As a leader of among the most ancient gnostic belief systems in the world, the religious figure Sheikh Nidham must use water sourced directly from a moving stream, even for drinking.
“For our religion, the role of water equates to air. Without water, there would be no life,” states Sheikh Nidham.
The 68-year-old holds the view that as long as the water is flowing, it is clean. But the truth is that in the near future it could stop flowing at all.
The Precarious State of the Tigris
Iraq’s famed Tigris is severely contaminated and facing the prospect of vanishing. If immediate measures are not implemented to save the river, daily living will be drastically changed for the ancient communities who live on its banks.
“All the life of Iraqis relies on the water. All the civilisation is rooted in these waterways,” comments an environmental advocate.
Sources of Degradation
The river’s condition has been in decline for a long period. Extended periods of war and economic restrictions mean treatment systems has remained inadequate. Today, across southern and central Iraq, a significant portion of city residents remain unlinked to adequate wastewater processing.
Compounding sewage, agricultural chemicals and industrial waste flow directly into the river. Recent studies have found the water in populated zones to be rated “poor” for use.
Reduced Volume
The river has also greatly reduced in flow. Since the late 20th century, major hydroelectric projects in neighboring countries have curtailed the amount of water reaching Iraq. Within Iraq, water is often wasted, notably within the agricultural sector, which is the primary user of surface water.
Global warming is exacting a heavy price. The region has experienced a significant decline in precipitation and is enduring its worst drought in living memory.
A Disputed Deal
In an attempt to find solutions, the Iraqi government signed a joint plan with Turkey. This deal has been labeled as an “barter” accord, as infrastructure projects would be undertaken by foreign companies.
However, the deal has faced significant backlash from environmentalists, who are concerned about the vagueness and the apparent handover over precious river management.
“This is not a real deal right now,” commented a ex-policymaker of water resources. “I would say it’s more like election propaganda.”
Threatened Traditions
As the Tigris dwindles, faithful adherents worry for the future of ancient communities. A significant number have left the country or resettled to areas with more water. This ecological collapse may be the final nail in the coffin for their presence in the homeland in southern Iraq.