On the Banks of the Tigris: The Hidden Story of Iraqi Music (ATOM Study Guide)

I remember beautiful days, beautiful hours, very beautiful places. The Tigris, the boats, the fish. I can't forget that I was born in Baghdad and I am an Iraqi. – Elias Shasha.

When Majid Shokor escaped from Iraq, he discovered that the songs he loved as a child in Baghdad have a hidden history. Saddam Hussein's regime purged Iraqi music of its origins, but Majid learns the truth as he travels the world to meet exiled Iraqi musicians – Jewish, Muslim and Christian – who still sing and play these songs. They are reunited in a joyful concert at London's Barbican Centre, where music and culture are bridges that transcend religion and politics.

Curriculum links
This documentary is an excellent film text for middle, senior secondary and tertiary students studying:

• History of the Middle East
• Conflict and Globalisation
• Migration Studies
• Humanities
• Geography
• Political Studies
• Music

It can also be used by English Language and Literature teachers investigating concepts of identity and belonging.