Celebrating Culture. Strengthening Community. Honoring Identity.
Celebrating Culture. Strengthening Community. Honoring Identity.
A celebration of culture, community, and connection — these gatherings are more than just events; they are living reflections of who we are, where we come from, and the vibrant future we continue to build together. With every flag raised, every smile shared, and every tradition honored, we are reminded of the strength that comes from unity and the beauty found in our shared identity.
The Iraqi Canadian Society – Ottawa proudly serves as a home for cultural expression, bringing together generations through events that uplift, inspire, and preserve the richness of Iraqi heritage. From elders to youth, every voice matters, every story is treasured, and every presence adds to the mosaic of memory, meaning, and belonging.
In these celebrations, we embrace the values we hold dear: hospitality, respect, and pride in both our Iraqi roots and Canadian home. These are spaces where tradition meets modern identity — where children learn the songs of their ancestors, and families gather not only to remember, but to live and celebrate their culture with pride.
To our incredible community: thank you for making these moments possible. Your support, participation, and love continue to shape everything we do.
Celebrating Excellence: Lina Qais Al-Karkhi Honored by Canadian Ministry of Health for Outstanding Leadership
As an Iraqi community based in Ottawa, we take immense pride in the accomplishments of Iraqi professionals and creatives who continue to excel across a wide range of fields in Canada. One such remarkable individual is Ms. Lina Qais Al-Karkhi, who was recently honored by the Canadian Ministry of Health in recognition of her outstanding leadership and contributions within the Ministry. Her achievement stands as a testament to the talent, commitment, and perseverance that members of our community bring to their work and to Canadian society at large.
This distinguished recognition highlights not only Ms. Al-Karkhi’s personal success, but also the positive impact of the Iraqi diaspora within Canada’s healthcare and public service sectors. Her leadership serves as an inspiration to young professionals and newcomers alike, showing what is possible through dedication and a strong sense of purpose.
A thousand congratulations to Ms. Lina Qais Al-Karkhi. You truly deserve all praise and appreciation for your tireless dedication, professional excellence, and the example you set for others. The Iraqi Canadian community celebrates this moment with pride and gratitude, and we look forward to witnessing more of your continued success.
A Night of Poetry and Music at Ottawa’s Cultural Capital Salon
The Cultural Capital Salon in Ottawa recently hosted a beautiful and memorable evening that brought together artists, intellectuals, and members of the Arab community in a celebration of creativity and cultural expression. The event featured the participation of several notable figures, including Mr. Hassan Tamim, Mr. Mohammed Al-Basri (oud player), Mr. Afif Aboud (violinist), Mr. Ahmed, and Dr. Shamil. Their presence and contributions elevated the evening with a blend of talent, artistry, and cultural pride.
Attendees included members of the Egyptian, Palestinian, Moroccan, Tunisian, Syrian, Yemeni, and Saudi communities—reflecting the rich diversity of the Arab diaspora in Canada. The salon offered a space where culture transcended borders, and where shared heritage fostered genuine connections among those present.
It was an intimate and heartfelt gathering, filled with poetry, music, and warmth. Events like this highlight the power of art and community to inspire dialogue, appreciation, and unity among people of different backgrounds.
Weekly Summer Sports Nights Kick Off with the Iraqi Canadian Association
On Sunday, May 21, 2023, the Iraqi Canadian Association proudly launched its weekly sports event, aimed at encouraging youth engagement and physical activity within the community. The event will take place every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. and will continue throughout the summer until September.
A football field has been reserved for this initiative, and essential sports supplies have been provided to support the participating youth. The invitation is open to everyone in the Iraqi community and beyond, offering an excellent opportunity for connection, exercise, and fun in a welcoming atmosphere.
gahwa azawi event: A Joyful Celebration of Culture, Community, and Tradition
One of the most heartwarming highlights of the Gahwa Azawi event yesterday was the radiant presence of our beautiful young girls, dressed in their vibrant pink attire, filling the space with joy, laughter, and energy. Their excitement and smiles captured the true spirit of community celebration, bringing life and warmth to the entire gathering.
Guests enjoyed a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, with dedicated areas to sit, chat, and share in meaningful conversations. Traditional sweets such as baklava and other delicious treats were beautifully presented, offering a delightful taste of our heritage and hospitality. The scent of fresh coffee and the sight of colorful sweets created a truly authentic cultural experience.
Adding to the charm of the event was a lively bazaar that featured Arabic antiques and handcrafted treasures. Community members browsed through unique items, many of which reflected the rich artistry and history of our culture. Altogether, the event was a vibrant tapestry of tradition, connection, and joy — a true celebration of our roots and unity.
Iraqi Christmas Concert in Canada: A Night or Warmth and Celebration
We gathered with love and longing to celebrate a special evening together on a cold winter night. What made it truly unforgettable was not just the occasion, but the warmth radiating from the hearts of everyone in attendance. Christmas in Iraq was indeed a night to remember — filled with joy, laughter, music, and cherished memories.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the shining star of the concert, the talented artist Muhammad Al-Khaliqi, whose performance lit up the evening with spirit and emotion. We are also deeply grateful to Spectre Financial Transfer Company, the official sponsor of the Iraqi Christmas concert, for their generous support in making this event possible.
Special thanks to our dear Rahma from Plan it… Bling it, whose refined taste and attention to detail brought the holiday spirit to life through elegant and beautifully crafted decorations. Her work transformed the venue into a warm and festive space that matched the joy of the celebration.
A Heartwarming Evening at Gahwat Azzawi: Community, Culture, and Connection
Gahwat Azzawi was a wonderful success, bringing families together in a joyful and welcoming atmosphere. It was heartwarming to see so many smiling faces, especially our amazing youth and beautiful children, who truly brought life and energy to the gathering.
We all came together to share delicious food and enjoy some of our favorite traditional Iraqi treats — leblebi (chickpeas), bagilla (fava beans), zalabiya (Iraqi fried sweets), and datli (syrup-soaked dough pastries). The sense of togetherness, laughter, and cultural pride made the evening truly special.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Gahwat Azzawi — your presence made it memorable, and we hope to see you again at our next event.
A special thank you goes to Mr. Ausama Aziz, who gave a thoughtful and inspiring presentation on his experience as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. We truly appreciated his insight and the important stories he shared.
First Meeting of the New Administrative Board Sets Vision for the Future
On November 6, 2022, the first meeting of the new Administrative Board of the Iraqi Canadian Association was held in Ottawa. During the meeting, the Board presented its work plan and outlined its future vision for the development and growth of the Association. The session also featured an open discussion with attendees, where members shared valuable and constructive suggestions aimed at advancing the Association’s initiatives and strengthening the presence and impact of the Iraqi community in Ottawa.
We sincerely thank everyone for their generous attendance and positive engagement, which contributed to meaningful dialogue and laid the groundwork for collaborative progress in the months ahead.
An Evening of Art and Insight with Muqaf Neema: Exploring the Symbols of Baghdad’s Statue of Liberty
Many thanks to the esteemed attendees who honored us with their presence on the evening for two and a half hours, we were treated to a captivating lecture filled with knowledge, insights, analysis, and artistic exploration of the symbolic elements of the Statue of Liberty in Baghdad. The presentation was delivered by the talented artist Mr. Muqaf Neema, whose unique style and deep artistic expertise engaged and inspired the audience. His talk was enriched by thoughtful questions and meaningful interventions from those in attendance.
The evening was also marked by the first appearance of artist Sarour Majid at one of the Association’s events—a special moment of reunion and celebration. We were further honored by the presence of notable social figures and Arab friends residing in Ottawa, including Mr. Nour Qadri, candidate in Ottawa’s mayoral elections, Mrs. Samar Mazghini, and Mr. Magdi Bazarah.
The large turnout was a clear testament to the evening’s success and the community’s ongoing thirst for high-quality cultural programming. We extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Muqaf Neema for offering such a culturally and intellectually enriching lecture.
An Evening Honoring the Legacy of Muzaffar Al-Nawab
These are moments captured from the cultural evening of remembrance held in honor of the late poet and cultural icon Muzaffar Al-Nawab, organized by the Iraqi Canadian Association in Ottawa. The event featured a compelling lecture by Dr. Khairallah Saeed, who explored Al-Nawab’s poetic journey, distinctive personality, and the powerful symbolism found in his work.
The evening also included a special book signing for “Muzaffar Al-Nawab: The Peak of Creativity in Iraqi Folk Poetry”, along with a captivating solo oud performance by the talented artist Afif Aboud, whose artistry enriched the ambiance.
The hall was filled with engaged attendees, whose thoughtful questions and insightful contributions added remarkable depth to the evening. We were also honored by the presence of many distinguished academic and social figures from Ottawa’s Arab community, making the night even more meaningful.
Thank you to everyone who attended and made this cultural gathering a success. We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming events — with our deepest appreciation and respect.
Eid Celebration: Bringing Joy and Unity to Ottawa Community
Here are some wonderful pictures from the Eid party organized by the Iraqi Canadian Association in Ottawa — an evening filled with joy, celebration, and community spirit. The event brought together families and individuals from all walks of life to mark this special occasion in a warm and festive atmosphere.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us. Your generous attendance helped make the event memorable and meaningful. Special gratitude goes to our supporters and volunteers, whose dedication made the celebration possible.
A sincere thank you as well to the star of the evening, artist Mohamed Al-Khaliqi, for his outstanding performance, and to the talented musicians who accompanied him and added to the lively spirit of the night.
A Cultural Tribute to Muqaf Neema: Celebrating Excellence in Art and Identity
After an interruption of more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Iraqi Canadian Association in Ottawa joyfully resumed its cultural activities. In an atmosphere filled with love and connection, the Association hosted a special evening on Saturday, March 5, 2022, to celebrate the achievements of the Iraqi-Canadian artist Muqaf Neema.
The event highlighted Neema’s creative artistic journey. He spoke about his early beginnings, his entrance into the world of ice sculpture, and the challenges and uniqueness of being the only Arab artist in the world practicing this form of art. His story deeply resonated with attendees and offered rare insight into the intersection of cultural identity and artistic expression.
The evening was attended by a distinguished group from the Iraqi and Arab community in Ottawa. The audience engaged enthusiastically, asking thoughtful questions and contributing with insights that reflected their deep cultural awareness and artistic appreciation.
In a proud moment for all present, Muqaf Neema was honored for winning first place in the prestigious Canadian National Ice Sculpture Competition (Winterlude). His groundbreaking success not only redefines perceptions of Iraqi artists in the diaspora but also brings pride to the broader Iraqi community.
Honoring the Legacy of Iraqi Poet Muzaffar al-Nawab: A Cultural Evening Hosted by the Iraqi Canadian Society 2022
The Iraqi Canadian Society proudly hosted a heartfelt cultural evening commemorating the legendary Iraqi poet Muzaffar al-Nawab. The event featured Dr. Saadi al-Hadithi, a longtime friend and fellow artist, who shared touching memories spanning over 60 years alongside al-Nawab. Attendees were also moved by captivating performances from renowned artist Mustafa Alazzawi, who delivered a selection of al-Nawab’s acclaimed sung poetry alongside traditional Iraqi songs.
The evening drew a large and diverse audience of over 200 members of the Iraqi community from Toronto, Mississauga, Ottawa, London, Hamilton, and surrounding areas. At the close of the event, Dr. Saadi al-Hadithi was honored by the Iraqi Canadian Society, represented by President Eman Baktash, in recognition of his remarkable artistic contributions and enduring friendship with al-Nawab.
This memorable gathering marked the second time the society has welcomed Dr. Hadithi to Canada, reflecting the deep cultural ties and commitment to preserving Iraqi heritage within our community. The Iraqi Canadian Society extends heartfelt thanks to all who attended and made this event a resounding success.
