Knights of Dialogue / 19
Jamil Qawal / Sinjar
Time was not enough for us to explore a city like Nasiriyah… it is a city that requires a lifetime. How did the past years pass without me visiting it?!
I had heard a lot about it and often looked at pictures of the Ziggurat of Ur, and I knew about the history, humanity, and the beginnings of civilization from it… but visiting it never crossed my mind. I never expected that one day I would visit it while living up in the mountain peaks.
But here I am, on the steps of the immortal Ziggurat of Ur and the house of Prophet Abraham, filled with pride as I observe this majestic monument built by our ancestors.
I, a son of the mountains, am visiting for the first time the most prominent landmarks of humanity and civilization still remaining in Dhi Qar—the very landmarks of early human civilization, where the first letter was written and the first wheel was made.
The Ziggurat, this great structure reflecting the genius of Sumerian civilization, fills you with pride for belonging to the land of Iraq.
The journey to the Ahwar Al-Jabayish was also a unique experience, discovering the lives and culture of the families living in the marshes, who still maintain a distinctive way of life that reflects the harmony between humans and nature.
This trip was more than just a field visit; it was a human and cultural experience that changed my perspective on many things, confirming that Iraq holds treasures worth discovering and celebrating. I repeat: what Masarat Foundation has done for us, if successfully conveyed to every young man and woman, could change much in Iraq and make our society inclusive, where everyone lives in peace and harmony.
Personally, I learned many lessons in this camp and gained insights into Iraqi culture, humanity, and social cohesion. I truly learned through action, not words, that diversity is a source of strength for individuals and society, and dialogue is a way of life for the strong, not the weak.
I never expected in my life to love Iraq, but my perspective changed after joining the Knights of Dialogue team within the Masarat Foundation.
