It is an arched building of a similar design to a typical house, constructed from natural materials in the marshes of southern Iraq, such as reed and papyrus.
Reed construction at Al-Mudhif dates back thousands of years to Sumerian times. It is clear from the drawings and inscriptions on clay plates and cylindrical seals that AlMudhif's construction at the time was very similar to today's construction. This is especially true following and during archaeological excavations dating back over 3000 years ago on clay plates and cylindrical seals.
AI-Mudhif is built by a group of specialized and skilled workers, along with numerous members of the local community (including the elderly, youth, seniors, men, and women, as well as children), to ensure its completion within the time frame. It is evident that AI-Mudhif is a major player in all aspects of the concerned community. Handicrafts and traditional customs related to Al-Mudhif building are handed down from old generations to new generations. Many aspects of the element have been documented through stories, narratives, ancient legends, myths, books, magazines, encyclopedias, etc. These include photographs, interviews with the guests, and research and studies by the scholars. NGOs such as the Nature Iraq Organization (NGO) are active in raising public awareness about the importance of AI-Mudhif as one of the marshlands.
To ensure visibility and safeguard Iraq's intangible cultural heritage in general and the element in particular, the Iraqi government has made the following efforts. Iraq joined the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 2007, which was signed in 1971 by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The aim is to provide sufficient water to the Iraqi marshes, promoting reed and papyrus growth in an environmentally sustainable manner. By preparing special studies concerning the rehabilitation of aquatic plants, including reeds and papyrus, the Ministry of Water Resources, represented by the Center for Restoration of Iraqi Marshes & Wetlands, has completed several projects related to the element and developed future plans to ensure its sustainability.
Various institutions and NGOs, as well as communities and groups of concern, ensure the survival of the element. As reeds and papyrus are the main building materials of AI-Mudhifs, it is necessary to conserve the sustainability of these resources. They maintain the elements' viability by using the same techniques used in their construction. In cooperation with local communities, the Iraqi Nature Organization held many workshops, seminars, and meetings aimed at teaching young people the handicraft arts related to the elements of construction.