Bartella garment factory thrives as a symbol of resilience and cultural diversity

NINEVEH — A garment factory in the small town of Bartella, east of Mosul, has emerged as a hub of craftsmanship and cultural diversity, employing more than 550 workers, most of whom are women. Known as “Little Iraq” by locals for its mix of ethnicities and religions, Bartella’s diversity is mirrored in the factory’s workforce.

The Bartella Sewing Factory, operational for over three decades, was forced to close during the war with ISIS but has since made a strong recovery. It now holds contracts with various Iraqi government ministries, including health, electricity, and municipalities, supplying essential items like medical gowns and aprons.

“In our factory, we produce a wide range of items, the most important being medical clothing for the Ministry of Health,” said factory manager Salim Aziz. “Most of our workers come from the minority communities of the Ninawa Plain.”

Located between Hamdaniya and Mosul, Bartella is home to workers from various religious and ethnic backgrounds, many speaking different languages and dialects. The factory’s revival follows a difficult journey; in 2014, ISIS militants destroyed the facility, looted its equipment, and then detonated the factory. After extensive rehabilitation, it reopened in March 2018.

The factory also serves as a symbol of empowerment for women in the region. Ishtar Yousif, a Christian woman who leads the technology department, described the careful planning required for production. “Our job is to ensure everything is ready to meet the client’s needs,” she said. “Quality and craftsmanship are at the heart of every contract.”