ERBIL, Kurdistan Region—Bright colored walls, books draped from a purple ceiling, and a menu that includes syringes for happiness, joy, love and smiles.
Ravan Ja’afar Al taei, 30, an avid reader and writer, is the co-founder of the book café. She dreamed of creating a place for educational gatherings, book clubs, studying and reading “while having coffee, being surrounded by books and lots of chocolate,” she jokes.
At the age of ten she wrote her first story. It was titled the Journey of Misery. She has still kept the first story she wrote, “from that time I dreamed of becoming a writer”
This is evident from her vision board full of colour, life, quotes, and dreams.
The café, evening during its opening is a hustle and bustle, “It’s very Instagram friend; The colours, vibe, design and even food presentation,” Says one visitor. However, it is hoped to be a quiet nest for reading, and writing enthusiasts in Erbil.
Ravan speaks passionately, with hand gestures and facial expressions reflecting her excitement, “One day, three years ago, today was a dream.”
The electronics and communications engineer has overseen the four-month processes to the opening of this book café. She sits on a yellow sofa chai, behind her a bookshelf reaching to the ceiling. “Here, people, youth in particular, can pick up a book and read, or if they wish they can purchase it.”
“To start with this idea was a pure dream, it had absolutely no reality base. I can’t say I didn’t have a lot of support, because the fact is I had zero support to begin with.” She was persistent.
This maybe the reason at the entrance of the café written on pieces of wood and covering almost an entire wall is the word “Believe!”
“This café will be a niche for cultural and literal activities and events. It will host book clubs, and it will be a place of book signing and debuts.”
Ravan smiles and sighs, “Every corner and every little detail in this café is made with love.” The cakes on the menu are homemade by a local mother and daughter who have a passion for baking, and items on sale are made by local youth, some vulnerable, others only practicing a hobby, “I want to create a platform and provide opportunities for youth people with talent to showcase themselves and their creations.”
“I searched high and low for funds.” At one point she says even crowd funding was considered, “though I knew culturally this will not be feasible.” During her search for funding, friend Shewin, who shares similar passions became a co-founder. “Both of us, as well as numerous other investors, managed to meet the costs of this café.”
With Macaroons from France and chocolate brought directly from Belgium, she states “I appreciate quality, and I hope this place will provide the best quality of everything.”
“The aim of this was to create a place where girls can come and read, study, work in an inspiring environment, which is also comfortable and easily accessible.”
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