New meeting hall honors old traditions

Multi-National Force - Iraq ^ | C. Brandt Smith Jr. & Nazar Alkass

[SandRat]

Task Force Pathfinder recently built its very own mudhif to provide a location for meetings with local Iraqi leaders in a comfortable, traditional setting. First constructed in the marshes of what is now southern Iraq more than 5,000 years ago, the mudhif is a unique local meeting place assembled entirely of reeds, straw and other natural materials. Photo by Pfc. Aaron Brooks, 1st Armored Division.

COB ADDER — First constructed more than 5,000 years ago in the marshes of what is now southern Iraq, the mudhif is a unique local meeting place assembled entirely of reeds, straw and other natural materials.

In a project designed to honor the customs and traditions of the region, members of Human Terrain Team 8 recently served as advisors on the construction of a mudhif here, at the 4th Brigade's Regional Center of Excellence for Civil Capacity.

The HTT has worked in the Southern Iraqi provinces of Maysan, Dhi Qar and Muthanna for the last two years. They work to gain an understanding of the local culture and share that knowledge with the Soldiers operating in the region.

As part of their work, they regularly take part in engagements with local leaders and conduct field research among the Iraqis who live along the many canals in the region and in the Hawizah Marsh.

Task Force Pathfinder will use the mudhif they helped construct to conduct meetings with local leaders in a comfortable, traditional background.

The Pathfinder Mudhif is being built by a crew of local craftsmen entirely from materials harvested from the local marshes.

The lead builder of the mudhif is a man with skin darkened by years of exposure to the elements. Although unwilling to give his name, he commented, "I have built nearly 100 mudhif structures in my lifetime."

With experience like his it was no surprise when he was soon routinely accompanied by several younger men, the next generation of craftsmen eager to learn how to build the traditional hall.

The design of the mudhif itself reflects local traditions. For instance, there are always an odd number of reed pillars, allowing the host of a meeting to sit along one side wall with an equal number of guests to his right and left.

This ensures that the tribal shaykh remains the center of decision making when conducting business and reinforces his prestigious position.

Lengths of reed, some 10 meters long, are bunched into columns, tied together and then shaped into huge parabolic arches. Hand woven mats are then tied over and between the columns, forming a roof.

Finally, reed lattice panels are attached to the sides, allowing both sunlight and air to flow into the interior while enclosing the entire hut.

Cultural understanding and immersion were the reasons behind the construction of this communal hall.

Its completion will serve as a lasting monument to the task force's unconventional mission, while displaying the commitment the United States has to ensuring that local history and heritage are not forgotten.

"It was important for us and our mission of building civil capacity, to create a structure that demonstrated our appreciation for local customs and traditions," explained Lt. Col. Michael Eastman, commander of TF Pathfinder.

"This mudhif is more than a symbolic gesture," he continued. "It is a place where Americans and Iraqis meet and discuss ways to sustain our progress in these three provinces."

(By C. Brandt Smith Jr. & Nazar Alkass, 1st Armored Division)

[SandRat]

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