GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY IN QATAR (Oct. 5th, 2022) The Iranian Society and Iraqi Cultural Association recently came together to bring the Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) community an unforgettable night of celebration. Shabe Khosh began around 6:30 p.m. and lasted well into the night at the GU-Q Oxygen Park where decorations were hard to miss. Described as a night where Saadi and Al-Mutannabi meet, the event beautifully highlighted different themes of the two cultures and histories.
The night had a number of booths and activities to offer including a professional photo booth, a calligraphy station, a heritage display, and most notably— a carpets exhibition. As students, faculty, staff, and visitors arrived, they had the chance to examine the intricate details of the carpets and tapestries as well as learn about them from guides in-person. Each piece on display had designs unique to different regions across Iran and Iraq as well as different points in time that contributed to its allure. Such carpets can traditionally be found in the homes of Iraqi and Irani families alike with certain rugs used specifically to seat guests.
Attendees also had the opportunity to have their names or quotes written in Arabic calligraphy style on papers bordered by classic Islamic patterns. As they explored the booths, attendees were entertained by a charming musical performance on the Qanun, an instrument of great historical significance to both Iranian and Iraqi culture. Following brief speeches by the hosts of the event, Zahra Saboorzadeh and Kaltham Al-Subaey, the poetry reciting segment was introduced. Having compiled together a series of poems and verses written by Iraqi and Irani writers, the leading clubs encouraged participants to take to the stage and recite select pieces. The famous Rumi, Bint al-Bukhariya, and Hafiz Shirazi were just some of the many poets whose works were included in the collection that students and professors recited.
A diverse selection of traditional drinks such as Karak, Iraqi Cardamom Tea, and Sharbat-e Khakshir, as well as Tokhm Sharbati, was offered to the guests throughout the night. Moreover, savory dishes such as Kashk Bademjan, Chicken and Lamb Kebab along with sweet dishes such as Luqaimat were served. The food complemented the spirit of the night which offered many a memorable cultural experience.