Have you ever heard about the Mlwanka Mexak? In the other world; necklace carnation. This is the beginning of the story of this blog because everything started when I learned about this necklace. In fact, I received it as a gift from my Kurdish friend who was born in Sulaymaniyah and this caused many questions in my mind. I am half Kurdish but I may say that I still do not know a lot of things about Kurdish culture. This culture is like a hidden gem and you learn something new every single day. Therefore, we started this blog to explain what we learn and how we are so happy when we do this. 

I would like to introduce my blessing gift to reveal the hidden beauty of Kurds and Kurdistan. The one I received had different kinds of spices wrapped in traditional Kurdistan fabrics along with colorful beads. Kurdish people love the colors because they live in the mountains and beautiful green plains of Kurdistan, and they are amazed by the colors of nature; flowers, animals, rivers, and mountains. Every beauty of nature (xweza) plays a significant role in the things which are part of daily life. My gift (on the right side) is a concrete example of this aspect of Kurdish culture.

My friend’s grandmother Golzar (70, Sulaymaniyah) says that it is a very historical element of our culture. In the past when people did not have perfumes and they were taking a shower once a week (If we think about the bathing routines in the rest of the world in the past times, this is a great cleaning habit) Kurdish women used to wear this necklace to have a pleasant odor in their society. She says the usage of it was very easy, women were immersed in the water and then wore it again to keep the scent permanent. This wise woman tells us there were many old love songs about this necklace and the women who wore it. Unfortunately, I still could not find more information about it but I am searching. When I learn more I will always update this post. However, I am sharing this YouTube video with you to see at least how people do this; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjYUGZvInv8. 

There is another interesting detail here; cloves. Scientists say that clove is the oldest tree in the world. The clove is used for many purposes such as culinary, medicine, beauty, etc. There is another Kurdish cultural symbol called ‘’Sêva Mêxekrêj’’ made of cloves and apples and symbolizes love and life. However, it is another topic for another post and I just wanted to highlight that cloves play an important role in Kurdish cuisine and cultural symbols. Perhaps clove has another important role apart from these, like protection? I am still searching and making speculations on the way. 

We know that clove and its role in daily Kurdish goods are not just for cleaning or knickknackery, there is also a psychological effect to feeling better and calm through necklaces and other goods. However, I just found that much information so far. I will try to find more to share with you. 

Kurdish cultural research will never end. See you in the next post. 

Kiria Fariza