Contemplating Life's Chapters: Reflecting on My Birthday Journey
On a momentous day, December 1, 1985, in the charming Khurmal district of Halabja province, nestled within the picturesque landscape of Hawraman in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, my life's odyssey commenced. This inaugural chapter unfolded against the backdrop of late autumn, amid the dwindling days of pomegranate, in a world that held both promise and challenges in equal measure, as fate intricately wove its design.
The echoes of my earliest memories reverberate with the haunting loss of my father, my stalwart support, a mere 17 months after my arrival in this realm. His valiant stand against the oppressive Iraqi ex-regime led to his arrest and the horrifying fate of being buried alive in Sharazoor. A beacon of courage, he stood among the resolute few who vehemently condemned the regime's brutality, particularly its actions in Halabja and towards the Kurdish people.
In the tumultuous aftermath of these harrowing events, our family sought refuge in Iran in 1987. Though the recollections from that time are veiled in haze, the imperative to adapt to a new reality was palpable. Primary and secondary schools unfolded in a foreign tongue, necessitating an education in Persian rather than my native Kurdish languages. It wasn't until our return to Iraq in
1998 that I could reconnect with my roots and immerse myself in the embrace of my mother tongue.
Our return anchored us in Khurmal, a region nestled in Hawraman, marked by the echoes of war and civil unrest among Kurdish factions. Life in this enclave was devoid of many luxuries—no electricity, no parks, no TV—with a palpable lack of quality living. In the stillness of midnight, instead of tuning into the glow of television screens, we found ourselves perched on rooftops, silently bearing witness to the civil war unfolding among political groups.
As I traversed through my preparatory school years, the canvas of my life was painted with the war waged by the US and coalition forces against Iraqi Saddam Hussein in 2003. Undeterred, I pursued higher education, enrolling in the English department of a college, propelled forward by stories of adversity that I seldom shared. Poverty and challenges became intimate companions.
A new chapter unfolded as I transplanted myself to the bustling city of Bangalore, India, in pursuit of a Master's degree in English language and literature. Juggling work and study, I earned my degree and, in 2015, embarked on the arduous journey towards a Ph.D. in English language education policy at EMU in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of the waves of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The path was challenging, compounded by the responsibilities of family life, yet determination propelled me forward.
Standing on the precipice of my fourth decade, I now find myself a university lecturer, a testament to the resilience forged through life's trials. Reflecting on the challenges overcome, the stark contrast between personal achievements and the harsh reality faced by my community becomes apparent.
Residing presently in Sulaimaniyah, the difficulties persist. The past three months witnessed a dire situation where educators, teachers, and employers endured the agony of unpaid salaries
[1], a consequence of worsening political relations between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. My own children, Areen and Arez, find themselves at home as their teachers boycott schools due to unpaid wages. Corruption permeates every aspect of life, and the elusive nature of good intentions from the authorities compounds the despair.
Now that I find myself in Khurmal for a brief sojourn, Last night, our meager supply of electricity lasted a mere four hours, prompting a race against time to pen this account before my cellphone and computer succumb to the inevitable lack of power. This struggle epitomizes the daily challenges faced in a region grappling with corruption and instability.
Amidst these trials, a flicker of hope remains. The fervent desire to effect positive change for others propels my determination. Yet, the reality remains stark: life in the clutches of corruption is undeniably harsh. Reflecting on my journey thus far, I am reminded that each passing year not only marks personal milestones but also offers an opportunity to contribute towards a brighter future. A future where the resilience I forged through my own hardships serves as a beacon for others in the relentless struggle for a better tomorrow.
Momen Yaseen M. Amin
Mou'min ZalmiMou'min Zalmi
01-12-2023
December 1, 2023
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