Knights of Dialogue / 17
Ibrahim Tamri – Al-Qahtaniyah
In the framework of strengthening cultural and human bridges, a group of us, young people from Sinjar – Yazidis and Muslims, accompanied by Masarat Foundation for Cultural and Media Development, visited the city of Nasiriyah, the land of civilizations and hospitality.
At every stop of our journey, we felt the warmth of hospitality and sincerity, sensing that we were not strangers, but among our family and brothers. The people of Dhi Qar welcomed us with love, kindness, and fraternity, affirming that Iraq, despite its diversity, is one united homeland under its great tent.
The journey in ancient Sumer combined the scent of a glorious past with the sorrow of the present. We carried with us the eagerness to meet and get to know its people, returning with hearts full of admiration for a history that endures despite thousands of years and the sorrow of the neglect affecting both the city and its monuments.
We began our journey at the ancient city of Ur, standing in awe before the famous historical Ziggurat, one of the oldest architectural landmarks in the world. Then we visited the House of Prophet Abraham (Peace be upon him), sensing the sanctity of the place and the greatness of the history it holds.
We continued our tour in the markets of Nasiriyah, receiving a warm welcome from its people, exchanging conversations with its writers, intellectuals, and youth. We also visited the square of the great poet Mohammed Saeed Al-Habboubi, a symbol of words and stance in southern Iraq.
At the break of dawn the next day, we embarked on a magical journey through the reeds and waters of the marshes, whose calm waves conceal all the universe’s magic and the persistence to survive despite harsh conditions.
The visit to Al-Jubaysh Marshes left a profound impact on us; there, among water, reeds, and boats, we felt the deep heritage of this unique place that combines the beauty of nature with human memory.
The sun-tanned faces of the marsh inhabitants tell stories without words, reminiscent of our own faces in Mount Sinjar—though separated by time, the pain, strength, and determination to hold onto the land remain strikingly similar.
This visit was more than just a journey; it was a message of love, a manifestation of coexistence, and a first step toward greater societal peace and deeper understanding among the components of our united homeland.
