Baghdad's last cassette keeper preserves the golden era of music

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – In the heart of Baghdad, Sabah al-Sudani's shop stands as a living relic of a bygone era, housing an impressive collection of 250,000 cassette tapes.

For 45 years, al-Sudani has meticulously curated this collection in his small store, which is also adorned with posters of legendary Iraqi and Arab singers.

Despite the rise of digital music and the subsequent decline in the popularity of cassette tapes, al-Sudani remains dedicated to preserving this once-preferred medium.

His passion for cassettes is unwavering, as he continues to seek out and collect tapes from across Baghdad, as well as from Arab and international sources.

"Since the 1970s, I've been in the business of buying and selling cassette tapes. I never abandoned this profession," al-Sudani told Anadolu Agency. "Over the years, I've built a collection of about 250,000 tapes."

He acknowledges that while modern music formats dominate today’s landscape, cassette tapes still hold a unique place in the hearts of many.

"Some people prefer cassettes because they evoke memories, emotions, and a sense of nostalgia that technology simply can't replicate," al-Sudani explained.

Among his prized possessions are original cassette tapes of the renowned Turkish singer Ibrahim Tatlises.

"Listening to music from cassette tapes has a distinct flavour and character," he said. "When people hear songs from cassettes, they often reminisce about their grandparents, relatives, and old friends."

Al-Sudani continues to buy used cassette tapes from various sources, always on the lookout for rare finds. His collection is housed in three rooms filled with tapes, CDs, and classic gramophone records.

However, he is particularly protective of his rarest cassettes, refusing to part with them.

"Cassette tapes carry more than just music; they carry spirit and memories," al-Sudani reflected. "Songs played on a phone can't provide the same fragrance and essence found in cassette tapes."

He fondly recalled the 1970s when people would walk the streets with cassette players, known as Walkmans, listening to their favourite tunes.

His collection also includes original tapes of Quran recitations, some valued as high as 200,000 Iraqi dinars (approximately $120).

Recently, the cassette market in Baghdad has seen a resurgence. Where people once sold him their old tapes, they now come to his shop to buy them, spurred by al-Sudani’s active presence on social media.

Salah Saad, an Iraqi university student, is one of many who has been drawn to al-Sudani’s shop.

"I have an interest in cassette tapes, and we have a collection of tapes and classic gramophone records at home," he shared. "I came to look for tapes of some old English singers. I love the past and feel nostalgic for it."

Al-Sudani's store remains a sanctuary for those seeking to relive the golden age of music, preserving the legacy of cassette tapes in a world increasingly dominated by digital media.

Further reporting done by Kurdistan24 correspondent Muzafar Mzouri