BAGHDAD: The Cradle of civilization calls back

To my 6th grader son, Sarhan, any overseas mission of Papa is at least a box of quality chocolate from the destination country irrespective of our current place of residence. When we unsuccessfully try to convince him that all places of the world are not among the best producers of his favourite confectionery item, his next bargain is, then, he should accompany me. For all practicality, his poor civil servant father can ill afford that proposition! 

Before I set for the ‘cradle of civilization’, Iraq (formerly Mesopotamia), I barely had any idea, this occasion, I would be put into a relatively less demanding task in fulfilling the ‘abdar’ of my kid. Yes, apart from religious pilgrimage, the rich civilizational relics, proverbial libraries and learning centres from classical times, Baghdad, on its own right can be your next destination for its world class authentic chocolates. Any typical visitor or tour guide would probably vouch for those not merely for the deliciousness but also for the top quality and gorgeous presentation particularly at the nighttime at well-lit stores. 

A very hospitable and cosmopolitan city founded in 762 and 767 AD by Caliph Al Mansur, its official Abbasid name was Madinat al-Salam meaning the City of Peace. Presently home to over 8 million people, even as early as 800-900 AD, it rose to become one of the largest and most influential megacities of the world. The Al-Mustansiriya School founded in 1233 AD during the Abbasid reign is, in fact, one of the oldest learning Centres in the Muslim World. The city hosted the ‘House of Wisdom’ where world renowned scholars of science, philosophy and literature translated books from Greek, Indian and Persian languages. 

Ali (30) who was busy attending customers at the chocolate store says he loves to interact with foreigners as that way he comes to know about other cultures and societies (he was quite conversant in English). I asked him if he knows that Samir Shaker who represented Iraq at the 1986 World Cup, played club football in Bangladesh. He could not readily relate. He, however, mentioned a few names from the present national football team of Iraq which also took part at this year’s FIFA World Cup eliminating a Latin American country at the play-off stage. Ali offered us some jelabi type sweets free (even after repeated insistence we failed to pay for the complimentary sweets). He was highly appreciative of the Bangladeshi workers in Iraq. “We are brothers, we love them.”-he said. 

Mohammad (40) works as a civil servant. Despite his exceedingly busy schedule handling the protocol of an international event, he never fails to greet anyone without a smile. He visited South Asia but regrets that never had the opportunity to come to Bangladesh, a country the people of Iraq hold in deep admiration. He saw google images and YouTube videos portraying the Cox’s Bazar and the Sundarbans. While staying at a North American capital he used to purchase shirts and T-shirts with ‘Made in Bangladesh’ label, he remembers. He says that the Bangladeshi garments are of superior quality sold at a relatively lesser price. 

 I did not have an opportunity to have extensive first-hand experience of the magnificent country as I was mostly confined at a conference venue during a relatively short stay there. But I must admit, every nook and corner of a great civilization has something to offer to an unknown visitor. The City of Peace had to endure wars and devastations. The enterprising people are charting the course of a re-building and development work which is surely demanding. The IMF forecasts a strong economic recovery and rebound of 11.3% to 19% in 2027 as regional trade and oil production are expected to normalize. 

I met an impressive and incredible Bangladesh national named Siraj who chose Iraq as his nest for over fifty years now. He works as a professional chauffeur and speaks fluent Arabic. He is so dedicated to his work that he can remember almost every single alleyway and building location of the 230 square miles size Baghdad city without the help of any map or GPS. Even at this elderly age, he is always on time at duty and can drive day and night for weeks completely sleepless. We came to know that because of his impressive records as a resident as well as a professional, he is on the verge of obtaining Iraqi citizenship (could not confirm, though, if the regular one or honorary). Certainly, our expatriates-our everyday heroes- who offer the very lifeline to our economy, through their backbreaking works, are there to inspire us to contribute more for the prosperity of our motherland. 

The cradle of civilization has the best chocolate treat and an unforgettably inspiring tale! 

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The writer is the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the OIC, Jeddah, KSA.