Sister Cities
Ankawa Mayor Ramy Noori Awdish and Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor signing the Sister City agreement.
Sterling Heights and Ankawa agreement is official
By Adhid Miri, Ph.D.
The concept of a “global village” has increasingly become a reality, reflected in various international collaborations. In this context, Sterling Heights, Michigan, and Ankawa-Erbil, Iraq, are planning a long-lasting and mutually beneficial sister city relationship. This partnership aims to offer citizens of both cities enriching international and multicultural experiences while broadening their horizons.
What is a Sister City?
Sister cities, also known as twin cities, twin towns, or partner cities, are urban centers that establish a partnership over time. While there are no formal criteria for these relationships, twin cities are generally comparable in status, size, and population diversity. The primary goal is to promote cultural exchange and human contact.
Sister cities are cities or towns in different countries that collaborate to enhance cultural links and human interactions. In Europe, these partnerships are termed twin towns, while other regions use terms like friendship towns or partner towns. In North America, the term “sister cities” is commonly used. The relationship is formalized when the highest elected or appointed officials from both communities sign an agreement.
Each sister city organization operates independently, pursuing activities that are significant to their community, including municipal, business, trade, educational, and cultural exchanges. The concept extends to various forms of collaboration, from symbolic gestures to meaningful economic and cultural partnerships.
History
The tradition of town twinning dates back to the 9th century when Paderborn, Germany, formalized a friendship with Le Mans, France. In 1931, Toledo, Ohio, became one of the first U.S. cities to establish such a relationship, pairing with its namesake in Spain. If you travel to that historic Spanish city today, you’ll find a street called Calle Toledo de Ohio just a stone’s throw from its iconic 16th-century palace, the Alcazar. Over time, many cities have formed similar partnerships for reasons ranging from shared interests to publicity.
In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower launched the Sister City International initiative during a White House summit on citizen diplomacy. That year, Paris and Rome signed their twinning pact. Twin cities often have long, fruitful ties, though some may also establish “friendship city” links as a secondary form of partnership.
Background
The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) has facilitated a sister city relationship between Sterling Heights and Ankawa, Erbil, Iraq. Sterling Heights hosts the largest Iraqi-Chaldean community outside Iraq, while Ankawa-Erbil is known for its significant Chaldean population.
Sterling Heights and Ankawa share common characteristics, including substantial Chaldean populations. A ceremonial signing with Ankawa’s Mayor Ramy Noori Awdish and Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor took place on Friday, September 13 at the Chaldean Community Foundation. This partnership is expected to enhance mutual understanding and benefit both communities socially and economically.
Ankawa-Erbil
Ankawa is a suburb of Erbil in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, located 8 kilometers northwest of downtown Erbil. The area is predominantly Chaldean, with 90% of its residents identifying as Christians. After the fall of Mosul, many Christians who had been displaced came to Ankawa where the Chaldean Catholic Church and other international organizations provided them with support.
Ankawa has experienced rapid development in recent years, including advancements in education and technology. In 2021, Ankawa gained administrative autonomy, allowing it to elect its mayor and manage local security.
Tourism in Ankawa has increased, with many visitors coming from Baghdad and other cities. The suburb has also seen significant construction and development, including international schools and restaurants. The American consulate is nearby, and Ankawa has provided support to displaced Christians following the fall of Mosul.
Historic Initiative
The CCF, Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC), and Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor have been working on establishing a sister city agreement with Ankawa. This partnership aims to enhance cultural and economic ties between the two communities.
Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor emphasized the significance of this agreement, noting that it represents more than just a symbolic gesture. The city council unanimously adopted a resolution to establish the sister city initiative, following months of discussions with Ankawa representatives. Since a delegation from Ankawa came for a visit and to sign the partnership agreement, there is potential for reciprocal visits to foster deeper connections. “In turn, I hope at some point we can send a delegation from Sterling Heights to Ankawa to learn more about their city, its residents, and its business community, firsthand,” stated Mayor Taylor.
Potential Areas of Collaboration
Economic Relationship: The agreement aims to create meaningful economic ties between the cities, potentially impacting both communities.
Chaldean Community Foundation and CACC: The partnership seeks to demonstrate the positive impact of the Chaldean community and support Iraqi diaspora efforts.
Training Exchanges and Networking Programs: Initiatives will focus on workforce training and entrepreneurial support, leveraging the Chaldean-American business community.
Public Relations and Tourism: Efforts will address tourism challenges in Ankawa and promote the region’s cultural and historical significance.
Agriculture and Water: Collaboration may involve agricultural leaders and water management experts to support sustainable solutions.
Education: Partnerships with local universities and the Catholic University of Erbil (CUE) aim to create transformative educational opportunities.
Health Sector: Potential exchanges with health professionals and facilities will enhance healthcare services.
Volunteer Programs: The sister city concept will support people-to-people exchanges and local volunteer efforts to foster mutual understanding.
Impact
The sister city partnership between Sterling Heights and Ankawa presents an opportunity to support a significant region and strengthen ties within these communities. The initiative aims to serve as a model for exchanging knowledge and best practices in citizen diplomacy.
References: Wikipedia, the Macomb Daily, City of Sterling Heights website.