, columnist Emma Garland reflects on the Swedish actor’s Cannes look, Nathan Fielder’s wild ambition, and Jafaican.

Written by: Emma Garland

Three orange book covers with the title "Foreign Fruit" against a dark background.
Culture

Katie Goh: “I want people to engage with the politics of oranges”

Foreign Fruit — In her new book, the Edinburgh-based writer traces her personal history through the citrus fruit’s global spread, from a village in China to Californian groves. Angela Hui caught up with her to find out more.

Written by: Angela Hui

Huck 79

We are all Mia Khalifa

How humour, therapy and community help Huck's latest cover star control her narrative.

Written by: Alya Mooro

Huck is supported by our readers, subscribers and Club Huck members. It is also made possible by sponsorship from:

Signup to our newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter to informed with the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture, featuring personal takes on the state of media and pop culture from Emma Garland, former Digital Editor of Huck, exclusive interviews, recommendations and more.

Please wait...

Accessibility Settings

Text

Applies the Open Dyslexic font, designed to improve readability for individuals with dyslexia.

Applies a more readable font throughout the website, improving readability.

Underlines links throughout the website, making them easier to distinguish.

Adjusts the font size for improved readability.

Visuals

Reduces animations and disables autoplaying videos across the website, reducing distractions and improving focus.

Reduces the colour saturation throughout the website to create a more soothing visual experience.

Increases the contrast of elements on the website, making text and interface elements easier to distinguish.