Reinventing Myself: A Story of Business, Invention, and the Healing Power of Music
I’ve made it my mission to rekindle the Iraqi Maqam in the hearts and minds of a new generation—especially among the children of the diaspora, the sons and daughters of immigrants growing up in the Western world.
This tradition belongs to them too.
At its core, this project is deeply personal. I’m not only preserving the Maqam for the world, but also safeguarding it for my son, so he can hear the music of his ancestors and know where he comes from
I was born in 1946 in the city of Erbil, Iraq—a place where the mountains meet the sky, and the spirit of resilience is woven into the very fabric of life. My early years were spent at Ibin Al Mstouhphi Elementary School, where I first learned to navigate the worlds of both Arabic and Kurdish.
In 1962, I moved to Baghdad, seeking new opportunities and horizons. It was there that I enrolled in a German-Iraqi technical school, a decision that would shape my path for years to come. In 1967, I graduated, specializing as a machinist and welder, delving deep into mechanical engineering drawings and the art of creation. I worked in Baghdad’s oil refineries, and later as a mechanic in manufacturing, exploring various industries and honing my craft.
Yet, my determination remained unshaken. Refusing to let circumstances define my future, I sought a new route—one that would take me across continents. I began an extraordinary journey, traveling from Baghdad to Munich by train, where I would board a flight to New York, flying with TWA. The journey itself was a passage through history: from Syria to Turkey, through Greece and Bulgaria, and finally to Munich, West Germany, as I took the famed Orient Express, a symbol of both adventure and resilience.
During that time, there were no pictures, so what im left is the memories of the month in my life.
Once in the United States, I enrolled at Newark College of Engineering in New Jersey. I graduated in 1975, the same year the college evolved into the NJ Institute of Technology, marking the beginning of a new chapter in both my education and my life.
There, I embarked on a new journey—as a quality control engineer, overseeing the integrity of high pressure vessels in the very company where I had once worked as a welder. My mission was clear: to prevent and minimize defects, ensuring that the work we created would stand the test of time.
From 1975 to 1980, I took a bold leap into entrepreneurship, founding my own business, Metals Plus, which specialized in the manufacturing of steel and various steel products. It was a time of growth and challenge, where each project was both a learning experience and a testament to my commitment to creating quality and innovation.
In 1990, a landmark moment occurred when the U.S. Congress introduced a new environmental protection law aimed at eliminating emissions by 99.8%. This pivotal moment led me into the field of air pollution control systems, sparking a deep interest in developing highly efficient electrostatic precipitators. My research in this area would eventually lead to several patents, and I found myself supplying the chemical textile industry in the U.S. and beyond with these cutting-edge solutions.
After years of dedication to my business, I retired in 2022 and turned my focus to a new passion—music. This shift not only gave me a renewed sense of purpose but also helped transform my health. Through music, I found a path to wellness, shedding 80 pounds—from 265 lbs to 185 lbs—and overcoming diabetes and high blood pressure. It’s been a journey of healing and rediscovery, one that has kept me both busy and active, and has brought new meaning to my life.
I traveled to Turkey, Tunisia, Holland, Canada, Dubai, and 8 different countries in the Middle East to meet and learn music from retired musicians.
I needed training to learn Kanun and one of my Turkish customers suggested that I visit Usman Gazi University in the city of Eskishier, Turkya. I was excited to visit the city. During that tiem I learned to play the Ney with the Sufi Dervish.
