Ahwangy

Back home in Iraq, people would invite each other to their homes to socialise. But because we live in smaller spaces and face a variety of issues with respect to housing, it’s difficult to invite friends over in this country. Ahwangy creates a place that fills this gap. A typical shisha order will cost you £15 to £20 – you can smoke shisha at home for much less. But our customers spend their money with us for the experience of socialising with individuals from their home culture.

As a first-generation migrant, my yearning for home is reflected in Ahwangy. We’re frequently visited by an Arabic group of traditional singers – they come here every Sunday night, and perform songs that my father used to listen to. I’m not turning a profit when these songs are performed – neither am I turning a profit when we decorate the walls with traditional art and photography. But I do it for people who are looking for that cultural experience, and people who want to learn about and remember their historical origins.