Saman Ahmad is one of the founders of Subhany (sent from God), a small business producing Kurdish delicacies and natural products like tahini, sesame oil, and the renowned black seed oil.
“We first started selling black seed oil in different markets and fairs, we then expanded our work to bring more products such as tahini, dates, and sesame, and other Kurdish products,” Ahmad told Rudaw on Friday.
Black seed oil and soap are some of Subhany’s most famous products. Also called black caraway, the oil has been used for thousands of years and is believed to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is mentioned in Islamic hadiths, record of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
“Black seed oil is very special, it has hadiths about it and it has been studied. It is good for many diseases,” said Ahmad.
“When Europeans come, we tell them the benefits and tell them to go read about it then come buy it from us,” he added. “We say if it does not benefit you, bring us back the product and we will refund you.”
In the many markets and fairs Subhany attends, they showcase their products, providing samples of black seed oil and tahini, ground fresh on the spot. “We want people to buy what they see, which is why we produce it in front of them and they can try it,” Ahmad said.
Subhany has also opened a branch in Sulaimani.
Reporting by Zinar Shino and Hemen Abdulla
