By Dr Kawa Amin

During this vibrant period, tales from “1001 Nights” and other Mesopotamian stories flourished, captivating audiences with their rich narratives. The iconic Sherwal worn by male characters and the long, colourful dresses of female characters are undeniable symbols of this cultural tapestry. The Ayyubids introduced unique styles, particularly in decoration, blending their artistic vision with the architectural influences of the Abbasid dynasty. It is striking to observe the architectural harmony in the historical areas of Erbil, Kirkuk, and beyond.

During this period the rulers “Atabek” built minarets rising beside mosques stand as proud symbols of the Muslim presence, featuring striking cylindrical forms crafted from white or roasted brick, crowned with domes resembling green helmets. The entrances to palaces and bazaars, with their elegantly curved gates perched on slightly obtuse legs, showcase the sophistication of Ayyubid design.

Crucially, the Kurdish language emerged as the official language of legislation during this time. This linguistic prominence was recognized by Crusaders and others, highlighting the identity of Muslims as Kurds. This historical period is a cornerstone that necessitates further exploration and analysis, as it profoundly influences Kurdish identity and cultural heritage today. The yellow colour of the sultanate’s flag continues to resonate in every Kurdish flag, symbolizing the enduring connection of the Kurds to their rich history that persists into the present day.

Envision and outline future plans.

A nation’s unique customs act as its individual’s identity, or charisma, encompassing various aspects like religion, language, history, and artistic achievements. This intricate blend communicates not only with the wider world but also connects with future generations, fostering understanding through scientific and humanitarian literature as well as artistic expressions. To achieve cultural progress, we must harness physical strength, leverage economic resources, expand our knowledge, and foster cohesive social organizations (Ernest Gellner, 1998, Plough, Sword and Book).

Customizing national identity involves emphasizing certain elements or adapting them to reflect contemporary values or challenges.

• Incorporating Multiculturalism: We cannot cling to outdated agrarian beliefs to preserve loyalties and secure values, including pride in the tribes and belonging to certain families, especially given the challenges of a growing population, economic strain, and technological development [Ernest Gellner, Legitimation of belief, 1975 and Stanford Encyclopedia 2023]. Instead, we should focus on social cohesion. A more inclusive national identity can celebrate different ethnic, racial, and cultural groups, fostering unity through diversity and being a positive contributor to decision-making for the region [Azmi  Beshara, Massla’t A-Dawlah “Country’ s Question” 2024]. For our example, Kurdistan can effectively include all the districts, religious backgrounds, and educational or professional backgrounds.
• Highlighting Local Traditions: While preserving national symbols, traditions, and history, certain regional or local customs might be promoted to highlight the unique characteristics of various communities within the region. For example, regions that are dominated by certain sectarians such as Yezidism and Yarsan have their own festivals and special days in the calendar. People from different districts also can have unique festivals and ceremonies such as Hazar Def in Ardalan district, and among the Kakai’s and celebrating the Sulaymaniyah city anniversary on the 14th of November, Remembrance Halabja massacre on the 16th of March are a few examples.  
• Celebrating New Forms of Art and Expression: As national identities evolve, new forms of art, music, and cultural expression, especially those that merge traditional and modern elements, can help redefine what it means to be part of the nation.

Re-narrating well-known tales in a contemporary way has proven to be effective in redefining values and traditions, as exemplified by Disney with classics like “Snow White” (1937), rooted in a German fairy tale, and “The Little Mermaid” (1989), inspired by a Danish original. This method of adaptation resonates with audiences and breathes new life into beloved stories. In a similar vein, the Qatar Asian World Cup 2023 embraced this tradition by incorporating themes from the legendary “Kalileh wa Dimnah.” Originally an Indian work, this collection of fables was translated into Arabic during the illustrious Abbasid Caliphate under Harun al-Rashid, showcasing the timeless nature of these narratives.

• Reexamining National History: acknowledging historical injustices e.g., the Halabja and Yezidis Massacre 2016, and honouringall the artistic and cultural contributions from all the groups. This could lead to the creation of a more inclusive and reconciled national identity.
• Redesigning Symbols: Flags and national anthems are key markers of national identity. These symbols can be updated or redesigned to better reflect the evolving nature of the nation, such as incorporating new elements or symbols of diversity.
• Creating New National Celebrations: National holidays and events could evolve to reflect contemporary issues, celebrations of progress, or to mark significant historical anniversaries. Eastern Church Festival on the 7^th of January, Remembrance of the Mahabad Republic on the 22^nd of January and Liberation of Kobani are examples on the 26^th of January are examples.
• Sustainability and Environmentalism: Many nations are now tailoring their identities to align with sustainable practices. A national identity focused on environmental stewardship can incorporate values like green innovation, clean energy, and conservation. For example, New Zealand’s motto is Clean, Green and Beautify, and Sport Day in Qatar on the 11^th of February.
• Economic Identity: Nations might emphasize their economic model, such as focusing on being a tech hub, agricultural powerhouse, or creative economy leader, which influences their identity and role on the global stage.
• Curriculum Reform: Education can play a role in customizing national identity. By altering textbooks and teaching frameworks, nations can shape how future generations view their past, their role in the world, and their relationship to other cultures. This approach has been implemented in several European countries, including Britain and France, by opening multiple museums, libraries and theatres, as well as revising curricula to address the challenges faced by their diverse communities.
• Media and Pop Culture: National identity is often shaped through media, film, literature, and popular culture. A country might engage in creating or promoting specific narratives in movies, books, and online content that reflect a more modern or inclusive vision of the nation. We have multiple examples of this approach, most clearly seen recently in the Turkish media and their efforts to raise and embed Turkish culture through several movies and series based on historical and geopolitics.

Conclusion

Customizing national identity is a dynamic and multifaceted process that can reflect a nation’s evolving values, demographics, and global connections. Whether driven by cultural, political, or economic change, the customization of national identity involves both looking backward (to heritage) and forward (to future challenges and opportunities).

*^{Kawa Amin is a consultant geriatrician and assistant professor of medicine at Qatar University, with interests in healthcare management and education. He holds several notable certifications and has been involved in various educational and academic activities. Dr. Amin has a passion for bridging philosophy and medical science. His work includes two published books:}

^{Frailty outreach ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-6139900404}

^{Life, death and Eternity ISBN ‏ : ‎ B0D4DVR89S}