Circuit issue 14 Winter 2017-18

Winter 2017-18

ReTexture

Upcycled Lifestyle in Ainkawa

5 Kurdistan Movies On

Royal Club Fast Cars. Racing. Drifting. Community.

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Circuit Magazine

Issue 14 - Winter 2017-18

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Issue 14 - Winter 2017-18

Contact Us: +964 (0)750 460 3121 info@chroo-group.com

Find Us Online: www.chroo-group.com /chroogroup

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Circuit Magazine

Letter From

H

The Editor

ello Circuit Readers!

These last few months of 2017 were pretty rough and also pretty busy. Post-Referendum Kurdistan is certainly a little bit different of a place than what we’re all used to, but the great thing about people who live, work, and are from Kurdistan is that we’re resilient.

Despite a closed airport and the slew of other issues that seem to pop up every given day, I can confidently say that I am happy to see so many people still out and about and enjoying themselves.

This issue we dive right in with People of Kurdistan, but this time with a twist. Keep in mind that even though we may not be from here, there are some expats that are truly People of Kurdistan. This issue we talk about a man who has been coming to Kurdistan for 13 years. He deserves the title for certain.

Then we get a chance to hear the story of the Royal Car Club, and the words are coming straight from the guy who started it.

Instead of an NGO this issue, we’ve featured ReTexture, a small business owned and run by IDPs who take pallets and other recyclable materials to make furniture and interesting designs.

After picking out 5 books last issue, this issue we’ve chosen 5 movies on Kurdistan. It’s a great way to get to know more about the place, the people, the culture.

In the Health & Beauty Section, we get a lesson on thread lifts. And then I managed to get a chance to take an Aerial Yoga class at The Fig Club. This is a really interesting new fitness trend and it’s great to have stuff like this in Erbil.

In the Business Section we can see how businesses in Kurdistan are really making an effort to connect with the clients and offer them interesting and comprehensive services.

Food and Drink is wonderful as usual. We tried to really dig into the season for the recipes. We also highlighted a new restaurant (really an expansion of a restaurant that’s been around) that we think you’ll love.

(Eat the chicken liver in pomegranate sauce, even if you think you hate chicken liver. They’re amazing!)

In the Travel & Leisure Section we went a bit far. We’re taking you atop snowy mountains, down to Halabja, and all the way to Georgia (the country not the state).

Ultimately, I want our readers to enjoy this magazine and I want it to give you all more information about the different aspects of living in Kurdistan, whether it’s where to eat, who to donate your time with, or how to get around. I’m always interested to hear you comments, questions, or suggestions, so please feel free to email me anytime.

Jimmie Collins Editor-in-Chief

An American living in the Kurdistan Region for more than five years, Jimmie Collins leads a vibrant social life among expats and locals in Erbil. She now calls Erbil home, settling into the city with her husband (Sabah), two massive dogs, a feisty cat, and an infant daughter.

She complains of never having nearly enough free time to do all the things she loves, however, she always manages to make time for food and friends.

Circuit Magazine, which she started with her business partners friends three and a half years ago, is a hobby turned obsession meant to help others get to know Kurdistan's social scene and enjoy themselves as much as she does so that maybe they too will one day call it home or the very least think of it fondly one day.

Enjoy the Circuit!

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In This Issue Community Page 14 - People of Kurdistan Page 19 - Royal Club

Culture Page 27 - ReTexture Page 31 - 5 Movies for Kurdistan

Health & Beauty Page 33 - Senses Salon: Thread Facelift Page 35 - Aerial Yoga

Business Page 40 - Korek Mountain

Conferences and Meetings Page 44 - Dilnia: The Importance of Insurance Page 45 - Toyota Making Smiles

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Circuit Magazine

Winter 2017-18 Food & Drink Page Page Page Page Page

49 - Local Recipe: Lablabi 51 - Foreign Recipe: Tamales 53 - Tablea 58 - Happy Hours 59 - Winter Cocktails Issue 14: Winter 2017-18 Editor-in-Chief Jimmie Collins

Travel & Leisure Page 63 - Take a Hike Page 65 - Destination Kurdistan: Halabja

Page 69 - Unforgettable Journey to

Georgia

Nightlife Page 74 - The Real EPIC Page 76 - EPIC Weeks Page 77 - Out on the Circuit

Publisher Lana Yaqo Oliver Writers Jimmie Collins Patricia Collins Antigoni Kalaitzi Jeremy Oliver Photographers Blnd Bagzada Hazher Yahya Karam Al-Sinjarae Rekan Rasool Designers Jimmie Collins Antigoni Kalaitzi Marketing Department Jeremy Oliver Muhanad Ali Cover Photography by Hazher Yahya Contact: info@party-circuit.net 0750 633 7700 Circuit Magazine is a subsidiary of BWFW Services Company

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December, January, February SUNDAY

Bella Ranicia – Cookout Sunday German Restaurant – The Sports Show HI5 Sports Bar – Darts Night Divan – Turkish BBQ

MONDAY

Dec. 25

Merry Christmas

Bella Ranicia – Ladies Night German Restaurant – Monday madness Loft - Ladies night HI5 Sports Bar - Persian Night QI21, Divan – Sushi buffet Divan – Turkish BBQ

TUESDAY

Bella Ranicia – Tacos & Nachos HI5 Sports Bar – Ladies Night Divan – Turkish BBQ

WEDNESDAY

Bella Ranicia – Moyaed live German Restaurant – After work drinks HI5 Sports Bar – R&B night Divan – Turkish BBQ

Dec. 31

New Years Eve

THURSDAY

Bella Ranicia – DJ theme night German Restaurant – Bon Fire parties HI5 Sports Bar – Thirsty Thursday Lotus – DJ Ely Banks Masaya – DJ party Tang Chinese Restaurant – Asian karaoke Divan – Turkish BBQ

FRIDAY

Bella Ranicia – Double Mad Friday German Restaurant – Oldies – Goldies HI5 Sports Bar – Friday party Lotus – Arabika night Masaya - DJ party Seasons, Divan – Brunch Divan – Turkish BBQ

Jan. 01

Happy New Year

SATURDAY

German Restaurant – The Sports Show HI5 Sports Bar – Karaoke Lotus – Ladies Night Divan – Turkish BBQ

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Circuit Magazine

14 FEB

Valentine`s Day Connect to the Circuit Visit our website

www.party-circuit.com

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ circuit111

Follow us on Instagram

@circuitmagazinekurdistan #therealepic #circuitkurdistan

Tweet with us

@CircuitMagKurd

Keep track of events in Erbil with our calendar www.facebook.com/ events/circuit111

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Circuit Magazine

Community

People of

KURDISTAN

W

hen we highlight the People of Kurdistan, it’s worth pointing out there are a lot of non-Kurds who have made this place home and contributed to the local community. This is true of Harry Schute, a man who started his journey in Kurdistan in 2003 and continued coming back for more until finally making it one of his homes.

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Community

Harry originally came to Kurdistan on assignment with the U.S. Military. Before arrival he and his team did their research: reading books, watching movies, checking the news. As far as they were concerned, they were fairly well prepared for their impending touchdown in Harir Airport on April 9, 2003.

“When we stepped off the plane, it was vibrantly green and I was like, ‘Did we take a wrong turn and stop off in Colorado again?’” he joked. Even though he had done his research, Kurdistan was instantly a shock.

The day he arrived in Kurdistan was the day Saddam Hussein’s statue fell in Baghdad. Harry’s unit drove from Harir to Erbil by bus among crowds of people cheering and waving Kurdish and American flags.

“It was a surreal feeling, like what my father’s generation would have

had in France or Holland,” he said.

“All we could think to ourselves was, ‘Wow, are we in Iraq?’ And the answer was, ‘No.’” Harry stayed in Kurdistan with the U.S. Military working with the Coalition Provisional Authority, which gave him plenty of opportunity to leave base and interact with local people as well as diplomats and local politicians. He had a translator and began learning to speak bits and pieces of Kurdish.

When he left the region at the end of June 2004, he felt like things weren’t finished. “I had a similar empty feeling when I left Kosovo at the end of 2000 and quite frankly it didn’t feel good. It was like there was stuff left undone,” he recalled.

All he could think to himself was, “I’m in the middle of some amazing stuff, stuff that makes a difference, how can I turn and walk away from this?”

He spent the next five months working for a British private security firm in Kurdistan. This gave him time to properly “demobilize” from his work in the government and to transition into the private sector.

By the end of 2004, he had created the first of many businesses to come in Kurdistan, Point 62 Consulting, named after one of the three articles, which refers to

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Kurdish autonomy in an agreement dissolving the Ottoman Empire.

“Through Point 62, I advise the Ministry of Interior and have a variety of clients in the private sector,” he explained. Part of the consulting is security related such as high-risk management, and one thing people inquire about often is for Point 62 to present the realities of the local security situation.

“Honestly, I spend a lot of time killing the rumors and helping people understand that the security situation here is much less scary than what everyone makes it out to be,” he said.

One of the things he often laments is that reporters so regularly focus on bombings and negative aspects, and so rarely pick up on the positive and real human aspects of Kurdish living and culture. He even once asked a reporter, “Why don’t you report on some of the great stuff going on in Kurdistan?”

In his view, things in Kurdistan are progressive compared to much of the region, but because of what is portrayed in the mainstream media, when people realize Kurdistan is in “Northern Iraq,” the average person isn’t able to split away the difference between Kurdistan and, for example, Mosul, which is also

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technically in Northern Iraq.

After Point 62 Consulting came VSC Security Solutions, Harry’s next local venture. With a background already in consulting and private security, VSC was established to become a model of how the local government wanted private security firms to operate.

“We were having a lot of trouble with private security firms in 2006, so we founded VSC between the KRG and a business in order to show how a security firm can operate both low-profile and locally focused and still be effective,” he explained.

But in 2006, Harry was doing more than just business in Kurdistan. After all the military, business, and political connections, he decided to start building a familial connection as well. In 2006, he became a “son-in-law of Kurdistan.” A private man, he doesn’t talk about his family life much but to say that a Kurdish family helped him to learn and thrive more in this region.

By the end of 2007 and beginning of 2008, Harry and some of his friends were thinking of ways to further build those connections and help Americans and Kurdistani’s understand each other better.

“We knew there were a lot of misconceptions going in both directions, so we decided to start a forum where the two groups of people could come together to share cultural, community, and educational events,” he explained.

So the America Kurdistan Friendship Association was founded and began organizing and hosting events and fundraisers to help fos-

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ter development and cooperation between the two nations.

Each year AKFA hosts Newroz, Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving celebrations at a minimum, but they also put together a number of networking and social events, as well as seminars or forums at local universities.

“Sometimes the event is just to hang around and shoot the breeze with whoever is there, and sometimes it’s a thought-provoking discussion with leaders and students trying to get everyone thinking creatively,” he explains The association was also a great way to introduce Americans to different areas in Kurdistan, which eventually led to the foundation of Kurdistan Iraq Tours.

Harry recalls it didn’t take him long to fall in love with Kurdistan, and he wanted that for other expats here as well.

“I would say by the end of 2003, I had been sucked in. I drank the Kool-Aid. The fishhook was in my mouth. I was lucky because I got to leave the base everyday, so I literally went from one end to the other of Kurdistan. There were very few

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places I had not been and everywhere we went we were warmly welcomed. “ Because of those early experiences and how quickly Kurdistan became like home, Harry wanted to share those experiences with others.

Originally founded as “The Other Iraq Tours,” Harry and his partners decided to rebrand to Kurdistan Iraq Tours in order to keep it inwardly focused.

“The Other Iraq” was coined as a way to highlight that there is a piece of Iraq that’s actually happy to host foreigners and has amazing (and not scary) places to see.

As a history buff with a penchant for exploration, this new venture was right up Harry’s alley.

“I had taken delegations around several times during my time in the Army, so I knew exactly what to show people, where to take them, and what’s interesting to most people. “ The company would arrange daytrips with local hotels, or sell tours to international companies looking to have their guests taken care of from door-to-door once they hit

the ground.

“Because the tourism industry here is still very nascent, there’s not a volume where we can set up something and say “Every Monday” we have a tour going to set locations.

However, when the opportunity arises, they’re happy to show folks around Kurdistan and educate them. They also created a travel guide in 2014 so that guests could also take away something interesting and informative.

But, of all the places to go in Kurdistan, and after traveling nearly every meter of the region, Harry has two ultimate favorites.

The first is Rawanduz Valley, his favorite place from a nature and scenery perspective. The gorge is breathtaking and, in his opinion, a remarkable example of the natural treasures that can be found in Kurdistan.

His second favorite place is from a historical perspective and is a bit tricky to find. The area where the Battle of Gaugamela (when Alexander the Great invaded the Persian Empire) took place has no markers or monuments.

Circuit Magazine

Community

“If you go along the road from Rovia to Dohuk, in that valley, you’re actually driving through the battlefield,” he explains. “For me, being a history person, and especially with a focus on military history, I get to a place like that and the battle comes alive to me. Even though there’s nothing there, not a sign or monument, I can see it. I can feel what happened.”

After all the businesses, foundations, and organizations Harry has started, and the family he’s raised, Harry wants to make clear just a few things for those who may or may not know much about him.

He’s just a simple guy with a love of Kurdistan.

“I don’t work for the US government anymore. I’ve never worked for the CIA,” he begins to clarify at the end of our interview. “Kurdistan has so much potential and in so many different areas. I’m happy to do my little bit in trying to open those doors to the people who are living here. I’m just here doing my part to put Kurdistan on the map, maybe even literally.”

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Community

Royal Club Fast cars. Racing. Drifting. Community.

To some, community might seem out of place in this line up, but there’s a group in Erbil who have taken their love of cars and turned it into just that.

Their friendships have come from their love of all things cars. They come together regularly to host small get-togethers or larger drifting and racing events. This is where it all started.

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My name is Belan Hussain and I was born in 1993 in the city of Kirkuk. I came to Erbil after my family and I became threatened by the former dictator of Iraq, Saddam Hussein. We moved to Erbil and started life here in this city. I was young and I was lost. I didn’t know what my goals or hobbies were, much less how to achieve them.

After being in Erbil for a while, I started thinking back to when I was a child and I had a hobby. I loved cars.

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A little background: From 2008 until 2011, my big brother traded cars from the USA to Erbil. They ranged from normal cars like sedans and SUVs to sport cars, which were honestly unique here. Although my brother had this business, my family refused to let me buy a sports car like he had, but it’s all I wanted. It’s a long story to tell how I made my dream come true.

But long story short, I did finally convince them. But just getting the car wasn’t enough. I wanted more.

I got the idea for a car club from my brother who had started a similar group in Kirkuk. I thought it was a nice idea to lead a group of car lovers and the group there really enjoyed it. It would be a great way to make friends in Erbil.

But here in Erbil was a little different. In the beginning, I felt kind of strange because people were staring at me everywhere I went in my sports car. I felt that they thought I was odd and often wondered what they say when they see

Circuit Magazine

Community

me with this loud beast driving. In every traffic light the police would ask for my license and the car registration papers because my car was two colors. That doesn’t really seem like a strange thing these days, but back then it was. Even though it was accepted and approved at the traffic police station, the police inside the city just didn’t understand. They didn’t understand the shape or how you have to keep the engine tuned even though I did everything at the recommendations of the performance companies that are accepted worldwide.

People here weren’t ready for real performance-based sports cars yet. It was a challenging environment and at times I felt like it was hopeless to make a team to do racing or drifting events. But one day one of my friends from Duhok, Yousif Waleed, pushed me to do everything I can to start managing a team. So finally one morning in 2012, I woke up and I told myself, “Yes, I can do this.”

I was so addicted to this idea it was like a drug. For me cars mean

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Community

freedom.

It’s the first sense of freedom that I got in my life when I first drove a car. When you drive alone for the first time it’s just the first time that you have the opportunity to just go anywhere. You have the freedom to travel places that you have never been before or seen, and it all starts with that turn of a key.

In the beginning, I had to figure out where I could find like-minded people who would be interested in a club like this. I went to Ainkawa because a lot of people liked to drive around that area of town at night and I knew that many of them had sport cars. It was like a famous area to spend the night hanging out and driving around going from place to place and seeing people.

I would stand on the street corners just to stop these other sports car fans and talk about my idea for a car club. Some thought it was a great idea, some rejected it thinking it can’t work here. But at the end of 2012 I decided to make a Facebook group because more and more people here were starting to use it. A lot of my friends opened new accounts for the first time just to see the team pictures, events, and news.

It grew quickly. Finally I wasn’t the only odd car lover. We were like, “OK, let’s be the odd ones in the city together.” Eventually we decided to create a really big drifting event. I searched for ways to advertise the event, but again it was useless because it was something so weird for the people here to understand. What is a car event?

Why? For our first big event, we gathered near Majidi Mall and took a nice ride through the city. We advertised it for a bit, but I was unsure how many people would show up. When the day came I was shocked at the number of cars that came and the great brands at that time. There were so many different kinds of cars from Mustangs, Corvettes, Camaros, Porsches, to Dodges. It was amazing.

But I didn’t want a good thing to get messed up before we really even got started. I began to give the other drivers advice to not take risks while driving and to stay calm and to show a better image of the

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team to the people around us. We wanted to show that just because we’re all driving in fast cars that we’ve put a lot of time into, doesn’t mean that we’re bad. We wanted the people to accept us.

In 2014, a team came from Baghdad to make a free-style drifting event in Erbil at Sami Abdulrahman Park. One week before the event I started to practice free-style drifting so I could make sure I would qualify on the testing day. I passed successfully and I was so excited.

After the event, there were mixed reactions from the spectators.

Some said, “You people just ruin your cars!” (like my mom), but there were others who were glad to see it.

Then our team, Royal Club, really started to come together. Over the years there have been other teams in Erbil, but none of them were like ours. Our team is about friendship just as much as it is about cars. It’s true that we all have very different backgrounds. All of us are different in every conceivable way. There are students, teachers, IT nerds, doctors. Some are only 20 and some are pushing 40. It doesn’t matter, we are all car geeks and we focus

Issue 14 - Winter 2017-18

on the future.

We also work together to try to solve our issues with the police and the community. They’re old school and don’t get the idea of customizing cars with parts and information from legal performance companies.

We’re always trying to find ways to make our cars faster and stronger without getting louder. We’ve even held meetings and interviews to try to make them and the public understand.

We started to make car shows on late nights in empty streets or abandoned areas. People will see us out and come to take pictures with our cars and say hi or they’ll ask about the cars and how we met.

One of the regular activities we do is what we call “Cars and Coffee.” We get together talking about our cars, comparing and challenging each other. We even talk about how we’re practically fasting ourselves on noodles, so we have just a couple more dollars for the next tuning. We spend weeks searching parts to find out what the best next purchase will be, or better tires, or the best oil.

We do everything that we can to get that tenth of a second faster

on the highway racing but at the end we stay together like brothers helping each other. Sure it’s about cars, but it’s about community too.

We were starting to get a following, but part of the goal was to find people who would stick with the team. For some, the “sports car life” is temporary.

There are some people who get a sports car for a while then they sell it and claim “I didn’t feel any difference in life.”

And he’s probably right, but I’ll tell you why. He drives alone. In Royal Club, we say, “Squad Up, Never Roll Alone.” A car represents freedom, but we use it to meet new people, go to new places. For us, we express ourselves by what we drive or build. It’s an extension of our varied personalities, but why do it alone?

To this day I can probably count on one hand the members who stayed with the team for the long haul. But I’m not going to stop. I will keep searching for those people with the same interest and will continue to try to show the world a better face of who we are.

Erbil Royal Club

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Culture

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Circuit Magazine

Culture

ReTexture

Repurpose Upcycled Lifestyle in the Middle of Ainkawa There’s a pile of pallets outside a small shop in Ainkawa. If you’ve seen it, you’ve probably thought nothing of it. After all, pallets are practically a dime a dozen around here.

But inside the shop is a group of carpenters, electricians and wood stainers who work inside the shop to turn those pallets into useful, stylish and affordable furniture, running the region’s first up-cycled furniture store - ReTexture.

The men who make up ReTexture are Christian IDPs (Internally Displaced People) from Qaraqosh who were forcibly displaced from their homes in 2014. They lost their homes, their belongings, and their livelihoods.

From one of the nation’s oldest

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Culture

indigenous Christian communities in the Ninewa Plains, they were not ready to give up. They pooled their resources, skills and experience, and worked together as a team of craftsman to establish a business that could contribute to their community’s eventual return.

ReTexture is a furniture and lighting shop based entirely on building from recycled materials, mainly discarded pallets. They create unique and customizable designs.

Their mission is to create products that cater to all needs and preferences while also employing a business model that is both sustainable and environmentally friendly.

After all, this is a region where recycling and environmental consciousness often go ignored. Their hope is to help cultivate an awareness and show that green products need not forego quality and style.

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5

MOVIES ON KURDISTAN

I’m guilty for being completely unknowledgable about the existence of the Kurdish film industry. Not only does it exist but after watching just a few movies, I can say that it’s astonishing!

Kurdish artists from the global diaspora are the main contributors, and their work is thought provoking, along with some real, strong feelings and documentary elements. Of course the war, (Halabja, Saddam Hussein, Iraqi army, America etc.) is a favourite theme.

But don’t get confused. Kurdish film has a tendency to focus on the consequences of war, not the war itself. Kurds are telling their story to the world through their movies. My top 5 below, is a great start if you’re a beginner like I was, and I can promise that after watching those, you’ll be hungry for more!

BEKAS (2012) Karzan Kader

Bekas, literally translated, means “without anyone”, and can be used as“parentless” or “orphan”. A sweet, passionate movie with a freewheeling story, written and directed by Karzan Kader. Dana (10) and Zana (6), living on the edge of survival, are two shoe shiners, homeless brothers, who attempt the impossible, when they set off for America on their donkey, named Michael Jackson. Big fans of Superman, they decide to go to America and live with him as they believe he can solve all their problems and deliver justice to everyone that has been mean to them, with Saddam Hussein holding the 1st place on their list. What really deserves attention in the movie, are all the moments when the young protagonists lose something. A penny or a pendant, the only person whom they trust and love, their faith, themselves or each other.

Favorite scene: The power in all the moments the two brothers reunite with each other.

TURTLES CAN FLY (2004) Bahman Ghobadi

Bahman Ghobadi›s movie takes place in a Kurdish refugee camp in 2003, before the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The characters are all orphan children and teenagers who disarm land mines, with a young, wheeler-dealer boy, nicknamed Satellite, being the so-called adult among them, organizing their teams, solving problems, and giving advice to the children and the few adults of the camp. On the other side, a tragic story lays behind Agrin and her armless brother from Halabja, along with their (believed so) toddler sibling. This little boy is fruit of Agrin’s rape by Iraqi soldiers, while almost a child herself. The astonishing performances and the raw reality will give you thrills!

Favorite scene: Sadly, you’ll realize that turtles cannot actually fly…

KILOMETRE ZERO (2005) Hiner Saleem

“Want to talk for Arabs & Kurds”? This is basically the feeling of the entire movie, while we follow Ako, a young Kurdish man from Amedi forced to join the Iraqi army, on his way back from the frontline of Basra during the Iran – Iraq war, a few weeks before Halabja’s chemical attack, in order to escort the dead body of a soldier to his family. Unfortunately, his driver happens to be an Arab with a strong feeling against Kurds. Kilometre Zero, written by Hiner Saleem, is a filmexamination to the incendiary relations between Iraq and Kurdistan, a tragicomic road trip with moments of black humor and strong ethic and love feelings.

Favorite scene: I’ll just declare myself guilty for laughing during a war movie! I absolutely enjoyed this one!

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JIYAN (2002)

Culture

Jano Rosebiani This is the story of Jiyan by Jano Rosebiani. A 10 year-old girl, destined to live with a big burn mark on her right cheek after the poisonous bombing of Halabja. Jiyan which means life, and Sherko, her 12year-old cousin are the only survivors of the family. The story takes place five years after the chemical attack and involves Diyari, a Kurd-American who returns to Kurdistan to build an orphanage for all these parentless and hopeless kids. A unique bond occurs between the two kids and the mamosta (teacher) as he was called by the locals. Jiyan and Sherko found in Diyari’s face a father, a friend, an entertainer, a teacher. But nothing lasts forever and the loneliness that echoes throughout their lives, goes back to “normal”. A compassionate, moving story with lyrical elements and lots of awards in the bag, for the haunted lives of those who survived.

Favorite scene: “Mamosta, are there chemical attacks in America”?

HOUSE WITHOUT ROOF (2016) Soleen Yusef

The award-winning movie of Soleen Yusef, tells the story of three siblings, who were born in Kurdistan, but grew up in Germany. Alan, Jan, and Liya, return to their motherland to fulfill their mother’s last wish to be buried next to her husband, who was killed during the war, under the regime of Saddam Hussein, at their home village. On the way, they are called to fight against to the rest of their family, as they won’t agree to let the coffin travel 600km away at the end of Kurdistan. They blame each other for no reason, or with a reason. For what was left behind or for what didn’t happen all these years while everyone was living their life and the distance between them seems to be unreachable.

Favorite scene: The emotional moment where the tree of them carry the coffin with their own hands, in the middle of nowhere…

Pinkandbluedaycare@outlook.com

009647512096701 @PinkAndBlueDaycare

Daycare

Pinkandbluedaycare

"The all in one educational and fun Daycare for the little ones in Erbil" From the ages of 08 months to 05 years English Curriculum Part and full time schedule, we open on Saturdays!

Indoor and outdoor activities: Art and crafts, Music, Gym, Theatre, Outdoor trips, Summer Camp and many more!

Section for kids with special needs Lots of Care, Love and Fun!

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Thread Facelifts Available at Senses Medi-Clinic

A thread facelift is a safe, convenient alternative to traditional facelift surgery. Designed to be less invasive, it can reduce sagging around the cheeks, jawline, and neck more quickly and with less risk than the conventional approach. Special threads are used during this facelift to discreetly hold repositioned skin and facial tissue in place after surgery.

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In a Contour ThreadLift™, clear threads are used to further minimize any traces of surgery. And while thread lifts generally produce noticeable results almost immediately and with less risk and inconvenience than more intensive procedures, thread lift costs are quite reasonable compared to traditional options.

Circuit Magazine

What Is a Thread Facelift?

Health & Beauty

A thread facelift is a convenient, less invasive alternative to traditional facelifts, designed for people experiencing early signs of aging, such as minor facial sagging. This innovative facelift procedure can be performed in just one or two hours, often without anesthesia. During a thread facelift, the cosmetic surgeon inserts thin threads into the face through tiny incisions made in the targeted area. These threads attach to the skin tissue and are then pulled back to lift and smooth the face. Almost immediately, treated areas will be raised slightly, eliminating sagging and giving patients a rejuvenated appearance.

Because patients usually remain fully conscious during the procedure, they can approve the look of their thread lift while the surgeon works. Once the threads are knotted, they become hidden within the skin itself, and any scarring that results will be virtually invisible.

Contour ThreadLift™ A Contour ThreadLift™ is a type of thread facelift that uses unique Contour Threads™. Made of clear polypropylene, the threads are nonabsorbable and are guided along previously designated contour lines, improving precision.

Inserted through small incisions made above the hairline, the barb-covered threads tighten and lift sagging skin for a more youthful-looking appearance.

Candidates for Thread Lift The best candidates for a thread facelift are in their 30s to 60s and have relatively good skin tone.

Most are beginning to experience sagging in their face or neck but do not have excessively loose skin or drooping facial areas that might require more rigorous facelift surgery. If signs of aging are relatively minimal, a thread lift may be a good way to make cosmetic enhancements while avoiding facelift scarring and other potential side effects, which sometimes occur after more intensive surgical procedures.

Average Thread Lift Costs Because it involves little or no anesthesia and less time at the hospital, a thread lift costs much less than conventional facelift surgery.

In fact, the typical thread lift costs roughly half the price of a traditional facelift, depending on how many threads are used during the procedure. Our qualified cosmetic surgeon will be able to give patients more detailed information regarding prices in specific regions.

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Aerial Yoga

Hanging around The Fig Club with this hot new fitness trend

W

hen I first saw pictures of Aerial Yoga classes at The Fig Club in Vital Village, I was fascinated. I had always loved yoga but I hadn’t been to a class in ages. And doing yoga with the silk hammock for support looked like it would be free and floaty and easy.

It was free and floaty at times, but aerial yoga is anything but easy. However, with the assistance of the silk, you can achieve better form in poses that otherwise may have been difficult for you to get into in the first place.

That coupled with doing many of the poses inverted rather than sitting up, gravity sort of works with your body to obtain a greater stretch.

“A lot of students are afraid to do the inverse poses,

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worrying that they’ll fall from the silk and hurt themselves,” says instructor Natalia Pestova, “but once they learn to trust themselves and the silk, they’re like a kid jsut having fun.”

There’s something about her suggestion that adults become like children. It’s true. Once you’ve gotten passed your adult brain telling you it’s unsafe, you start to move into the poses like a child playing on the playground on swings or monkey bars, flipping, swinging, and maneuvering around with ease and calm.

“The silk honestly makes what would normally be difficult poses so much easier and with less likelihood of injury rather than more which is what your brain is telling you,” she says.

Aerial Yoga has become quite the popular fitness

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Health & Beauty

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trend in the West. Pestova, who has been and instructor of yoga, pilates, and ballet for many years, both abroad and in Kurdistan, said she caught wind of the trend and thought it might be interesting to try out here.

“People are taking care of themselves more and more here,” she says. “Fitness is becoming a part of every day life, but people want something to make it fun and interesting.” There are more participants in every fitness class from regular yoga, pilates, Zumba, belly dancing classes, and more. It’s true it can sometimes be difficult to incentivize your to get to the gym, so classes like these make working out something to look forward to.

For Pestova, it was easy to go from a ballet dancer to aerial yoga. She makes it look simple.

“The trick is to follow your body,” she says. “It’s a hard workout, but you’re free to stop and start any time you rbody requires. It’s the same principle as in traditional yoga.”

As long as you continue to try the poses and get plenty of repitition, eventually your body (and mind) will become accustomed to the poses and inversions and you learn which muscles to use in order to keep yourself safely in the silk while getting the most out of the pose.

“Of course you have to do it properly or you won’t get the correct movement and the correct stretch out of it,” Pestova says. “But once you’ve got the hang of it, it gives you so much freedom.

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Wide Variety of Professional Services: Senses Hair Body & Skin Care Center Erbil Senseshairskincareerbil English Village Shopping Center, Ara Towers, Bloc B Ground Floor Next to Holland Bazar 4, Erbil, Kurdistan 00964 750 529 8484 - 00964 750 529 8787

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professional power of natural beauty

Natural and Artificial Nail Care Hair Styling and Hair Cures Bridal Care Makeup, Personal Image Laser Hair Removal Facial and Special Skincare Treatments Filler & Botox Hair Transplants for eyebrows and boldness Medical Anti-Aging Face Treatments Slimming & Cellulite Therapy Circuit Magazine

Business

KOREK MOUNTAIN RESORT & SPA The perfect balance between work and fun

“Esprit de corps”, literally translated from French, means “spirit of the body”, and is often used to define teamwork as, “a feeling of pride and mutual loyalty shared by the members of a group, closely associated in a task, cause etc.” Teamwork is important to an organisation for a number of key reasons. Fosters friendship and provides a diversity of thought, creativity, perspectives, and prolem-solving approaches.

That is the reason companies participate more often to team building activities, combining work and play because no one said that corporate meetings must be boring!

Korek’s Mountain Resort & Spa, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibition Facilities) boasts for exceptional high-end meeting destinations where groups from 10 to 200 can get the most of their off-site time.

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Business

Providing the perfect balance between work and fun, that reflects the true Kurdish hospitality and genuine warmth with professionally trained personnel on service, the resort is situated on the Korek Mountain at an altitude of 2000 m, is accessible by an International standard teleferic with an approximate length of 3.7 km, taking you through a memorable ride of 12-15 minutes through varying panoramic views of the mountains.

Adjudged as the Best Family Resort in 2016 by the Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards, the resort is visited by more than 300,000 visitors every year. But Korek Mountain Resort is a destination for all, not just families and students but also for corporates and groups to arrange their meetings, conventions, conferences and training programs.

At the “Elegant VIP room”, you’ll find the right combination of rustic charm and modern amenities, with complimentary breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Equipped for audio visual presentations, it has a capacity of 10-25 seats in board room style in an area of 103 sqm.

On the other hand, “The Lodge meeting room”, makes it easy to create a remarkable event from an interactive conference to an engaging meeting. Ideal for the residential conferences, can accommodate from 10-70 Persons in different setups like theatre, class room, board room style etc. and it’s easily accessible from all rooms.

And in case you’re interested on a larger event, the main hall at Ciya Restaurant, can be converted into a conference venue and host up to 200 people.

For all the above, they can provide various amenities like Wi-Fi, LED projector (Data Show), TV & DVD players, cordless and corded mikes, white board, flip Charts, notepads etc.

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After sealing the deal, it’s time for a well-deserved break with an elegant dinner in one of their restaurants. Choose the large terrace of Ciya Restaurant, overlooking the mountain and valleys with a private scenic shisha balcony, two secluded dining – Majlis with fireplaces for delights from the Kurdish, Arabic, European, Italian and Indian Cuisines or Resto Café 1960 for casual gatherings with pizza, burgers, and sweet or savory pastries.

Korek Mountain Resort also offers huge landscape and exciting opportunities for you to arrange various Team Building exercises, which is important in order to create a workplace environment based on fellowship, trust, support, respect and cooperation.

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Go hiking for around 5km or take a shorter distance, try the all season ski slopes, join the paintball arena for a competitive yet fun environment, or get excited with the high-speed Sky Swing. And if you can’t decide what to do, ask their suggestions for team building exercises such as Tug of War, Blind Fold race etc.

If you are looking to combine function with comfort and convenience, along with cozy & luxurious rooms, then arrange your next group event at Korek Mountain Resort & Spa and benefit for the special discounted prices for conferences and Residential groups. NGO’s operating within the region get additional benefits, feel free to write to hd@ thekorekmountain.com or call +964 750 245 8888.

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OUR COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL SERVICES INCLUDE: • Airline tickets • Hotels • Travel insurance • marhaba meet & greet • Car hire • Visas • Tailor-made corporate deals • VAT reclaim facility • Holiday packages • Cruises • Escorted tours • 24/7 Coverage • Expert travel advisors

Call Tel : +964 (0) 75101 00501, email : ticketingiraq@dnata.travel or visit dnata Travel Erbil

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Business

The Importance of Insurance Do you know why insurance is important for you?

Individual, family, business and property are always exposed to different types of risks, insurance doesn’t prevent loss or the unwanted events from happening but it is a tool to compensate the financial loss incurred due to unfortunate circumstances. Below Mohammad Remawi, Branch Manager of Erbil’s Dilnia Insurance Company, will discuss the importance of insurance.

In Iraq it seems the importance of certain lines of insurance is only seen when the insurance is a mandatory document to win a tender or to get a visa!

We all know that future is unseen. Yet, few people manage the risk of their financial position in case of any unfortunate event, accident or loss.

Insurance is the best risk-transfer mechanism by paying certain a small amount (premium) to the insurance company which will protect you against losses you may not be able to afford. It places you

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in the same financial position after a loss as that enjoyed before the loss. So we can say that insurance is important because it reduces anxiety, the weakening of the human mind associated with future uncertainty.

Hence it is a tool towards true peace of mind!

Insurance protects and gives safety & security to you, your family, property and your business against the cost of accidents, sickness, disability and death,. It is an important and intangible protection for you! It is also a very important element of any financial plan, it is pre-budgeted, affordable, grants stability and in case of a loss it absorbs the financial brunt of the consequences.

Many other reasons come when we talk about the importance of insurance such as credit facilities, privilege to employees and welfare, social benefits, etc.

Insurance compensation usually paid from the fund of the collected premiums by insured members to the insurance company, i.e. insurance exists basically to support the social cooperative community, to stand with the suffering person relying on the participation of the insured members.

Mohammad Remawi Erbil Branch Manager Dilnia Insurance Co. m.remawi@dilnia.com

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Business

Toyota Iraq Making Smiles

Toyota Dealer showrooms in Kurdistan and Iraq are going through some changes. Everyone is invited to join in on fun & interesting events at the showrooms.

Toyota Iraq has started a series of six different events, which represent the fun, dynamic and unexpected atmosphere in the official Toyota dealer showrooms called “Make Smiles Events�. The campaign is centered on joy, happiness and time devoted to happy, cherished visits at their showrooms.

The duration of the campaign is one year, and it the events are open for everyone.

The first event was the Japanese Cultural Day event where visitors could learn more about Japanese culture. It featured Photo gallery of Japan, Japanese food (such as sushi), and traditional Japanese clothing and music.

The purpose of this campaign is to make Toyota authorized dealer showrooms experience-led destinations. Where people can enjoy their time, enhance their knowledge and learn more about different subjects. The campaign

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is very focused on brightening the day of the guests and the showroom visitors as well as spreading smile among people. It is simply an effort to get employees and guests to smile more often and enjoy their time at Toyota authorized dealer showrooms.

“We want to change the way customers see our showrooms, it’s not only steel & sales - it is a place of fun, joy by a very kind & helpful Toyota staff. We are implementing Toyota philosophy & standards about customer care. Our goal is to have the best customer service & experience in automotive business in Iraq. “ said Amer Salih, Advertising & Promotions Manager at Toyota Iraq The first event of the Make Smiles Campaign is Japanese Cultural Day which took place on 14th of October at SAS showroom, and the same event will continue to be held at each authorized Toyota dealer showrooms. The showrooms will be decorated in a Japanese style where most of the famous Japanese symbols are recreated and displayed as models.

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Business

The atmosphere of the showroom and the activities at the event are designed in a way enables you to experience Japanese culture, nature, food, music and traditional costumes.

Visit us in our authorized Toyota dealer showrooms and enjoy Japanese food, music and learn more about Japanese culture. Learn origami & use your creativity to paint fans and many more surprises.

More Japanese Cultural Day events will be held across the nation (Erbil, Sulaimany, Duhok, Baghdad and Basra).

After Japanese Cultural Day, event number 2 will be Children’s Day Event. Parents can visit Toyota authorized dealers at the day of the event and enjoy time with their children where many activities and games will be prepared to give an unforgettable experience to the families.

Toyota Iraq is the official and exclusive distributor of Toyota and Hino products in Iraq. Toyota Iraq currently has three authorized dealers Cihan motors, SAS for automotive services and Merkez Al-Madina.

For information about latest events at Toyota Dealers, like the Toyota Iraq page on Facebook.

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Education For A Brighter Future +964 750 684 1004

www.ais-k.org

academic@ais-k.org

Baxtiyari, Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq facebook.com/AISKurdistan

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Food & Drink

Lablabi I really love street food. There’s just something about the simplicity of walking up to a cart and walking away with warm, flavorful food in minutes. One of my favorite street foods in Kurdistan is Lablabi, the Iraqi Chickpea Soup.

The street vendors offer up piping hot soup and the customers toss in lemon juice, Sriracha, or freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.

I remember being thoroughly surprised when I found out how few ingredients are needed to make this ridiculously simple soup at home. You have to think ahead (because you absolutely must make it from dried chickpeas which takes time) but once you have a bowl of the steaming soup, it’s totally worth it.

Ingredients 2 cups dried chickpeas 1 tsp baking soda 8 cups water (can be substituted for chicken stock) 2 tsp salt 2 tsp turmeric Instructions Soak the dried chickpeas in water with the teaspoon of baking soda, over night. Discard the soaking water and rinse the chickpeas well. Put chickpeas in a pot, cover again with water (or stock), and add the turmeric and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, skimming the scum as it forms. Reduce heat and let simmer (covered) for 45 minutes to an hour until the chickpeas are tender.

Season with salt and black pepper as needed. Feel free to use generous amounts of lemon juice and/or Sriracha hot sauce.

You can make this in large quantities and freeze it for future use.

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Food & Drink

Tamales Tamales are a traditional holiday food in Texas and the Southwest. I remember growing up in Texas, friends and colleagues would always have piles of tamales and they would bring them to share with us around the holiday season. Fresh, homemade tamales are a totally different flavor compared to frozen or canned ones that you can find in the grocery store.

Preparing the tamales is typically a family activity at a tamalada, a tamale party. Tamales are not difficult to make, but there’s a lot of parts and it can be quite labor intensive. So everyone pitches in to mold the dough, stew the chicken or meats for the fillings, and roll the tamales up and fold them into their husks.

Typically you would use either corn husks or banana leaves, I prefer the corn husks as they give a nicer flavor that I’m used to. However, in their absense (because you just have to make do here sometimes) you could use parchment paper or oiled tin foil, however you won’t have so much of that delicate corn-infused flavor.

For the dough: 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 2 cups lard or vegetable shortening 1-2 tablespoons salt to taste 5 pounds fresh masa* *Alternatively, if you don’t have access to fresh masa, you can use masa harina. I use an equal amount of liquid to masa harina, say 12 cups of masa harina and 12 cups of liquid.

Place the fat in a mixing bowl and beat until fluffy Alternate adding the masa and stock about a cup at a time, beating until completely mixed—about 5 to 7 minutes or until the dough is thick yet malleable You can test for doneness by throwing a small dollop into cold water. If it floats it’s ready, but if not, keep beating. Will keep in the fridge for several days. You can also add a couple of tablespoons of chile powder to the mix, Makes 60 tamales

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For the filling: 8-10 cups chicken stock 1 kilo skinless, boneless chicken breasts 1 kilo boneless chicken thighs 2 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro 2 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 cup hot salsa verde Bring the stock to a simmer in a medium pot over medium heat.

Add the chicken and simmer until cooked through, about 15 minutes.

Remove the chicken and let cool; shred into small pieces. Reserve the broth.

Puree the cilantro and 1 1/4 cups of the reserved broth in a food processor until smooth (save the remaining broth for another use).

Transfer to a medium pot. Add the garlic, cumin and salsa and bring to a simmer over medium heat; cook until slightly reduced, about 12 minutes. Stir in the chicken and season with salt. Remove from the heat and let cool.

Assembly and Cooking: Soak corn husks to make pliable.

Best to do this while making the dough and filling.

Drain the husks and pat dry.

Starting 1/2 inch from the wide end, spread about 3 tablespoons of the dough down a husk, leaving a 1-inch border on the sides. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling down the center of the dough, then fold in the sides of the husk, wrapping the dough around the filling. Fold up the narrow end of the husk. Repeat with the remaining husks, dough and filling.

Set a steamer basket in a large pot filled with 1 to 2 inches of water.

Arrange the tamales standing up in the steamer, folded-side down.

Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover and steam until the tamales pull away from the husks, about 1 hour. Remove from the steamer and let cool slightly before unwrapping.

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Tablea+

Offering a simple yet decadent farm-to-table experience Everything Sewar Isso knows about food he has learned from his family.

His father, who had a farm in a small village in Syria, always brought organic produce and fresh meat and chicken to their home.

His mother prepared the food with just the right combinations of seasoning. Enough to add flavor but not so much you can’t taste the food. For him, fresh ingredients and balance make the taste special and better.

At Tablea+ Restaurant, Sewar – the owner – is trying to recreate the flavors of home. He wants to provide the same farm-to-table experience he had growing up.

“I want to give our guests tastes from the village,” he says.

Between Tablea – Ainkawa, which opened in 2015, and Tablea+ on 100M Rd. near the airport, which recently opened, Sewar has a team of more than 30 chefs, sous chefs, and wait staff. They have created a working relationship directly with local farmers so that they may hand select the vegetables, fruits, and even meat that they will use in the restaurants.

“All the produce is fresh. All the meat is fresh. Noth-

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Food & Drink

ing is vacuum packed or frozen.”

They offer a slew of traditional Syrian foods including typical mezze selections, grilled meats and chicken, and main dishes. In Tablea+ they also offer a selection of Western dishes after bringing on a new chef with more than 25 years of experience in the field.

But the farm-to-table approach is absolutely central to Sewar’s concept.

“When food is fresh and it’s organic the taste is just better. It’s special,” he explains. “But it’s also important to not over-season the food.” For Sewar, the seasonings are there to amplify the flavor, but they shouldn’t mask the taste of the actual food.

“You know in some places you can’t really taste the meat or the chicken, only the spices. But I want to be able to taste the meat,” he says.

The original concept for Tablea was to be able to have the full sit-down dinner experience of Syrian food without over-doing it.

“Usually you go out to a restaurant and you end up with too much food. Way too much,” he explains. “But I decided to use the Tablea to offer a little bit of everything on one dish.”

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Food & Drink

Tablea, the namesake and logo for both his restaurants, is nothing more than a simple wooden serving board. If someone orders, they might get a bit of hummus, a bit of salad, and a shish tawouk sandwich cut into small bites all on one Tablea. Instead of having too many dishes and an overwhelming amount of food, they get all the flavors in a small amount.

With the tastes of his childhood in Tel Khanzir, Syria, in mind, Sewar thought back to his mother’s food to guide him while creating the recipes and original menu of Tablea.

Of course, as all good things, the following grew, and after being pushed by many of his regular customers and friends, to begin regular catering for companies.

Then he recently opened Tablea+ where he could bring in the atmosphere as well. The restaurant, which boasts a large garden and space for hundreds, has a simple yet decadent Middle Eastern flare while still seeming modern, sleek, and comfortable.

Twice a week, Mondays and Thursday, Tablea+ hosts a live band playing oriental music, especially classics from Syria.

“On the nights with music, the people come just to listen. It’s not like a dance party. They come and they listen and they enjoy,” Sewar says. “This makes me happy, because I honestly just want them to feel like this is their home.”

And that is the crux of it. For Sewar, Tablea is a reflection of his home in the village in Syria. It’s a representation of the things he loves.

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HAPPY H URS in town

Food & Drink

For those of us nine-to-ďŹ ve`ers who seek an after-work option to ease tension from a long day, Happy Hour sessions surely come in handy. We rounded up lip-smacking (and budget friendly) daily specials at your favorite bars around the city. Cheers!

Bond Bar & Lounge, Rotana Rotana`s lobby cafe in the evenings changes its personality to a vibrant bar, that offers a wide variety of drinks. Lately they have added Happy Hours on daily basis. Ask the bartender for the selected drinks between 5pm - 7pm and pay 8$ for each.

Taverna Kitchen & Bar Ideally located on the 100m Street, Taverna offers one of the yummiest Happy Hours in town.

Every day from 6pm - 8pm get your second drink for free + a whole pizza!

Hi5 Everest Sports Bar If you are always hunting down bang-for-yourbuck drinks, head to Hi5 for late evening offers.

Get warm before the party starts with 25% off on drinks & food from 7pm - 10pm

Bella Ranicia Club Why limit happy to an hour when you can have Happy Days? Saturday & Sunday, take the road to Bella Ranicia, and order anything on their menu with a 25% discount and remember to check the Cookout Sundays for extra food & drink deals!

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The Loft According to a penny saved, it`s a cocktail earned, The Loft is spoling their customers with 50% off.

Take a sip or even a bite from their Happy Hours from Tuesday to Sunday between 6pm - 8pm while enjoying the warm ambiance.

Qi21 Sushi & Grills, Divan Add a bit of luxury to your discounted drinks, at Qi21 in Divan. Monday to Thursday, 6:30pm 8pm, relax from the day-to-day operations with thirst quenching cocktails with 50% discount.

The Book Cafe Who said that only bars have great deals?

Coffee lovers can also share a portion of the Happy Hour madness! The Book Cafe, offers your second coffee for free, between 8am - 11am from Sunday to Thursday.

Happy drinking!

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Food & Drink

WINTER WARMING COCKTAILS TO GET

toasty!

Spiced Grown-Up Hot Chocolate 1 cup milk 2 oz. milk chocolate 1 oz. semi-sweet chocolate 1 tsp. light brown sugar 1 1/2 oz. spiced rum Marshmallows for garnish

3/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground ginger 1/4 tsp. nutmeg Pinch of cayenne pepper Pinch of salt

Dissolve milk, sugar and chocolate in a small saucepan on a low heat, stirring constantly. Whisk in the spices and remove from heat. Add rum and pour into a mug or glass. Top with marshmallows.

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Whisky Skin Ingredients: Boiling water Lemon peel 1 Tsp brown sugar 2 oz single malt whisky Glass: Mug or heatproof cup Flavor: Spirit-forward Sweet

Instructions: Rinse the mug with boiling water to warm it.

Add sugar and a swatch of thinly-cut lemon peel.

Add 1 oz. boiling water and stir to dissolve the sugar.

Add the 2 oz. of whisky.

Finish by adding 1 oz. more boiling water to bring the heat back up.

Stir it well and it`s ready to drink!

Francophile Ingredients: 1 1⁄2 oz. Rioja wine 1 oz. brandy 1⁄2 oz. cinnamon syrup 1⁄4 oz. lemon juice 3 oz. water Glass: Mug Flavor: Sweet Issue 14 - Winter 2017-18

Instructions: Add all the ingredients in a small saucepan.

Cook over medium heat until hot.

Pour into a thick-walled mug Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

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inspired taste

ď

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Tablea Restaurant, Ainkawa Mumtazah Street Tel: +964 773 082 2532 Facebook: Tablea Restaurant

People who love to eat

are always the best people!

ď Tablea+ Restaurant, 100m street near Airport intersection Tel: +964 751 150 0400 Facebook: /tableaplus

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Take a Hike

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Travel & Leisure

No really. That’s all we have to say.

Rain, Shine, Snow.

No excuses. No complaints.

Just get your gear and go.

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Destination Kurdistan

Halabja T

he visitor to Kurdistan cannot escape a very sad reality. That is, the people of Kurdistan have long been oppressed by various overlords, conquerors, or dictators. Through history the array of oppressors have perpetrated a litany of crimes against the Kurdish people. One of the most notorious such cases of genocide that occurred in modern history, was perpetrated in the town of Halabja on March 16, 1988.

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Travel & Leisure

Until recently, Halabja was part of Sulaymani Governorate, however, in recent years, Halabja was granted status as a governorate on its own right. The principal city of the province is Halabja City, which lies 74 km southeast of Sulaymani City, or roughly a one hour drive. The city is close to the Iranian border, as it is a mere 13 – 16 km from that border. The city is part of what is known as the Hawraman region.

The area is known for a distinct dialect of Kurdish called Hawrami.

Halabja dates back to roughly the third century BC, when the Lullubi resided in the area. They were a loose collection of tribes, who often battled the Akkadians. The area was captured from the Sassanid Empire during the Islamic conquest in 641 AD, at which time it became part of the Muslim Empire.

During the period of the First World War, several contingents of British Army soldiers were garrisoned in the city. It was after the war, when Halabja played some role in assisting Sheikh Mahmoud during his revolts against the British.

It seems the people of Halabja could not escape their rebellious roots, as the people continued to resist against the Ba’ath regime, and later against Saddam Hussein.

These revolts lead to Iraqi Regime bombardments in April 1974, and May 1987. The most notorious bombardment, however, was that which occurred in March 1988.

In 1988, as the Iran-Iraq War

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Travel & Leisure

wound down, Saddam’s regime was at the height of its Anfal campaign against the people of Kurdistan.

Peshmerga forces had been able to move into Halabja in the spring of 1988. Saddam’s military responded with a devastating chemical weapons attack, dropping a cocktail of nerve and mustard agents, as well as high explosives. The attack killed as many as 5,000 people outright, and left as many as 10,000 injured. To this day, people still suffer from the effects of the attack. After the liberation of Iraq, the architect of this attack, Saddam’s cousin Ali Hassan al-Majid, also known as Chemical Ali, was convicted of orchestrating the attack, and condemned to death by the court in January 2010. The attack was recognized as an act of genocide.

There are several attractive green area parks in the city. The main attractions though, are focused on the legacy of Saddam’s crimes in commemorating the horrific losses of 1988. Most notable of these is the National Halabja Monument.

The monument commemorates the

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attack by displaying documents, pictures and films related to the attack. There are also life size dioramas depicting the aftermath of the attack, art work in honor of the victims, and a large memorial hall with all of the martyrs’ names. The monument came from an initiative of the late former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, and was supervised by former KRG Prime Minister Dr. Barham Salih. The monument’s grand opening was 15 September 2003.

The other main draw of Halabja is the Martyrs’ Monument and Cemetery. The cemetery is actually a commemorative cemetery with no burials. It does display grave markers bearing all of the names of the martyrs by family. Nearby are several mass graves holding the remains of many of the victims.

If one is trying to get a good understanding of Saddam’s legacy in a day, you may want to tack on to your trip a stop in Sulaymani City at the Amna Suraka Museum, also known as the Red House. During Saddam’s time, this building was the Iraqi intelligence headquarters

and the site where countless prisoners were interrogated, abused, tortured and killed. The building was kept as a museum to commemorate the crimes perpetrated against the people by Saddam.

Although Halabja is most well-known for its tragic history, it is actually also the birthplace of many great Kurdish poets, such as: Ahmed Mukhtar Jaff; Mawlawi; Abdullah Goran; Tahir Beg Jaff; Qanie; and others.

No tour of Kurdistan is really complete without a visit to Halabja to gain a firsthand appreciation of the crimes of Saddam’s Regime.

Be prepared for an emotional day, but something necessary to bear witness to both the brutality of a dictator and the resilience of the victims to rise again. It is a must visit on any tour or visit to Kurdistan.

For more information about touring Halabja, please visit http://kurdistaniraqtours. com/. For more info about Halabja, or other places in Kurdistan, check out: http://www. kurdistantourguide.com/. To schedule a tour, contact Kurdistan Iraq Tours at: 0750 301 0001.

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Unforgettable Journey to

Georgia Presented by

Georgia, the country that lies in middle of the Caucasian region is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It’s historic monasteries, European vibes and delicious food makes it a must visit place.

From its green valleys spread with vineyards to its old cathedrals and watchtowers perched in fantastic mountain scenery, Georgia is one of the most beautiful countries on earth and a marvellous canvas for

walkers, horse riders, cyclists, skiers, rafters and travellers of every kind.

Equally special are its proud, high-spirited, cultured people: Georgia claims to be the birthplace of wine, and this is a place where guests are considered blessings and hospitality is the very stuff of life.

A deeply complicated history has given Georgia a wonderful heritage of architecture and arts, from cave

Where to stay: Hotel Ambasadori is a luxury 4-star hotel in Tbilisi, Georgia. It is located in the heart of Tbilisi’s historic centre on the right bank of the Mtkvari River between the Anchiskhati Church and the Marionette Theatre near the commercial center of the city.

Things to do: Visit the monument of Vakhtang Gorgasali, founder of Tbilisi. Drive along the Mtkvari River to visit the Clock tower of Rezo Gabriadze Theatre and mosque in Sulphur Bath district.

Have Lunch in local streets of Shardeen Area which turns out to be the perfect chill-out area with cafés.

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cities to ancient cathedrals to the inimitable canvases of Pirosmani.

Tbilisi, the capital, is still redolent of an age-old Eurasian crossroads.

But this is also a country moving forward in the 21st century, with spectacular contemporary buildings, a minimal crime rate and ever-improving facilities for the visitors who are a growing part of its future.

Tbilisi

Being the capital of Georgia, the city showcases the country’s history, culture and architecture impeccably. Tbilisi’s eternal charms of a dramatic setting in the deep valley of the swift Mtkvari River, picturesque architecture, an ever-lively arts and cultural scene, and the welcoming Georgian lifestyle have added a whole new 21st-century dimension of inviting cafes and restaurants serving ever better food, up-to-date lodgings from backpacker hostels to international five-stars, spruced-up museums, galleries, parks, plazas and whole streets, modernised transport and a sprinkling of eye-catching contemporary architecture. All of which make it a much easier, and more fun, city to visit and live in than it was less than a decade ago.

But the old Tbilisi is still very much here too. The Old Town, at the narrowest part of the valley, is still redolent of an ancient Eurasian crossroads, with its winding lanes, balconied houses, leafy squares and handsome churches, all overlooked by the 17-centuries-old Narikala Fortress. Neighbourhoods not

Circuit Magazine

Travel & Leisure

far from the centre still retain a village-like feel with their narrow streets, small shops and community atmosphere. Small traders still clog up the pavements around metro stations selling fruit, vegetables, cheese and nuts fresh from the countryside.

Modern and ancient, Tbilisi remains the beating heart of the South Caucasus and should not be missed on any visit.

Things to do: Embark on your journey by visiting Gonio-Apsaros Fortress, 12km south of Batumi. One of most ancient settlements was located around this fortress.

Boasting one of the widest varieties of flora in the world, the Batumi Botanical Garden was established in 1912 by Andrey

Krasnov. The garden is 111 hectares and contains flora from 9 photo-geographic areas including North America, Mexico, Australia and others. Wander the botanical garden by foot or rented carts from the garden’s administration. Relish in the Makhuntseti Waterfall located near the town of Keda.

Batumi

Batumi is the second largest city of Georgia, located on the coast of the Black Sea in the country›s southwest. Situated in a subtropical zone near the foot of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, Batumi is a popular tourist destination known for its varying weather–it is a bustling seaside resort during warm seasons, but can get entirely covered in the winter.

Where to stay: Admiral Hotel. Located in Batumi city center, it is a 3-minute walk from the Black Sea beach. Enjoy chalets with panoramic terraces with a sea view, rooms assembled with splendid toiletries, fitness centers decked out with equipment.

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Travel & Leisure Things to do: Start your junket by visiting Sataplia Park and caves. Established in 1935 to protect the Sataplia Cave and dinosaur footprints found in the area, this visitor attraction recently benefited from a very attractive refurbishment of its visitor center.

After that head towards Prometheus caves, one of Georgia’s natural wonders providing visitors with breathtaking examples of stalagmites, petrified waterfalls, cave pearls, underground rivers, and lakes.

Gelati Cathedral of XI century is a perfectly restored outstanding monument of Georgian architecture was the center of spiritual and scientific life of the Middle Ages, the tomb of Georgian rulers, the cult place for pilgrims. It is located 1 km from the city of Kutaisi and is under UNESCO protection as an object of cultural and historical legacy.

Gudauri

The ski resort is located on the south-facing plateau of The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in Georgia. The resort is situated in the Stepantsminda District, along the Georgian Military Highway near the Cross Pass, at an elevation of 2,200 meters, above sea level with skiable area enjoying maximum exposure to the sun. The resort offers high quality skiing opportunities.

The slopes of Gudauri are completely above the tree line and are best for free-riders and generally considered to be avalanche-safe.

The ski season in Gudauri begins in late December and lasts till the end of April.

From Tbilisi, Gudauri can be reached in approximately 2 hours.

Kutaisi

Legislative capital of Georgia, Kutaisi City - one of the most beautiful and ancient Georgian cities, the land of Argonauts, situated in West Georgia on the banks of the picturesque Rioni River. The first building you will see is the Bagrati Cathedral which is frequently used as the symbol of this city.

On the tour to Kutaisi visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites around one of the oldest cities in Georgia and explore one of Georgia’s natural wonders providing visitors with access to underground waterfalls, cave pearls, rivers and lakes. Small cobbled streets and one-story buildings carefully restored; a true charm for its visitors.

Where to stay: Being the nearest hotel to Kopitnari Airport and proposing the best comfort, Best Western Kutaisi offers premium comfort.

The White Bridge is only a couple steps away from the hotel, which will lead you directly into the historic center of the city

Things to do: Apres-ski activities are available for different categories of travelers: both hostels and higher class hotels organize musical evenings, parties, barbeques with DJs.

Where to stay In Gudauri you can stay in cottages and hotels of different categories.

Besides skiing and snowboarding enjoy spa treatment, take a steam bath, play billiards and bowling. For travelers with children there are children’s corners, playgrounds, and ski schools.

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Borjomi

A resort town in south-central Georgia with a population of 10,546.

The town is famous for its mineral water industry. The bottling of mineral water is a major source of income for the area. Because of the supposed curative powers of the area’s mineral springs, it is a frequent destination for people with health problems.

Things to do: Visit Borjomi spa resort and mineral water springs, a place known far beyond the borders of Georgia. Next, drive through the town of Akhaltsikhe to Vardzia, a grandiose cave city and one of the favorite destinations of Queen Tamar. Here, not far from the border with Turkey, relish splendor of this tiered cave city where there are hundreds of dwellings, transitions, ladders, churches, libraries, dining, warehouses, workshops, and entertainment.

Next, continue your visit to Green Monastery, built on the right bank of the River Kura.

It was built in about the IX century. Stroll around Borjomi Park stretched along the Borjomula River, the lush greenery in the vicinity is worth stopping for.

Where to stay: Stay at the Borjomi Palace Hotel & Spa to experience impeccable European hospitality. With on-site spa center offering various medical & cosmetic treatments, Borjomi Palace even offers free WIFI, gym and play house.

On a hillside property surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery, this serene spa hotel is a 6-minute walk from Borjomi Park train station and 3 km from the 19th-century Romanov Palace

Ananuri-Kazbegi

Things to do The Zhinvali Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Aragvi River in Zhinvali in the Caucasus Mountains. Despite its obviously artificial origins, reservoir blends in with the surrounding environment perfectly and delights visitors with its Turquoise waters. Enjoy the view of the reservoir from Ananuri Fortress, built by

the Dukes of Aragvi and its earliest parts date from the 13th century, which is a popular tourist sight and for its stunning, panoramic views. Descending to the shores of reservoir you will notice ruins of Gergeti Trinity Church, belonged to an older settlement that was relocated out of the flooding area of the dam.

On your tour to Ananuri-Kazbegi mountains you will have an exciting drive, heading north along the Georgian Military Highway into the high Caucasus Mountains. This is the main road running for 220 km from Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz in Russia, a spectacular highway that winds its way through sheer mountains. This route actually dates back to 1st century BC and is still important as the only link connecting to Russia through Caucasus Mountains.

Trip to Ananuri-Kazbegi includes several touristic areas, such as Ananuri architectural complex and Zhinvali water reservoir, Gergeti Trinity Church and Kazbegi village.

Excursion is accompanied with live guide in English and Russian, and provides best value for families, friends, couples and solo travellers.

Where to Stay : Stay in one of the hotels in Tbilisi and visit Ananuri and Kazbegi

To book your travel or enquire about another trip, contact dnataTravel today.

0751 010 0501 or holidaysiraq@dnata.travel

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The People’s Ministry Located at: Asenappar Hotel - 5th Floor

Ainkawa - Shlama Street Call 0750 512 2311 for reservations @ministryofanarchy

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The Holiday season is upon us and there are so many things going on around Erbil. Ever since the September 25th Referendum and the subsequent closing of the Erbil and Sulaimania International Airports, there has been a grey cloud of uncertainty over all of the expats in the region.

The holidays always have a way of killing the clouds and bringing a new a brighter day. There are so many new places opening and that means a whole lot more fun to have for everyone.

Our EPIC Quiz Nights are back up again and taking place weekly at Taverna Kitchen & Bar on 100 Meter Road. Also the weekly Darts Competition has really started to take off at the Everest Hi5 Sports Bar. Toyota is releasing a new vehicle soon and hosting monthly cultural events that’ll bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Bella Ranicia is doing an “ALL YOU CAN EAT” TACO BUFFET every Tuesday. And our annual Beer Pong Championship is kicking off again with semi-finals spread around town, and the final match at Deutscher Hof Erbil. If there’s interest, we may make this more than annual.

My family and I will be travelling to the United States for Christmas for the first time since 2012. I will be in and out of Erbil depending on the airport situation managing the multitude of projects I have.

Beginning January 1, I will begin the first phase of my Barbecue & Brew Pub. This project will be micro-financed and partially owned by YOU - a Co-Op, if you’ve ever heard of such a thing. If you get in early there will be 2,000 shares available for sale at $300 each (maximum 2 per person or 4 per family). Your $300 investment will yield an annual interest rate of 10% and can be transferred or sold only back to EPIC (Erbil Private Investment Company). Your shares will also include a life-time membership to EPIC, and Share-Holder Card allowing you to purchase anything on our menu at 50% off. That alone is worth the investment. If you’re interested to get in on this venture (which will be fully backed by EPIC), send me an email at jeremy.oliver@erbilonline.info If you see me or any of our staff out and about, and we’ve never formally met, it is mandatory that you come over and say hi and introduce yourself.

(That is if one of us doesn’t saunter up to your table first.) Our entire staff is friendly and welcoming and will be happy to help you find your way around get the most out of your time here in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Issue 14 - Winter 2017-18

Jeremy Oliver Creator of EPIC Texan living in the citizen Kurdistan AATexas-born American living in Region for 8Region years, of Jeremy Oliver the Kurdistan Iraq since April the "Original EPIC." ofis2008, Jeremy Oliver is He the lives “Original a crazy and life, night, EPIC”.

Helife, livesday a crazy dayinand Erbil with hosting a variety social night, too many jobs of and too many events keeping all throughout town, projects him continuously busy, while juggling time with hisof then hosting and his attending dozens lovelyatwife Lana,ofhis beautiful events a variety sponsor locations sonother Elliot, his doggy Poopa, and social events all throughout and his close friends. He never Erbil. has freecomes time and Patonly keeps his wonAll of this second to his schedule full with appointments derful family including his lovely wife withYaqo, companies interested Lana our publisher, ElliotinAmos advertising with Circuit and EPIC. their 3-year-old son, and Poopa Kubana Circuit the EPIC Magazine party dog. and "The Real EPIC" takes grouplife onvery Facebook areand thevery Jeremy seriously warmatchocolate center ofbackground his lightly the same time.

His heconstruction, and his wifereisexistence spread outthough between Lana actually involved inbusiness 11 cycling, businessare development, companies ranging security management, security,from logistics, fuel consulting to engineering, trading, transportation brokering, waste construction, and wastetrading. Basimanagement and general management. is always cally, he’s a “JackHe of All Trades.”open a good timefor and if you spend Ifto you’re looking a solution for anytime he in is Erbil only a matter of thing, one itofisthe longest standing time before his knowledge gleaming of expats in Erbilyou withsee a vast smile everything from across the almost that is bar! going on politically, regionally, socially, etc. Feel free to call him anytime or email our staff epic@party-circuit.com www.party-circuit.com

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EPIC WEEKS

If you’re ever trying to figure out what to do on any given night of the week, it’s pretty much standard to check our events tab on the Circuit Facebook page. But if you wanted to make sure you’d be hanging out with one or all of the EPIC crew when you’re out, make sure you hit up our regular, weekly, EPIC hosted events. These are a few of our stars, but don’t forget to check out our monthly or annual events as well!

Darts on Sundays Every Sunday at Hi5 Sports Bar in Everest Hotel in Ainkawa, you will find a Fadi and Stella warming up early for the darts competition.

Fadi was our star intern for awhile and he has stayed on to help us host his favorite night of the week.

They play 301 and/or 501. You can use the darts they offer or bring your own.

Each week there seem to be more and more people, but that just makes the competition harder.

In the end, the winners get booze and cash!

Taco Tuesdays On Tuesdays we finally have what every Texan (at least the ones who run this magazine) has been wishing for. Taco Tuesdays.

For just $10 you get an all you can eat buffet of Tacos and Nachos at Bella Ranicia Club on the Ainkawa Bypass Road.

The chef cooks live right in front of everyone at the buffet. As a bonus, Bella Ranicia’s bartenders have quite the tasty margarita.

And just to top it off with the perfect atmosphere, Latino music plays in the background.

Quiz Nights on Wednesdays Quiz Nights on Wednesdays at Taverna Kitchen & Bar have really excelled. The atmosphere lends itself to a Pub Quiz.

Themed quizzes put together by the EPIC staff or one of our ambassadors get your brain going and the entire time we’re raising money for charity. Quizzes have ranged from food and drink, to general knowledge, to a “dirty quiz.”

Winners get a free round of drinks, 50% off their bill and a bottle of something nice from our sponsors to take home.

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Nightlife

Enjoy a few photos of who we spotted “Out on the Circuit” last quarter at different special events throughout Kurdistan. Maybe you’ll even find yourself. Make sure to find us and strike a pose at parties this season to end up in next issue!

Halloween Party at Hi5 Sports Bar

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EPIC Quiz Night at Taverna Kitchen & Bar

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Tacos & Nachos at Bella Ranicia

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Can you spot the 7 differences?

Sudoku Challenge!

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9 Circuit 4 Magazine 8

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Useful Numbers Hotels: 0750 633 7700

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y once in each

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Deutscher Hof

out on the Circuit!

Erbil/ I-Kurdistan

German Restaurant & Beer Garden Add: Ainkawa , Kurdistan Erbil, Iraq Tel : +964 750 316 2369 Issue 14 - Winter 2017-18

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We guard your health

Call Us: 0750 361 2040 0750 881 0102 0750 881 0103

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Issue 14 14 -- Winter Winter 2017-18 2017-18 Issue

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SMB Group is a privately owned Kurdish company incorporated and based in Erbil the capital of the Kurdish Autonomous Region of Iraq. It specialises in the provision of bespoke customer orientated solutions for Civil Works, Construction, Project Logistic, Waste Management, Catering and Oil Field Technical Services.

SMB Group is committed to contributing to the economic development of the communities it operates in, through social investment, education and skills development, local sourcing of equipment, and employing local workers - in Kurdistan approximately 98% of their workforce are Kurdish/Iraqi nationals. The company have a demonstrable track record of working with local communities and their leadership to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and to ensure there is no adverse impact on its client’s operational activities.

HASA Security is a Kurdish owned company that provides a bespoke security solution, to give organisations that peace of mind when working in complex environments. Using locally sourced people, equipment and materials ensures communities benefit from projects but also improves Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals for clients. Current client sectors include Oil and Gas, NGOs, Local Government, Banking, Hospitality from Static Guards to Embedded Security Consultants.

All projects are monitored by a highly experienced management team from the Security Operations Centre based in Erbil, acting as a hub for standard operational functions such as vehicle tracking but also available as an Emergency Control Centre.

HASA Security involves their clients from the very beginning of the business relationships to ensure that their needs are met in a manner that is relevant, thorough and cost effective. From start to finish, planning to deployment, HASA treats organisations and individuals with discretion, loyalty, confidentiality and acting always within the framework of national and international laws.

Issue 14 - Winter 2017-18

International Experience Local Presence

www.smbgroup-iq.com info@smbgroup-iq.com Tel: +964 (0) 771 826 1454 MNR Company No: 781

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