Danis (The Marsh Arab Settlement)

Danis, also known as the Marsh Arab Settlement, is a traditional community located in the marshlands of southern Iraq, near the Euphrates River. These communities are composed of boat-dwellers and reed houses, uniquely adapted to the wetland environment. They rely on fishing, water buffalo herding, and reed crafts for livelihood, living in floating or semi-permanent homes constructed from reeds. Their lifestyle is deeply connected to the wetlands’ ecosystem, reflecting a sustainable relationship with the environment. Over time, environmental changes, drainage projects, and conflicts have threatened their way of life, leading to efforts to preserve their cultural heritage.