The CN’s Michigan Humanities Grant culminated in an 84-page commemorative issue of the Chaldean News. This special booklet includes all material gathered for the grant, including the history of the community both in Iraq and in the U.S., particularly in southeastern Michigan.
Read MoreWhen Chaldeans first came to Detroit, they struggled to integrate into American society and learn the language. They had their own unique culture, one that was different from that of other Americans and most immigrants. At first, this was a point of pride for Chaldeans. Their faith, family values, tight-knit community, and work ethic ultimately led to success in a foreign land. Chaldeans raised their families in the same traditions that they came from and passed down their culture successfully.
Read MoreThe Chaldean News and Chaldean Community Foundation hosted a “Culture Night” to celebrate and showcase Chaldean culture. More than 200 people attended the event, many of whom were not Chaldean. The guests enjoyed traditional Chaldean foods like potato chop and geymar, among others. The event marked the end of a months-long grant series called the Chaldean Story. Last year, the Chaldean News received a grant from Michigan Humanities’ Great Michigan Stories, which is meant to highlight untold stories in Michigan.
Read MoreIn the vast landscape of America’s cultural mosaic, the Chaldean community stands out not only for its rich heritage but also for its remarkable closeness. Nestled within the broader spectrum of Iraqi Americans, which include Assyrians and Syriacs, Chaldean Americans have cultivated a distinct identity characterized by a deep sense of unity and familial ties.
Read MoreChaldean News staff Dr. Adhid Miri was invited to speak at a “Storytellers on Sunday” event held May 19 at Palmer Park Log Cabin. The cultural neighborhood event included a book swap and discussion (stories) with four guests, including Dr. Miri.
Read MoreDating back to ancient Mesopotamia, the Epic of Gilgamesh stands as one of the oldest known works of literature in human history. This epic poem, written on clay tablets in cuneiform script, tells the story of Gilgamesh, the legendary half-god king of Uruk, and his quest for immortality. Through its portrayal of heroic deeds, friendship, and the inevitability of mortality, the Epic of Gilgamesh reflects the concerns and values of society in ancient Mesopotamia.
Read MoreAt the young age of four, Omar Jarbo began playing the zurna, following in his father’s footsteps. It’s a woodwind instrument with a double reed, just like an oboe. Different versions of it are widely played in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Balkans. When Jarbo was only eleven years old, he entertained audiences in Tel Keppe during events, even at weddings that went on for two to three days. “We would travel from store to store, home to home, playing music,” he explained with emotion. “Life there was absolutely beautiful.”
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Nestled along the shores of a great river, Detroit’s story is one of triumph over adversity. From its humble beginnings as a French fur-trading post to its rise as the automotive capital of the world, Detroit has weathered economic downturn, social upheaval, and urban decay. Yet, amidst the challenges, one constant has remained – the power of faith to inspire, unite, and uplift.
Read More“Geography informs your fate,” says Dr. Adhid Miri. What he means by that is our environment has an immense influence on our chosen trade or livelihood. The Silk Road—interwoven passages, caravan routes, and byways that stretched from China to the eastern Mediterranean—connected with other important trade routes in ancient Mesopotamia, giving rise to a culture adept at trade.
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Back in 1937, a group of Chaldean Iraqi Christians traveled from Telkaif to Mosul, then to Adana to board a cargo ship bound for America. However, the United States was not their final destination. Upon reaching Ellis Island, New York City’s famous point of entry, they would board another ship, this one bound for Veracruz, which was then the main port of entry into Mexico.
Read MoreApril is National Cannabis Awareness Month, so we wanted to take the opportunity to give you an update on the industry and on the status of the opposition to legalized marijuana. The legal industry is still young; we know that many Chaldeans have gotten in on the ground floor, capitalizing on their shrewd business skills. But others are not happy with the new legal status.
Read MoreEven before the 2020 election that featured a national explosion of approval for ballot proposals legalizing marijuana production, processing and sales, the industry had taken off, with Michigan among the most lucrative states for cannabis crop sales. However, the lure of marijuana money comes with expensive federal tax headaches, restrictions on trade across state lines, and a depressed market overcrowded with licensees.
Read MoreIn the tapestry of history, the contributions of remarkable women often remain woven in the shadows, their stories hidden beneath layers of time, patterns, and societal norms. Yet, within the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of the Chaldean community, a garment of strength, resilience, and empowerment emerges; one adorned with the narratives of extraordinary women who have defied expectations and altered the weave.
Read MorePart III The Chaldeans’ journey to Detroit is a story constantly being rewritten as the community grows and evolves. It would be relatively simple to characterize Chaldeans in the early 1900s; their differences from other immigrants left them with few options besides the assembly line, menial labor, or starting their own farmers market stalls and eventually small storefronts.
Read MorePart II Ancient Mesopotamia was home to many great civilizations over different time periods. Because of the people and their inventions, the area is famous for many things, even as history is taught today, and is credited with the birth of society and cities. Writing, agriculture, laws, math, astronomy, city-states, architecture, and many more aspects of modern-day society that we take for granted originated in this area and within these communities.
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To commemorate the 20th anniversary of publishing the Chaldean News, we take this opportunity to look back and honor the first Chaldean newspapers published in the US. We remember a host of Chaldean Iraqi immigrants who were journalists, writers, poets, and media entrepreneurs, and we celebrate their accomplishments here in America.
Read MoreThe traditions, values, interpretations, and actions of Christians change drastically throughout history. As Chaldeans were likely among the religion’s first converts, our community has followed those changes and is still experiencing them today.
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