Here in the West, Baghdad has become a term synonymous with war and instability. It comes as no surprise, when online media showcases Baghdad as a war-torn capital struggling to survive against the backdrop of war.

Amidst the havoc, Mohammed Aladdin, a young photographer, has opened an unfamiliar, yet refreshing door into everyday Baghdad life – free from war and politics. To follow Mohammed’s daily posts, you will get to experience the city’s warmth and all it has to offer. On Fridays, you will stroll Al-Mutannabi Street and watch artists as they sing and play loud across the garden. In the evening, he will take you to meet writers as they sip tea in local cafés. You will not miss out on any event, because when a festival is in town, you will be the first to attend, uncovering all the attractions. And if it is cuisine you are after, then join Mohammed as he samples the best street food around Baghdad, or as he indulges in Masgoof, freshly caught fish from the Tigris River cooked next to an open wood fire.

Mohammed Aladdin has been a professional photographer for almost 10 years. When asked about how he started his journey documenting Baghdad and life in Baghdad he answered, ‘I used to enjoy following online photography pages that featured snapshots of cities, such as New York and Paris. I’ve always had a passion for photography; it brings me a lot of joy. One day I decided to search for pictures of Iraq, to my surprise, the results I found were gory and violent – photos from the Gulf War to the 2003 invasion. It is unfortunate that international news agencies promote these images of the Middle East, especially because it is now grounds for conflict. I did not, however, find pictures like those of New York and Paris. This is when I decided to dilute prevalent warfare images with ones of hope and positivity.’

Presently, Mohammed Aladdin’s Instagram account has over 50,000 followers, the majority from within Iraq. His international audience come from various backgrounds, such as Germany, USA, Turkey, UAE and Jordan; they message him amazed and shocked to see life in Baghdad so peaceful and so ordinary. Iraqis living abroad are also big fans of Mohammed’s photography. They, on the other hand, have found refuge in his stories, which evoke a sweet nostalgia that eases their longing for home.

Mohammed’s daily stories are as spontaneous as he is. He notes that he typically does not plan which spot he will be going, or as he puts it ‘the best thing about what I do is that I never know where I am going, a lot of times, it is the place that chooses me’. This is precisely the reason his work is admired by everyone. Mohammed’s photos and videos reflect everyday life in familiar neighbourhoods with familiar people – whom have now become accustomed to him promenading the streets with his camera, ponytail and candid smile.

So, for someone who has practically been to every nook and cranny in Baghdad, what remains Mohammed’s favourite spot? ‘Tigris River, no doubt!’ he describes ‘there is nothing quite like walking across Martyrs’ Bridge and Al-Sarafiya Bridge, listening to the Maghrib Azzan, calling for prayer from both sides of the River’.

Mohammed’s stories share both a reminder of Baghdad’s grand past and a hopeful outlook for its future. He has quickly become a local icon within the Iraqi community. Although, he does not feel like one, he admits that he has a responsibility to continuously portray a more positive image of Iraq to the world, and he hopes others to follow suit. He expressed his thrill in seeing his work motivate and inspire others to start their own journey, while sharing the same purpose.