In Southern Iraq, a vast network of underground canals has puzzled archaeologists for decades. Long thought to be part of an ancient agricultural system, new research reveals they were built by East African slaves, the Zanj, over several centuries.
These structures date back to the period following the Zanj Rebellion against the Abbasid state around 869 AD. This discovery shines a light on the overlooked contributions of these slaves, currently residing in Basra, highlighting the importance of preserving this minority heritage amidst Iraq's archaeological revival.