In the world of culinary delights, few things can match the mouthwatering tang and flavor offered by a good old-fashioned Iraqi mango pickle (amba). To tell the story of amba, or as it is popularly known in India, Aam ka Achar, we must begin with the story of Indian Ocean trade and the long-standing historical network of merchants who traversed this massive body of water for millennia bringing spices, people, and ideas to Basra-Iraq from all directions.
Read MoreMartin Luther is credited with saying, “Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven. Thus, let us drink beer!” Beer is one of the oldest drinks known to man. Before Adolphus Busch, Arthur Amstel, and Samuel Adams – before Budweiser, Miller Lite, Coors, Michelob, the English Newcastle Brown Ale, the Irish Guinness, the Dutch Heineken, the Mexican Corona, the Belgian Stella Artois, and the Australian Fosters, there was Mesopotamian beer from Sumer.
Read MoreAmong the many inventions credited to Mesopotamian cultures, most notably the Sumerians, are the first written language, first code of law, first urbanization in the form of city-states, first astronomical calendar, and first numerical system based on 60 (seconds in a minute, minutes in an hour). They also invented the idea of a 24-hour day and the concept of zero!
Read MoreJerry Yono’s story begins in the famed town of Telkeppe, Iraq, on June 7, 1940. Most were farmers back then, according to Jerry, and his father was no different. His most nascent memory is walking to and from the well to fetch water.
Read MoreMany of the faithful visit the Vatican or Holy Land, Our Lady of Fatima, or Lourdes. In each of these places, there is something unique that you may not find in the next. Many pilgrims visit ancient churches with centuries of history to unpack, or places of devotion to saints. No matter where you may find yourself, there is a divine call to enter more deeply into your relationship with the Lord.
Read MoreThe Christians of Iraq are one of the oldest continuous Christian communities in the world. The vast majority are indigenous Aramaic-speaking people who descend from ancient Babylonia, Chaldea, and Assyria, and follow the Syriac Christian tradition.
Read MoreIt has been said that what shapes a person is the books they’ve read, the people they’ve met, and the places they’ve traveled. This applies directly to Habib Hannona’s life journey and philosophy. As an avid reader and ardent culturist, he has read hundreds, perhaps thousands of books in various languages over the years.
Read MoreRon Boji is an extremely successful businessman who happens to base many of his life decisions on a series of “Louie-isms” – sayings he has heard his entire life from his father, Louie (Louay) Boji, a successful businessman in his own right.
Read MorePioneers deserve recognition and celebration. They serve as our foundation, a guiding force toward an advanced and progressive society. They act as catalysts for passing wisdom onto new generations, inspiring individuals to become their best selves. Habib Hannona is a living example of one such pioneer. His achievements in the United States, Kuwait, and Iraq exemplify human strength, enduring spirit, survival, and success.
Read MoreIvan Jaddou has taken anything but a traditional Chaldean path. He forged his own way, forcing himself into one of the world’s toughest industries, mainly through sheer hard work and inspired drive. At every turn, Jaddou proved that he can compete with and should be ranked among the world’s top shoe designers.
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