Please join AIA Houston for this unique tour on October 10th
Noon to 1:00pm
REGISTRATION IS FREE!

What is a Mudif

A mudhif is a large reed structure that is owned by the sheikh of a Marsh Arab village. It serves as a cultural center, court, site for religious ceremonies, and place for welcoming visitors. Archaeology Now and the Arab American Educational Foundation are harvesting a reed called phragmitis australis in the Gulf Coast area of Texas AND the Marshes of Iraq to create a mudhif that will serve as a cultural center during the Fall of 2023.

The Story of the Houston Mudhif

When Archaeology Now and the Arab American Educational Foundation began the Marsh Arab Project, they had no idea how difficult it would be to find a builder. they asked Houston’s small population of people from the Iraqi Marshes, and they put the word out around the world for a builder. No one came forward. In the end, they realized the only people with knowledge of mudhif production were elders in Iraq. Suddenly, their project became much more important. The thought that this knowledge might be lost forever compelled them forward. So, they commissioned a mudhif from them!

This makes the Houston mudhif one of a kind, the first constructed entirely of reed components sourced in the Iraqi Marshes and assembled by master builders in Iraq—then transported to Houston for assembly. (No, it wasn’t as easy as assembling Legos!).

A team of intrepid and tireless volunteers braved long hours in the sweltering summer heat to ensure the mudhif was authentic, down to the last detail. Construction started on June 20, under the expert guidance of Dr. Azzam Alwash. 

How to get there

Please use Rice University Entrance 8 (intersection of University and Stockton at the traffic light)

The mudif is located right next to the Moody Museum

the closest parking lot is the Moody lot, just north of the Moody Museum.

You will pass the Mudif when driving in (on your right)