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.

But in 1969, amidst the chaos of the Arab-Israeli war, my plans took an unexpected turn. Though I had dreamed of continuing my education in Germany, the circumstances of the time held me back. Yet, my determination did not waver. I found a new path and moved to the United States, where I enrolled at Newark College of Engineering in New Jersey. I graduated in 1975, just as the college transitioned to become the NJ Institute of Technology.

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.