Baghdad, Iraq | The grand old, majestic Souq Al Safafeer

Branching out from al-Rasheed street, one of the oldest streets in Baghdad, Iraq, the Souq Al-Safafeer [coppersmiths' market] - once a vibrant, bustling, and clanky market - now fosters only a handful of skilled tradesmen. Today, the ancient and unique market simmers with diluted sounds of hammers hitting against copper plates and trays, molding traditional kahawa pots and finjan [coffee cups], water jugs and trinkets, but the fading artisanal craftmanship on show does not cease to amaze. Sauntering along the narrow pathway, one would be sure to notice that the rays of the sun against the intricate metallic works of art cast an intense shine, and a symbolic glimmer of hope that the grand, old souq will - in time - be restored to its historical glory and fame.

Video produced by the Public Information Office of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) / Sarmad Al-Safy