Shahrazad Retold: Reimagining 1001 Nights through Collage and Community

In a vibrant fusion of heritage and creativity, Shahrazad Retold brought together young storytellers, artists, and dreamers from across Iraq to breathe new life into the lesser-known tales of 1001 Nights with a distinctly local touch.

Held from April 11th to 18th, 2025, this hybrid workshop was more than just a retelling. It was a revival of stories, imagination, and the deep roots Iraq holds in the global storytelling canon.

An Invitation to Storytelling

It all began with an open call: we invited creatives to reimagine stories through collage. From 21 applicants (mostly women, aged 20–40), 12 were selected to join us in a week-long journey of visual storytelling. Our partners at Collage Club, an Iraqi creative business, joined us as co-facilitators to guide participants in reshaping these ancient tales.

Together, we dove into the archives of 1001 Nights, selecting four stories grounded in Iraqi geography and spirit:

• Hassan al-Basri

• Abdullah of the Land & Abdullah of the Sea

• The Three Apples

• Ali Baba & the Forty Thieves
  

Zoom to the Imagination

The workshop launched with an interactive Zoom session, facilitated by Creative Roots Project Manager Ali Raid. Participants created original magical worlds and characters on Padlet, spun virtual wheels for random storytelling prompts, and joined breakout rooms to build collective stories. A Mentimeter quiz traced the evolution of 1001 Nights, from oral

folklore to global phenomenon.

The session ended with a visual storytelling presentation by our Communications Officer, Mohammed Subhi, he explained the importance of creative collaboration, methodologies of visual storytelling, principles of design and provided multiple resources for archival visual elements, printables, illustrations and photographs. Laying the foundation for the week to come.

From Screen to Canvas

The following week, teams collaborated over WhatsApp with mentorship from Collage Club, preparing their visual interpretations. On April 18th, participants gathered at Dr. Luma’s Hall for the final step: collage creation.

Each group was given a Persian-style canvas and access to printed imagery, magazines, stencils, and paint. What emerged were four richly symbolic visual narratives that reimagined ancient stories for a new generation. The session was rounded off with a themed coffee break from Safan Tamim which included chocolate golden coins, fresh fruit, tea and Iraqi Kleicha.

Why It Mattered

From skills in visual literacy and collaboration to a newfound pride in Iraqi heritage, participants walked away with more than art, they left with connection. Every collage will be showcased in the Creative Roots Interactive Exhibition this May.

“The activity blended imagination with heritage, it brought stories to life with our own hands.” – Mohsin, a participant and mosaic artist

Reflections and What’s Next

Like Shahrazad herself, we faced challenges: narrowing down story choices, coordinating hybrid formats, and keeping participants engaged over time. But the result was a beautiful success, creative synergy across cities, deeper storytelling insights, and a strengthened bond between Iraq’s past and present.

This isn’t just a workshop but it’s a growing archive of youth-led cultural reclamation.

Stay tuned as the collages travel to the Creative Roots exhibition. Shahrazad’s stories aren’t over... they’re just being retold.

The story of Ali Baba Reimagined as collage artwork