Many Iraqis recite folk poetry, which is written in colloquial Arabic, stating support for the Popular Mobilization Units and for the fight against the Islamic State. These poems can be found on satellite TV channels, social networking sites and Iraqi radio stations. The widespread phenomenon in Iraqi society has outweighed other forms of creativity and arts such as poetry in classical Arabic and drawing.
“Some people recite folk poetry for money, while others think of pursuing careers as poets instead of becoming doctors or engineers for instance,” folk poet Haidar al-Shamari told Al-Monitor.