Manhal Al habbobi

Manhal Aziz Al-Habbobi (Arabic: منهل عزيز الحبوبي; born 5 September 1970) is an Iraqi architect and former mayor of Baghdad. Recognised for his deeply philosophical approach to architecture, his style is said to promote a contemporary vision of Mesopotamian heritage. During that time, it was announced that he was independent from any specific political party.

Early life and education Manhal Aziz Al-Habbobi was born on 5 September 1970 in Baghdad, Iraq. He studied architectural engineering at the University of Baghdad and graduated in 1995, then continued for his Master's degree in Philosophy of Architecture (2000).

Career Al-Habbobi began practising architecture in the late 90s, and has participated in several design competitions, the most notable of which being the design bid for the Iraqi General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, where his award-winning design won first prize over that of the late Zaha Hadid’s as well as over thirty other international and local entries.

On 20 September 2020, after being appointed by the Iraqi prime minister, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, Al-Habbobi formally took up office as the Mayor of Baghdad, superseding Zekra Alwash and preceding the current mayor, Alaa' Al-Amary. During that time, he had been announced to be independent from any specific political party. However, his term proved short-lived when on 27 October 2020, he issued his resignation letter.