15 MAY 2016

In the perception of most people around the world, Iraq is a country of war. Over the last two decades, at least, main headlines were about conflicts, victims, and instability -- leading to a moral sectarian split. Even when Zaha Hadid, the world famous architect, died recently, there was hardly any mention of where she came from, while rightly stressing her innovative, outstanding performance.

It is therefore worth pointing out that Zaha Hadid was always conscious -- indeed proud -- of her Baghdad origins. Particularly in a series of interviews after she acquired world-deserved fame, some interviewers tried to point out her residencies in London, but that is where she pointedly responded that she came from Iraq, and that she holds her cultural background to her origins in Iraq and time spent in Beirut. Zaha always pointed out the years spent in Beirut were among her happiest. As a student there she was able to mix with very imaginative minds in a casual, friendly, joyous atmosphere and have a great time without being totally monitored.

Zaha Hadid was a vivid symbol of the creative women of Iraq and the potential of women in her region, who could offer outstanding results if given a chance or offered a break. It is important to make that point, particularly at this time of confused and confusing strife where actually the main victims are children and women. Surely a number of them would have noted Zaha Hadid's struggle to get to the top of her profession. Let us hope and pray they follow her example.