Inside ‘Retirees’ Café’ in Daquq, Kirkuk. (Photo: 964media)
'Generation of the good old days'
Retiree Café in Daquq stands as testament to enduring community bonds
DAQUQ — In Daquq’s old market, a café that has served as a gathering place for retirees for over 50 years continues to foster a vibrant sense of community among former educators, administrators, and workers from diverse backgrounds. Originally named after its founder, Ali Akbar, the establishment was passed down from his father, Qanbar, and is now run by his son, Hussein, who recently renamed it “Retiree Café” to honor its longtime patrons.
“Our customers are all elderly, and they prefer tea and lemon over coffee. I am happy to see them gathered, speaking three languages—Arabic, Turkmen, and Kurdish—representing Daquq’s diverse communities,” Hussein told 964media.
Retired education supervisor Hussein Redha described Daquq as a place of deep-rooted coexistence. “We have lived together for decades, and we never feel like strangers to one another. We share brotherhood and love,” he said. “We gather here to talk, reminisce about our youth, and compare our generation with the new ones. We are proud to be from the generation of the good old days.”
Abu Mohammed Al-Windawi, another longtime patron, emphasized the strong social bonds that unite the community. “We are brought together by love and our shared faith,” he said. “Over the generations, marriages have united the three ethnic groups in Daquq.”
