Ishtartv.com - syriacpress.com

 14/09/2025

SHAQLAWA, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – On Friday evening, the courtyard of the Chaldean Church in Shaqlawa came alive with colors, aromas, and memories as an exhibition of traditional cuisine and handicrafts opened. The event marked part of the Feast of the Cross celebrations, one of the region’s most important religious and social occasions. 

The exhibition, organized by the Shaqlabad Organization for Youth Development in collaboration with the Safin Nights Family Club, was attended by the Director General of Syriac Culture and Arts, Kaldo Ramzi Oghanna in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). He described the event as “a vivid embodiment of the essence of our folk heritage and the creativity of our youth and women,” noting that the atmosphere was “adorned with authentic flavors and handcrafted works that reflect a deep sense of belonging and identity.” 

More than a display of traditional foods or artisanal creations, the exhibition celebrated the collective memory of a community striving to reconnect with its roots in a rapidly changing world that often overlooks such rich cultural details. 

Tables laden with traditional dishes—from stuffed kibbeh to a variety of tandoor breads—evoked the rituals of family and village life for attendees. Meanwhile, the handicrafts reflected the distinct touch of women and men who have turned their craft into an act of resistance against cultural erasure. 

The event saw enthusiastic participation, with attendees engaging in far more than sampling food or buying handicrafts. It fostered meaningful intergenerational dialogue on the importance of preserving Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian heritage in an era of globalization. The youth and women, who played a central role in organizing the exhibition, did not simply replicate inherited traditions; they reimagined them, blending the past with a modern spirit.

Held under the patronage of the General Directorate of Syriac Culture and Arts and with the blessing of the Chaldean Church in Shaqlawa, the exhibition took on an institutional dimension, becoming part of a broader cultural initiative aimed at preserving Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian heritage and emphasizing its role in shaping the region’s diverse identity. 

Despite its festive atmosphere, the event serves a purpose beyond entertainment or religious commemoration. Organizers described it as “a bridge connecting generations to their roots,” offering young people opportunities to actively engage in preserving identity and enriching cultural heritage. 

In a city like Shaqlawa, where diverse communities and traditions intersect, the Feast of the Cross festival becomes a gathering space that demonstrates how popular culture can serve as a unifying force. It bridges the past and present, balancing what is feared lost with what communities strive to reclaim.