Clothes and costumes have tales; they are tales that have symbolic meanings deeply rooted in the collective thought of groups of people. These tales cross the boundaries of geography and the logic of history to form, in some of them, a part of the national identity.
Read MoreFor Mesopotamians, music was an intrinsic part of the world around them, rather than a form of entertainment. Music enabled Mesopotamians to have a direct and intimate relationship with their pantheon of Gods, whose own celestial essence was believed to be musical.
Read MoreThe Mandaeans are one of the world’s oldest and smallest religious communities. They are also known as Sabaeans (“conversion by submersion”) because of the importance of baptism to their teachings.
Read MoreHand gestures are such a part of everyday life that we often don’t even notice them. They have become a habit inherent in world culture and are an integral part of communication.
Read MoreAs we conclude this series of articles about Christian Genocide in the 21st century, we honor the victims so that the horrors of what took place is never lost to history.
Read MoreAway from home, one comes to better understand what “home” is and what home means. One does not fully understand what it means be a citizen of the United States until they have seen it from a distance, from a completely different country.
Read MoreIraq is as complex and fascinating as its history. There is a strong link between the two. Iraq is home to many religions and many ethnic backgrounds. Unfortunately, it is also home to many conflicts, with and without the involvement of foreign parties.
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In this article we shed light on the success story of another pioneer, a publisher, a calligrapher, a caricaturist who embarked on a creative venture with limited resources and minimal support.
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The emergence of ISIS group in Iraq was the latest and at the same time one of the darkest episodes in the series of modern Iraq’s turbulent history. This bloody and horrible violent wave that embodied in the form of such terrorist organization, which committed all kinds of brutality against humanity, forced ordinary Iraqi people from all its heterogenic populations, together with experts to question the possibility of peaceful coexistence, stability, and continuance in living together within the border of an integrated Iraq.
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Costumes are an important part of the history of our heritage. They express our traditions, reflect the nature of our environment, its diversity, and the beauty of its colors. Costume styles are associated with the development of life, agriculture, work, and the needs of the village.
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Part II: The Nineveh Plains of northern Iraq are home to a diverse mix of minority ethnic and religious groups. Their roots, their heritage, their homes, and their most holy shrines are all right there in this brutal but beautiful land known as the “Cradle of Civilization.” It is located north-east of Mosul, and consists of three districts: Al-Hamdaniya, Al-Shekhan, and Telkaif. Most of its residents are Christians, Kurds, Yazidis and Shabak.
Read MoreChaldean, Syriac, and Assyrian Christians represent some of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Their culture and religious identity are rooted in Mesopotamia’s Sumer, Babylon, and Assyrian civilizations. In recent years, Christians in Iraq have been victimized by the Baath Party, the Islamic State, and Shiite-led governments in Baghdad.
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In just a few decades of the 20th century, most of the Jewish communities - some with histories stretching back thousands of years - have been 'ethnically cleansed' from Arab countries. They fled not war, but systematic persecution.
Read MoreIn part two of this story, we continue our travels in the new world and cover the experiences, the challenges, the ups and down, special situations, the humor, the temper, and the characters that make it so colorful and memorable.
Read MoreWhen you listen to journalist Fouad Manna, you hear the past come alive through the voices of colorful characters, contemporaries, clergy, and community members. For half a century, Fouad Manna has been recognized for his superiority in the publication business, in cultural preservation, and in defense of Iraqi memory.
Read MoreBy late 2004, the time had come to say “goodbye” to our beloved Southfield Manor building. Let’s take the time to celebrate and remember the incredible 25 years we spent in our original home. Buildings come and go but the community goes on, leaving with us something special, carved in our memory. Southfield Manor was a landmark of its time, having quickly become a hub for all major events and community functions and the center for the Chaldean Iraqi American Association of Michigan (CIAAM) activities.
Read MoreCommittees are the engine of success. Southfield Manor operated with several active committees. One of the most important committees was the board of directors, which consisted of nine elected members to represent the general membership. Their duties were always conducted in the best interest of the membership and in oversight of all club administrative policies and activities.
Read MoreIn this piece, the words and names come alive and speak to us about the golden days of Southfield Manor.
Entertainment and weddings were some of the main purposes to frequent the club. Group gatherings are an extraordinary way to bond with friends over food, beverages, and card games in the nighttime. Playing cards at the club was a huge attraction and an enjoyable social activity for our members.
Read MoreThe “Club,” another name for Southfield Manor, was created 45 years ago as a community center and a venue for entertainment; generally, to create social ties and an ongoing sense of cohesion.
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