Farook(Abo al Gus), Hussam (Iraqchat.com), Jamal (customer)Pictures from the Festival
El Cajon, California 2000
Farook(Abo al Gus), Hussam (Iraqchat.com), Jamal (customer)
Iraqi Gus, Zlabia, Leben Arbil (Sales
Department)
Iraqi Clutural Center at the Festival
Farook, The Best Gus Maker, From West of the Euphrates and East of the Tigris
River. was imported from Detroit to San Diego by Salam standing next to him to
make the Gus..!
(Kurdish booth, and two ladies dressed in the traditional Kurdish costume)
The Iraqi Cultural booth with Wedad (Electrical Eng. by profession) explaining
to this American visitor the meaning and the myth behind the Hand (Cheff) and
how it keep away bad spirits ..!
(the Famous Iraqi Zlabia in the center of this page..!
The highlights of the Iraqi representation was the Cultural center which was ran by Three Sisters, (A Philosophy Professor at San Diego State University, an Electrical Engineer and Marketing Anylist) They had dressed in the Iraqi Traditional Dresses, and were educating visitors from all over the world about our Culture , Traditions, History, Myths, Music, and every other aspect of our beloved country Iraq and its people.
The Most successful event was the Iraqi Chaldian and Kurdish Dancers who took center stage and danced to traditional Northern Iraqi Music.
The Iraqi experience was fulfilled by the Iraqi Food, especially the Iraqi Gus, and Chai (from a Semawer of course..!) and "Zlabia" for sweets.
My Favorite personal observation of the festival, The single men and women from last year were married this year, the married couples from last year had their kids this year, and the kids from last year are single young men and women seeking merrage this year..! and all of them were walking around the park, seeking different goals and objectives. Its a great feeling to see your community healthy and growing..! God Bless All Iraqis
However the Sad part of the festival in my opinion was how divided Iraqis are, since Iraq was the only country with 4 different locations at the festival grounds, we had the Iraqi Al Rafedain Club, the Chaldian Club, The Kurdish Club, and the Assyrian Club, all from one country one community yet divided an unorganized effort and representation of Iraq. Everyone promised that next year all Iraqi Related Booths will be located under one big tent called IRAQ..!