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A reality from Hawler

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Add caption This photo was taken in 2004 in Hawler. Please note the sign behind him.   A man his age should be telling stories to grand kids at home, not sell rosaries on some sidewalk :( This photo taken in 2010 of the same guy in the same exact spot in Hawler I asked if he remembered me buying rosaries from him in 2004? After a long conversation, I learned more about his personal life.  I decided to buy a few more rosaries, however, he refused to accept anything in return despite his poverty!
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Nawruz is Back in an Akrawi Style

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Fire Flames Beautifully Illuminating the Evening Sky of Akre I told my family that I just have to be in Akre for March 20th. "What is so special with Akre?," you might be asking. Akre is the only town in Kurdistan that, in my opinion, portrays the rituals of Nawruz at its best. The first thing I asked my family was to please target Akre for Nawruz-eve. I was too happy to see them agree accompanying me to the bonfire there. It is rather a challenge for a young lady to attend places like Akre all alone in Kurdistan. In my mind I had the game all planned but I dared not to disclose anything with my family fearing their refusal to accompany me or refusal to attend the rituals Every year, thousands of Kurds and non-Kurds go to Akre to watch the fire flames beautifully illuminating the evening sky of the town. Hundreds of the town’s young adults carry fire touches and begin climbing 354 steps to the top of the highest mountain in Akre, known as Kale. My Nawruz Jewel from Akre...
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The Start of an Academic Year in Kurdistan

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The Start of an Academic Year in Kurdistan,  Students hanging out in the college yard before class starts As you walk through the bazaars and along the streets here in Kurdistan, you will see parents with their kids, busy buying school supplies, sewing school uniforms, and getting ready to have whatever it takes for a successful academic year. College students are also busy buying new clothes, thinking of how they should dress and what to expect out of their courses this year. As for myself, I am a lecturer and being brought up in America, other things are of bigger concern to me. I am worried more about the expectations students have of me. I am worried about the first day. What should I expect? I called every friend I have to explain my worries about the first day of teaching. Will they understand my English, I asked? Will we have a nice professor-student relationship? Will they respect my class rules and regulations? Afternoon traffic in the Duhok city The first th...
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