The Tarada Returns to Mesopotamian Marshlands

Image © Nature Iraq.

The tarada has been little-seen for half a century. This is in part because more-settled conditions in the 1950s reduced the demand for raiding canoes, but even more because of the introduction of outboard motors, which are more easily mounted on mashufs and bellams. However, it was marsh drainage that sounded their death knell. The high prow is specifically adapted to slicing through cane breaks. Once these were drained, and/or cross-cut with canals, there was no need for the added weight. this "drydocked" tarada was located for restoration by the Tigris River Flotilla. #cmarsh