Middle East

In time for Ramadan, Iraqi TV drama returns after 7 years

Associated Press
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In this Friday, April 26, 2019, photo, Iraqi actors prepare to perform their roles in "The Hotel," at a filming location in Baghdad, Iraq. A Baghdad studio is filming Iraq's first TV drama in 7 years, as the arts come to life again in the capital after more than a decade of war. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

In this Friday, April 26, 2019, photo, Iraqi actors perform their roles in "The Hotel," at a filming location in Baghdad, Iraq. A Baghdad studio is filming Iraq's first TV drama in 7 years, as the arts come to life again in the capital after more than a decade of war. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

The arts are coming to life again in Baghdad, bringing with it a touch of hope and comfort as the country works to rebuild after 16 years of war.

And after two decades abroad, two of Iraq's leading actors have returned to take part in "The Hotel," the twenty-episode drama set to air during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

It is the first Ramadan drama to be produced in Iraq since 2012, according to the cast and crew, and it heralds a return of an essential TV genre to the country.

Across the Muslim world and throughout the month of Ramadan, when the faithful fast from dawn until sunset and stay up late to digest their evening meals, viewers are treated to a range of TV dramas.