November 14, 2024
News
As the sun begins to set in the small Christian town of Karamles in Iraq, a familiar aroma fills the air. It is the scent of freshly made shawarma, burgers, and Lahm b-Ajeen, drawing customers from near and far. At the heart of this bustling little spot is Rana, a mother of four and the proud owner of a bistro that sits next to the local monastery.
The bistro is a sanctuary at the end of the day for locals in Karamles
Rana’s journey to opening her restaurant was far from easy. Like many families in Iraq’s Ninewa governorate, she faced the devastating effects of war. When ISIS swept through Christian towns like Karamles and Karakosh, homes were destroyed, and many were forced to flee. Now, the town is slowly recovering, and Rana’s bistro is a symbol of growth for the community.
“I prepare everything by hand at home,” says Rana, who takes pride in every dish she serves. “When people taste my food and tell me how delicious it is, that’s when I know I’ve done a good job,” she confidently states.
The bistro is open every evening from 6 p.m. to midnight, providing a place to relax for locals who come to enjoy a meal after a long day. Rana explains that the harsh Iraqi heat, which can reach 50 degrees during the day in the summer, is why she opens in the cooler hours of the evening. “It’s too hot to work during the day, but in the evening, people gather here, and that’s when I feel most alive.”
Her food connects people from all over the region in Iraq
Like many others in her community, Rana struggled to rebuild her life after the war. But through Cartias Czech Republic’s vocational training and financial grants, she was able to open her bistro and equip it with much-needed machinery.
“With the help of Caritas Czech Republic, I learned how to manage my business,” Rana explains. “They provided me with the machines I needed to prepare bread and burgers, which made a huge difference in my ability to serve more customers.”
Rana’s bistro now attracts visitors not just from Karamles, but also from nearby towns such as Karakosh, Bartella, and even Ankawa, which is located an hour away in Iraqi Kurdistan. Many come specifically for her famous shawarma, which she describes as having a unique blend of flavours.
“I’ve had customers travel from Ankawa just to taste our shawarma,” she says smiling.
It is an authentic family business
Running the bistro is very much a family effort. Rana’s husband works with her, and her children join in when their university schedules allow. On special occasions, such as birthdays or community events, Rana hires extra staff to help manage the larger crowds. But most days, it is the family who keeps the business running smoothly.
Looking to the future, Rana has big dreams for her bistro. “I want to expand,” she says. “I’d love to add more dishes to the menu and create a bigger space for my customers.” But for now, her focus is on improving the basics, such as purchasing a new refrigerator and bringing in more tables and chairs.
Providing support for local entrepreneurs in Iraq
“Nothing is impossible for the Iraqi people,” Rana says with a lighthearted laugh despite the difficulties of life in Iraq.
Rana’s bistro stands as a proof of a small but important part of the larger effort to revive communities in northern Iraq. With every dish she serves, Rana not only provides for her family but also plays a role in giving back to her hometown.
Rana’s story is just one example of how people in post-conflict Iraq are finding ways to rebuild their lives and support their families. The town of Karamles, like much of the Ninewa governorate, still feels the effects of war, and economic opportunities remain limited. However, Caritas Czech Republic has been providing support in Iraq since 2015 to help individuals to open their own businesses, improve their family's livelihoods, and stimulate their local economies. We are able to help thanks to our donors such as Agenzia Italian Per La Cooperazione allo Sviluppo (AICS) in partnership with the Italian Agency Condivisione Fra i Popali (CFP).
