Rudy’s Prime Steakhouse in downtown Clarkston has been named Hour Detroit magazine’s 2026 Restaurant of the Year — a milestone moment for a restaurant rooted as deeply in history as it is in hospitality.

لطالما كان الشعر في قلب الثقافة العربية، وصدر الديوان وأدب المجالس كونه أقدم وسيلة استخدمها المتحدثون الأوائل في اللغة العربية لتسجيل معتقداتهم ورواياتهم وفلسفتهم. بدأ الشعر في شبه الجزيرة العربية منذ أكثر من 1500 عام، قبل الإسلام، واستمر في الشهرة ولكنه أصبح فيما بعد شكلاً لغوياً فنياً وانتشرعالمياً.

بغداد (أ ف ب) - قال مسؤولون عراقيون يوم السبت إن القوات الأمريكية انسحبت بالكامل من قاعدة جوية في غرب العراق تنفيذا لاتفاق مع الحكومة العراقية. سبق واتفقت واشنطن وبغداد في عام 2024 على إنهاء عمل التحالف الذي تقوده الولايات المتحدة والذي يقاتل تنظيم الدولة الإسلامية في العراق بحلول سبتمبر 2025، ومغادرة القوات الأمريكية القواعد التي كانت تتمركز فيها. ومع ذلك، بقيت وحدة صغيرة من المستشارين العسكريين الأمريكيين وأفراد الدعم.

The second month of the year is when we turn our attention to the topic of love. We celebrate St. Valentine’s Day, devoted to lovers, smack dab in the middle. February is also when a whole lot of wedding planning takes place, leading up to a big day—and a big deal—later in the year.

The new year is off to a great start at CCF West in West Bloomfield. Language and cooking classes are back in session, bringing fresh energy and new opportunities for learning. Before the holidays, the CCF West proudly celebrated the class completion of several students for the fall session of the Sureth and Arabic language classes.

The CCF hosted members of the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative (MCSCEI) for a tour of their Sterling Heights facility on January 12, 2026. As a proud grant recipient of the Children’s Endowment Initiative, CCF looks forward to strengthening partnerships that support children and families in our community.

In December, the CCF was nominated by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners for the Macomb County Casual Day Charitable Collections Program. With department leader permission, participating employees within Macomb County Government could wear casual clothing to work on Fridays/designated days if they donate at least one dollar to that month’s organization.

Under the patronage and presence of Mr. Abdul Qader Al-Dakheel, Governor of Nineveh, and at the kind invitation of His Excellency Mar Najeeb Mikhael, Archbishop of Mosul and Aqra for the Chaldean Catholics, and in coordination with the Iraq office of the Chaldean Community Foundation, a ceremony was held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the site of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Telkeif, marking the beginning of its rehabilitation.

Rafid Kiti etched his name into Oregon Institute of Technology men’s basketball history as one of the program’s most dominant and prolific scorers — and he may now hold a distinction that extends well beyond the court.

Vanessa Denha Garmo’s newly published book Conversations That Create the Culture explores how communication — when done with intention, consistency, and humility — shapes organizational culture, employee engagement, and the bottom line.

BAGHDAD (AP) — U.S. forces have fully withdrawn from an air base in western Iraq in implementation of an agreement with the Iraqi government, Iraqi officials said. Washington and Baghdad agreed in 2024 to wind down a U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Iraq by September 2025, with U.S. forces departing bases where they had been stationed.

For more than four decades, Coach Thaier Mukhtar has shaped one of Michigan’s most respected high school soccer programs, leading De La Salle Collegiate High School  in Warren to hundreds of victories, multiple state championships, and a reputation for excellence that extends far beyond the field.

When it comes to Chaldean weddings, the celebration has always extended beyond a single day. Layered with faith, family and detail — from the rings exchanged at the altar to the flowers carried down the aisle and from the invitation to the reception — 2026 wedding trends lean further into personalization and intentional design.

When couples tie the knot, they hope their day will be unforgettable. Fadi Y. Sitto ensures it is. Using a typewriter, Sitto listens to wedding guests and newlyweds alike, translating conversation, laughter, and quiet glances into live, spontaneous poetry.

Great style isn’t about trends, it’s about presence. Style is a language. Long before you speak, your clothes do the talking. They signal confidence, intention, and self-awareness or the lack of it. And while trends will always come and go, the way you carry yourself never goes out of style.

More than 100 attendees from West Bloomfield—city employees and business owners—gathered for Breakfast with a Champion on January 22, hosted by the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) at its West Bloomfield facility.

Marian High School marked a significant milestone late last year with the official opening of its new Wanink Art Wing and Fisher Family Science Wing, a major step forward in the school’s long-term campus improvement plan. The ribbon cutting, held October 28, celebrated the completion of Phase One of a multi-year renovation campaign aimed at enhancing both academic rigor and creative exploration for students.

From launching fast-casual restaurant concepts to building international retail and entertainment platforms, Saad Nadhir has spent a career transforming bold ideas into enduring enterprises. In 2026, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce will honor Nadhir as its Businessperson of the Year, recognizing not only his corporate achievements but also his longstanding commitment to mentorship and community leadership.

Volunteering takes many forms — from strengthening families and supporting engaged couples to empowering middle school girls. Often unseen and unpaid, volunteers are the behind-the-scenes heroes who hold a community together. Here are three stories of priceless service making a lasting impact within the Chaldean community.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a concept of the future. Most businesses already rely on it in some form—through accounting software, inventory systems, customer service platforms, or data analytics. These tools help companies move faster, process information efficiently, and make decisions with greater confidence. As AI becomes embedded in everyday business operations, it is also beginning to influence the legal services that businesses rely on.

In many Chaldean homes, the kitchen is more than a place to cook. It is where family gathers, traditions are preserved, and creativity quietly takes shape. For Rasha Shaffou and her daughter Annabel, that familiar space became the foundation for La Fleur Cupcakes, a home-based business that transforms cupcakes into intricate floral bouquets and everyday moments into meaningful memories.

Poetry has long stood at the heart of Arabic culture. For its earliest speakers, it was the primary means of recording belief systems, oral history and philosophy. Originating on the Arabian Peninsula more than 1,500 years ago—well before the rise of Islam—Arabic poetry has since become a global art form.

Community members who have recently passed away.

Iraq’s parliament has postponed the vote to elect a new president to allow further talks between the country’s two main Kurdish parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), amid an unusual dispute over the Kurdish nominee for the largely ceremonial post. Under Iraq’s post-2003 power-sharing system—well known to Iraqis and Chaldeans alike—the presidency is reserved for a Kurd, the prime ministership for a Shia Muslim, and the speaker of parliament for a Sunni Muslim, a balance meant to reflect Iraq’s diverse communities. 

Republican President Donald Trump is returning to Michigan on Tuesday to speak at the Detroit Economic Club in Detroit. The event will be held at 2 p.m. at the MotorCity Casino Sound Board theatre and is limited to club members and their guests. This marks Trump’s third appearance before the Detroit Economic Club and his first visit to Michigan in 2026. His speech will coincide with the start of the Detroit Auto Show. It’s not yet clear whether he’ll make any other stops in the state. Trump has frequently visited Michigan for campaign events and presidential visits in recent years.

Launched in 2023 by a group of young Syriac (Chaldean-Assyrian-Aramean) activists in Germany, Syriac-History is a digital archive and media initiative dedicated to restoring an often-marginalized history to today’s online public square.

On December 11, CCF West celebrated Chaldean Cultural Night featuring artist Reni Stephan and Fr. Patrick Setto. Both Stephan and Setto shared powerful reflections on art, faith, and the spiritual guidance that inspires creativity. Their stories highlighted the deep connection between culture, religion, and the artistic journey.

CCF President Martin Manna had a meeting with the Board of Trustees of the American University of Iraq–Baghdad to discuss key priorities supporting the university’s continued growth and success.

The CCF is seeking nomination for Best Community Organization and Fundraising Gala for Best of Detroit presented by Hour Detroit! Nominations can be cast from now through January 9th. 

On December 15, CCF West hosted 20 kids, ages 8–15, for a fun, hands-on experience decorating their own holiday cookies. With pre-measured dough, festive cookie cutters, frosting, sprinkles, and candy decorations, the kids let their creativity shine. After baking and decorating, each participant boxed up their cookies to take home.

Cousins Jonny Mansour and Julius Ballo each earned convincing victories Saturday night in Los Angeles, thrilling hometown fans while winning bouts on the same professional card. Mansour (5-0, 2 KOs) cruised to a six-round unanimous decision over Marc Antonio Juarez Rodriguez of Mexico (12-9-3) in a lightweight bout, winning every round on all scorecards. Mansour controlled the fight with a sharp jab, steady footwork and poise, even showboating late as the crowd cheered.

Long before the holiday music plays and the last gift is wrapped, a small army of volunteers gathers in a Macomb County space to sort, wrap, and organize presents. Each package is assembled with care so that a child in foster care will open something personal and know they are not forgotten. For nearly 20 years, that work has been centered around one woman and a simple promise: to make sure no child in foster care goes without at Christmas.

The history of doors in ancient civilizations—and especially in the Middle East—is remarkable. Gates and wooden doors have existed since the dawn of civilization. According to the Bible, King Solomon commissioned olive wood doors for his temple. Ancient Mesopotamians and Egyptians also used wooden doors in their homes and temples.

Dr. Crystal Kassab Jabiro successfully defended her dissertation titled “Ethnic Identity Development of Chaldean American Youth” at Indiana Wesleyan University on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Winner of over 50 international film awards and now streaming in 25 countries, Pomegranate by Weam Namou comes to the big screen at Emagine Theater in Royal Oak (200 North Main Street) on December 7 from 3pm to 6pm EST.

Jonathan Elias, Metro Detroit’s own “Pastry Guru,” recently returned to the national spotlight with a new appearance on Food Network’s Sweet Empire: Winter Wars. Competing among a select group of top dessert artists from across the country, Elias showcased his signature creativity, precision and larger-than-life pastry imagination in this high-stakes holiday competition.

Last month, guest chefs Samira Cholagh and May Denha guided participants through the art of making Kleecha, Kahi, and Maa’Kacha. Hands-on sessions offered more than just recipes, they fostered connections, cultural pride, and delicious memories. Each session invites you to team up with fellow food lovers, learn from talented Chaldean community members, and create authentic dishes in a welcoming, hands-on environment.

In partnership with MDHHS and Ageways Michigan, CCF West hosted a meaningful community dialogue with Chaldean seniors to help shape the Michigan Plan on Aging. Participants shared personal experiences about aging in Michigan, highlighting key needs around transportation, mobility, food access, and overall well-being. Tammy Lemmer from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) facilitated the discussion.

Last month, our B.E.A.M. Project participants attended nutrition classes at CCF West presented by Amy Safaoui, a Michigan State University Extension Community Instructor fluent in Arabic. Amy works closely with Arab and Chaldean communities across Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties, helping families build lasting healthy habits.

The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) has partnered with the city of Sterling Heights for the 47th Annual Ken Stempowski Memorial Food Drive, providing food assistance to families in need this holiday season. Now through December 17, a donation bin will be available at the CCF (Sterling Heights location) to accept non-perishable food donations during office hours.

As we close out the year, this December issue invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with our heritage, our families, and the communities that sustain us. The end of the year has a way of drawing us back to what matters most, and across these pages you’ll find a theme that carries through each story: the power of belonging, whether expressed through gratitude, service, shared history, or the simple joy of being together.

One of the great privileges of my work with the Iraqi Embassy over the years has been meeting and collaborating with remarkable Iraqi diplomats who have become brothers to me—as we call one another. Recently, Iraq’s Parliament approved a long-delayed slate of new ambassadors, and I was thrilled to see at least five of these colleagues elevated to the rank of ambassador.

In addressing this difficult subject, I must first make a clarification: I am not a theologian or an ethicist. I am a physician who has faced end-of-life issues many times over my 37-year career in pediatric oncology. This article is guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church—its Catechism and moral tradition—and by the Catholic Medical Association, of which I was a member. If I have made any errors, I welcome correction and comment.

The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) Iraq Mission has been closely monitoring the 2025 national parliamentary elections. With permanent staff in the Nineveh Plain and ongoing work and visits in the region, the CCF has established strong relationships with political leadership.

Every family has its own story, but some stand out because they’re built on quiet strength and shared purpose. For brothers Rami and Noor Yasi, their path in real estate and mortgage lending grew from early lessons that shaped them long before they entered the industry. What began as a simple desire to help others find stability has become a lifelong calling rooted in compassion and hard work.

Telleskuf (Tel Keppe) is a Chaldean name composed of two parts: Tella Zqeepa — Tella meaning “hill” and Zqeepa meaning “upright” or “cross.” The town’s origins date to the mid–second millennium B.C. Ancient manuscripts reference Telleskuf. In the archives of the Chaldean Diocese of Kirkuk, there is a manuscript written in 1582 by Abraham bin Bid‘a of Telleskuf.

The Chaldean Hockey League is a delicate balance of fierce competition, camaraderie and community. Games in the weekly league are hard-fought, and emotions run high—especially in the playoffs, when the coveted Telga Cup, the league’s version of the NHL’s Stanley Cup, is on the line.

There’s a reason our hearts feel different when the seasons change. It’s not weakness, it’s rhythm. As the days get darker, our bodies slow down too. The holidays can bring joy, but they can also overwhelm and bring stress. In Chaldean homes, this season is full of warmth and family, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Many people find themselves pushing to stay okay when what they really need is a little space to rest and reset.

DOHUK, Iraq (AP) — Members of Iraqi security forces and displaced people living in camps, including minority Yazidis, cast their ballots Sunday in early voting ahead of this week's parliamentary election in Iraq. The election, which will help determine whether Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani gets a second term, comes against the backdrop of fears of another conflict between Israel and Iran, and Iraq’s balancing act with Tehran and Washington.

Sterling Heights formally welcomed four new police officers and four firefighter/EMTs in October 2025. These officers were officially sworn in on October 7 by Police Chief Andrew Satterfield before the Sterling Heights City Council, marking the beginning of their careers serving the community. The four officers (as introduced) were Tyler Secluna, Miranda Diaowd, Adam Mays and Andy Cafritzas.

High school students Charlize Sitto and Elinor Jwaydah turned their personal experiences with asthma into an innovative awareness campaign for kids and families. What began as frustration and confusion over a misunderstood condition became Lung Quest—a colorful board game that teaches asthma management through play—and Breathe Boost, a digital platform and app offering kid-friendly tips, demos, and resources.

Nana Bernadette Sarafa’s Kitchen came alive with the aromas of Takhratha during the CCF West’s first cooking demonstration with Anmar Sarafa. In each class, students team up with fellow food lovers, learn from talented Chaldean community members, and create authentic dishes in a fun, hands-on environment.

Balance and Breathe classes for caregivers and adults 60 years and up takes place on Mondays and Fridays from 11:30am-12:15pm at CCF in Sterling Heights (3601 15 Mile Rd.) now through March 2026. Participants are encouraged to arrive by 11:00am.

CCF West hosted a special Movie Night for adults with special needs and their families — featuring Disney’s Hocus Pocus! Guests enjoyed a cozy theater experience with friends, snacks, and lots of laughter.

On October 10, the CCF in Sterling Heights welcomed Turning Point for an all-staff training focused on the cultural aspects of the Chaldean community. Turning Point empowers survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources while advocating for community action to end oppression and violence.

November calls us to pause — to gather with loved ones, share a meal, and give thanks for the blessings that surround us. For the Chaldean community, gratitude runs deeper than a single season. It is rooted in faith, family, and tradition — values that have carried the community through hardship and continue to illuminate its future. This month, we celebrate that spirit through stories that reflect generosity, perseverance, and pride in heritage.

“Art and architecture have long inspired one another, each shaping imagination, innovation, and cultural memory.” Visitors to the new Chaldean Community Foundation building in West Bloomfield, CCF West, are greeted by a vibrant collection of artworks celebrating faith, culture, and history. The walls feature depictions of the Freedom Monument, King Nebuchadnezzar II, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Martyrs Wall, the Tree of Life, the Ishtar and Sennacherib Gates, and more. Many of these works were commissioned by the CCF and brought to life by artist Reni Stephan.

Old bridges and arches are living monuments that carry the weight of history. They are not merely structures to cross rivers and roads—they have facilitated communication, trade, and human interaction between friends and foes alike. Over time, they have shaped culture, geography, and historical memory. Few bridges illustrate this as vividly as Pira Dalal, or the Dalal Bridge, in Zakho, northern Iraq.

We may be thousands of miles away from our homeland, but the essence of who we are shouldn’t fade with distance. For Chaldean Americans including myself and many others – children of immigrants, either born or raised in a new world – our existence is defined by an ongoing struggle between embracing the culture we inhabit and holding on to our identity. We are fortunate to live in a country that has given us opportunity, safety, and freedom, and for that, we are endlessly grateful. Yet, amid the beauty of assimilation, we should always remember the subtle, strong reminders of our origins.

Long before a student steps into a courtroom or writes their first brief, there is a moment of realization that something within them is meant for this path. It might come from witnessing an injustice or from the understanding that words have power when used to defend what is right. Within the Chaldean community, that moment carries profound meaning. It grows from generations who built their lives on faith and perseverance, and who believed that success means nothing unless it uplifts others.

Dr. Nathima Atchoo, born on December 28, 1931, in Iraq, passed away on February 5, 2025, receiving her heavenly reward.

استقبلت ورحبت مؤسسة الجالية الكلدانية بالرئيس السابق لمجلس النواب العراقي (محمد الحلبوسي) وعقيلته والوفد المرافق في المركز الثقافي الكلداني في نادي شانندوا يوم السبت 7 ديسمبر 2024

لطالما‭ ‬ارتبط‭ ‬تاريخ‭ ‬الكلدان‭ ‬في‭ ‬العراق‭ ‬بمعالمه‭ ‬المقدّسة‭ ‬وأديرته‭ ‬التي‭ ‬تحكي‭ ‬قصص‭ ‬الإيمان‭ ‬والصمود‭ ‬عبر‭ ‬الأجيال‭. ‬ولكن‭ ‬في‭ ‬هذا‭ ‬المقال،‭ ‬ننطلق‭ ‬في‭ ‬رحلة‭ ‬مختلفة‭ ‬إلى‭ ‬قلب‭ ‬مؤسسة‭ ‬روحية‭ ‬عريقة‭: ‬الرهبنة‭ ‬الأنطونية‭ ‬الهرمزدية‭ ‬الكلدانية‭. ‬هذه‭ ‬الرهبنة،‭ ‬رغم‭ ‬استقلالها‭ ‬عن‭ ‬الهيكل‭ ‬الكنسي‭ ‬التقليدي،‭ ‬تُشكّل‭ ‬رافدًا‭ ‬مكمّلًا‭ ‬للرسالة‭ ‬الروحية‭ ‬والثقافية‭ ‬للكنيسة‭ ‬الكلدانية‭.‬

Explore unique gift ideas from our curated list of local merchants and artisans.

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday November 20, 2024, passed a bipartisan resolution calling for greater support for the human rights and dignity of religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq, including the Chaldean community.

It’s often said, “It takes a village,” meaning that people rely on their communities to help raise and support their families. This principle extends to making a positive impact on the world around us. A common thread across cultures, religions, and communities is a commitment to charity and service.

At Saroki Architecture, father and son Victor and Alex embody the past and future of the field. For them, architecture is both an art form and a practical endeavor, merging technological skills with design and aesthetics.

On the ruins of an ancient mound and its surroundings lies the city of Tel Keppe, named after this very mound. Its history traces back to the several centuries before Christ, evidenced by artifacts excavated there, specifically on the site of the current cemetery.

Talat Karmo’s 42-year career—so far—aligns well with his authorship of 42 U.S. patents, mostly for General Motors and Ford Motor Company. Karmo holds a Ph.D. in polymer chemistry. Now 70 and twice retired, he has taken on a new challenge, demonstrating a reluctance to step away from the intellectual and emotional energy he finds in the workplace.

In a world often marked by division and misunderstanding, Matthew Howard, a seasoned communications professional and executive producer of Common Home TV, is on a mission to amplify the voices of those working for peace and justice.

Mesopotamia, often called the “birthplace of civilization,” was one of the earliest centers where the development of philosophy, religion, science, and technology helped humanity transition from prehistoric times into the modern era.

Community members who have recently passed away.

The 21st Annual Meeting and Board Election for the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce was held on Wednesday, November 13 at Shenandoah Country Club. Over 150 members came together to network and participate in the voting process.

Sister Therese Shikwana’s journey is a powerful testament to faith, resilience, and dedication to service. She has played a pivotal role in the Chaldean community and the Chaldean Catholic Diocese.

he Shaya brothers continued their unprecedented run at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 boys tennis state tournament this season. Pierce Shaya, a senior at Bloomfield Hills High School, won his fourth flight state championship. His high school tennis career is over, but he’ll be playing for the University of Michigan men’s tennis team next season.

According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, 3 in 5 Americans report that the holidays negatively impact their mental health. Despite the celebratory spirit, family conflicts, financial strain, and loneliness can magnify the stress people who struggle with mental health experience during the holidays.

As we transition from autumn to winter, change is all around us — leaves are taking on new colors, temperatures are dropping, and the days are getting shorter. But you can also experience different seasons in various aspects of your life — including when you invest. What are the seasons of an investor’s life? And how should you respond to them?

Over the past two decades, CN’s December cover stories have captured the evolving cultural, religious, and social fabric of the Chaldean community, showcasing key moments, traditions, and achievements.

In recent local elections, Chaldean candidates have made significant strides, securing key positions and bringing attention to the importance of representation at the community level. These small victories highlight the critical need for diverse voices in local government, where decisions directly impact daily life.

Chaldean Community Foundation Board Chair Sylvester Sandiha has been recognized by Crain’s as a “Notable Nonprofit Board Leader” for his work with the CCF. Sandiha works to raise awareness of CCF’s impact on the community by bringing together community, faith and political leaders.

There’s a new kind of therapy in town. Located in the heart of West Bloomfield, Social Pediatric Therapy specializes in providing essential therapy services for children to support their communication and developmental needs.

Jonathan Elias returns yet again to the Food Network! Host Jeff Mauro leads the merry eight-episode competition series Holiday Wars, where nine teams of elite cake, sugar and cookie artists (including our favorite Pastry Guru) compete in over-the-top confectionary challenges inspired by the season.

The Chaldean Community Foundation hosted its first ever Early Voting site from October 26-November 3 for Sterling Heights and Utica residents. Within the nine days of early voting, the CCF saw 8,050 voters come through its doors. Many first-time voters came through the CCF as well, with great excitement around being able to participate in the voting process.

November was Family Caregiver Month in the state of Michigan, and a perfect opportunity to shed some insight into the programming offered through the CCF’s Breaking Barriers program. A half-hour program called “Real Possibilities” through AARP Michigan airing on ABC 53 in the mid-Michigan area is recognizing CCF’s C.H.A.I. (Caregiver Helping Aid Initiative) Project.

After attending six months of learning and connecting with area top leaders, cultivating leadership skills, and developing relationships, the Learn with a Leader program got together for the last time as a cohort. In collaboration with CCF and Wireless Vision, Learn with a Leader graduates were honored November 6 during their program graduation at Shenandoah Country Club.

The CCF’s H.E.A.L. Project participated in a revolutionary driver’s education program catered to those who are hearing-impaired. Thanks to the generous support from AAA The Auto Club Group, the program revolutionized driver education with a cutting-edge driving simulator.

يأخذنا استكشاف جاذبية المجوهرات والأحجار الكريمة العتيقة في رحلة عبر الزمن، لنستكشف القصص والجمال الموجود داخل هذه الكنوز العتيقة إذ لعبت المجوهرات دوراً مهماً في الحضارات والمجتمع وتاريخه الطويل وتم العثور على العديد من الأحجار الكريمة وقطع المجوهرات الفريدة من نوعها بين كل الحضارات القديمة وفي جميع أنحاء العالم.

على‭ ‬أطلال‭ ‬تل‭ ‬أثري‭ ‬ومحيطه،‭ ‬تقع‭ ‬مدينة‭ ‬تلكيف‭ ‬التي‭ ‬تستمد‭ ‬اسمها‭ ‬من‭ ‬هذا‭ ‬التل‭. ‬يعود‭ ‬تاريخها‭ ‬إلى‭ ‬قرون‭ ‬عديدة‭ ‬قبل‭ ‬الميلاد،‭ ‬بدليل‭ ‬القطع‭ ‬الأثرية‭ ‬التي‭ ‬وجدها‭ ‬المنقبون‭ ‬في‭ ‬ذلك‭ ‬التل،‭ ‬الذي‭ ‬هو‭ ‬المقبرة‭ ‬الحالية‭. ‬اسمها‭ ‬في‭ ‬اللغة‭ ‬الكلدانية‭ ‬“تل‭ ‬كيبي”،‭ ‬ويقابلها‭ ‬“تل‭ ‬الحجارة”‭ ‬باللغة‭ ‬العربية‭. ‬كانت‭ ‬تسمى‭ ‬“شبيتيان‭.‬

وتتميز اللهجة العراقية بأنها تحتوي على عدد كبير من المفردات والأساليب التي تميزها عن اللهجات الأخرى، فاللغة المستخدمة في وسائل الإعلام والعمل الرسمي هي أقرب إلى اللغة العربية الفصحى، ولكن اللهجات الشفهية الشائعة بين عامة الناس تختلف باختلاف المناطق ولا توجد لهجة محددة في مناطق العراق فمثلا" لهجة أهل البصرة لا تتشابه مع لهجة باقي مدن الجنوب وهي لهجة بني تميم وأهل ساحل الخليج والتي تمتاز بقلب الجيم إلى ياء.