DECEMBER 2023

FEATURE
Left: Thamir Qoda with his wares.
Above: Thamir and his wife outside
their shop in Alqosh.
Needle and Thread
Thamir Yousif Qoda preserves
tradition one stitch at a time
BY HANAN QIA
In the heart of the Nineveh Plain,
nestled in the ancient town of
Alqosh, a masterful craftsman
weaves stories and tradition with every
stitch. Meet Thamir Yousif Qoda, a man
who has dedicated his life to the art of
crafting traditional garments that hold
the essence of Chaldean, Assyrian,
Kurdish, Arab, and Yazidi cultures. His
passion for preserving the rich history
and culture of this region has made him
a beloved figure in the community.
Born in 1968, Thamir Yousif Qoda
has deep roots in Alqosh, a town renowned
for its cultural significance
and historical heritage. With six children
to his name, he is not just a devoted
family man but also a tireless advocate
for the traditions of his homeland.
Thamir’s journey as a tailor began
in his childhood when he worked
alongside his father in the bustling old
bazaar of Alqosh. His fascination with
the town’s history and culture, and his
love for preserving them, kindled a passion
for sewing traditional garments.
What started as a hobby turned into a
lifelong commitment to craftsmanship.
Garments for All Occasions
Thamir Qoda is a versatile tailor,
skilled in crafting a wide array of traditional
garments. He seamlessly sews
the intricate garments of Chaldean
towns like Alqosh, Batnaya, Telskuf,
Baqofa, and Telkeif, catering to men,
women, and children. Beyond Chaldean
attire, he creates authentic Assyrian,
Kurdish, Arab, and Yazidi garments.
The scope of his work extends
even to doll clothes, highlighting his
remarkable attention to detail.
These traditional garments are
not mere fabric and thread; they carry
with them the heritage and stories of
generations. Thamir’s garments are
worn on various occasions, from weddings
to the vibrant town carnivals,
Palm Sundays, folklore plays, dancing
troupes, school celebrations, artistic
festivals, and delegations’ welcoming
ceremonies. These garments serve as a
bridge connecting the past to the present,
and Thamir is the dedicated architect
of this bridge.
Connecting Communities
Thamir’s clientele extends far beyond
the borders of Iraq. He proudly serves
customers from around the world, with
reasonable prices that make these garments
accessible to Chaldeans and other
community members abroad. Many
purchase his creations as thoughtful
gifts for their loved ones, carrying a
piece of their heritage with them, no
matter where they are in the world.
Thamir’s reputation as a traditional
garments tailor spreads through
word of mouth and social media. He
is a cherished figure in his community
and has become the go-to craftsman
for anyone seeking authentic,
handcrafted traditional attire in the
Nineveh Plain.
Global Connection
The materials for Thamir’s creations
are sourced from various countries,
highlighting the interconnectedness
of cultures. His belts, earrings, and
female head turbans rely on materials
imported from Syria, Turkey, and
China, while his man’s Shmagh (head
cover) hails from India. This intricate
web of materials represents the collaborative
nature of culture and craftsmanship,
where borders blur and traditions
blend.
Thamir Yousif Qoda embraces
modern technology and can work with
customers remotely. By receiving a
full-length photo and some essential
measurements, he ensures that the
garments fit perfectly. The flexibility of
traditional garments allows for a relatively
forgiving fitting process, making
remote tailoring an accessible option
for those who wish to wear these pieces
of history.
Committed to sharing the rich cultural
heritage of the Nineveh Plain
with the world, Thamer ships his work
not only within Iraq but to destinations
around the globe, including the
United States, Europe, Canada, and
Australia. His aspirations reach beyond
his homeland, as he dreams of
expanding his exports and promoting
his products, especially in the USA.
Currently, he collaborates with several
shops in Sterling Heights, such as
“Habeeb, your brother.”
Preserving Tradition in the
Face of Challenges
While Thamir’s dedication to preserving
tradition is unwavering, he faces
several challenges. The migration of
his people has resulted in fewer cultural
events, diminishing the demand
for traditional garments. Additionally,
the high cost of materials and the
time-consuming, handcrafted nature
of his work present hurdles. However,
Thamir’s unwavering commitment
and the support of his community
keep the flames of tradition burning.
In the ancient town of Alqosh,
Thamir’s nimble fingers and artistic vision
continue to weave the intricate tapestry
of history and culture. With each
garment he crafts, he reminds us of the
enduring power of tradition and the invaluable
connections between generations
and communities. As we celebrate
the artistry of Thamir, we are also reminded
of the importance of preserving
our cultural heritage, ensuring that it
endures for generations to come.
22 CHALDEAN NEWS DECEMBER 2023