Mam Khalil Café: Where Nostalgia, history, and heritage Meet

Shafaq News / Mam Khalil Café comes into view upon entering al-Kaysariya market in downtown Erbil. It directly catches the eye with its nostalgic architecture as the city’s oldest café. 

Built in the 1940s by the late Mam Khalil and inherited by his children after his death in 2015, the café features many photos on its walls dating back to various eras in Iraq's modern history.

"This café has become one of the most important landmarks in Erbil. I have worked for many years to collect as many pictures as possible, because I receive dozens of people every day from inside and outside Iraq," Mohammed Khalil, son of the late Mam Khalil, who now runs the café, told Shafaq News agency.

"The heritage character has given the place uniqueness consistent with its location in the center of Erbil, introducing its visitors to part of the history of this ancient city," said Mohammed Khalil.

Walls packed with pictures..

One of the café's most distinguishing features is its walls, which display photographs of various Kurdish and Arab figures that have visited the place, since the Iraqi state was created until now.

"This is where I come with my friends because the place suits all age groups, and I think it is important to maintain this café because it has become something we are proud to have in Erbil," said 33-year-old Ahmed Hawker.

He added, "These pictures show the Kurdish people's love for coexistence, because the walls of the café carry images of personalities from different cultures and nationalities.”

Tourists from many countries..

Every day, people of different nationalities from all over the world visit the café and admire the café’s heritage and architecture.

"This café is a microcosm of Erbil in particular and Iraq in general because of its heritage character, which I have not seen in other countries I have visited," said 45-year-old Frederic Meridlock, who arrived in Erbil from Norway.

"Tea here has a unique flavor that cannot be found elsewhere in Erbil. Also, the old folkloric songs playing in the background make it fun to sit there," Meridlock continued.

Abdullah al-Dulaimi, from al-Anbar in western Iraq, told Shafaq News agency, "It is important to have such type of cafés in every Iraqi city, to display their history and introduce their heritage to the world.”

A meeting place for the elderly

The café is a gathering place for the city's elderly because sitting inside feels like a trip back in time to the years they yearn for.

"I have been visiting this café for more than 30 years because it reminds me of my youth and I see pictures of people I knew hanging on the walls," 71-year-old Ziyad Mustafa told Shafaq News agency.  

The café was restored in 2010 by the Kurdistan Regional Government (K.R.G.) after it became a landmark and destination for the city's residents and tourists from various governorates.