Baghdede women revive Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian heritage in Iraq
BAGHDEDE, Iraq — After 7 years of the control of the Islamic State (ISIS) on Baghdede in Mosul, women of the region have worked hard to revive their cultural heritage and legacy, as well as highlight its authenticity.
“The idea of reviving the heritage emerged after ISIS destroyed everything related to history of the region,” says a woman from Qaraqosh. “I started collecting heritage items like clothes, wooden doors and anything that reflects the heritage and civilization of the region.”
She added that on Saturdays, she shows these heritage items, in a mini museum, for visitors from Baghdede and nearby villages.
She criticized the government’s lack of interest in private museums in the region, stressing that it is the government responsibility to highlight the heritage of the region.
She noted that it opened the museum to introduce the new generation to the Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian heritage.
Another woman says that she has returned to her profession of hand embroidery in order to revive the heritage and teach girls the art of embroidery.
“What distinguishes the folklore costume in the Baghdede is the attractive colors which are derived from nature, especially yellow.” she added.
She stressed that through embroidery, she seeks to preserve the Baghdede identity, which is the heritage inherited from ancestors.
“Embroidery used to distinguish Baghdede women from other regions women,” she continued.
One of the museum visitors expressed her admiration for the women reviving work, after the liberation from ISIS.