QAWLIYA DANCE

by Usama Alshaibi
video ; color; 8:05 minutes (March 2006)

Qawliya means Gypsy and the Qawliya gypsies are a small minority in Iraq. They have roots from Spain and India, as well as other Arab countries. Many of the gypsies live in tribal areas between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

The Qawliya dance is usually played with the Iraqi Chobi style of music. The rapid fire of drums and manic energy made this a favorite among the elite during the rule of Saddam.

Since the United States occupation of Iraq in 2003, some of the poorest Qawliya areas, known for their red light districts, became easy targets for religious militia groups. Many of their villages have been destroyed or taken over by such militias and has forced the Gypsies to flee north.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• gypsy
• iraq
• dance
• qawliya
• spin
• hair
• usama
• alshaibi

[sonya841]

THUMBS DOWN TO THIS VIDEO. . .

[dancehabibi]

@sonya841 What's the matter Sonya? You don't like that video? Maybe you want me to teach you some Iraqi dance?

[mkhabbal]

@dancehabibi

who cares about sonya's opinion.

This video is one of the best ever on youtube. Very informative, artistic, excellent choice of songs and music, as well as the script and malayeen dance, Actually I would give it the first prize as a documentary film.

Thanks for posting it.

[dancehabibi]

@mkhabbal thank you so much for your nice words!! you made my day.

[AryanKnight02]

The first song is so beautiful...

Arab & Persian music are the best !

[cholaghbutcher1]

where do i find these songs

[alexisbellydance]

Thank you for posting this video. what is the name of the songs (in english) used?

[BrianHassanBadi]

@BrianHassanBadi and what is the name of that entrancing intro?

[st08696]

عالجرح والله روعة

[alexisbellydance]

Very good video!!!! I have been looking for information on this type of dance and it's people and it has been a good source of education. Wow. Malayeen is actually a Bellydancer I really like, so sad what happened to her, if it is true that is. I wish there was more about this dance on youtube and/or online.

[mssugaspice]

453 is my beat what is it where its from

[SolitaryKiwi]

@dancehabibi Now that's something I would love to learn! XD Maybe someday...

[CarmenOrientalDancer]

Excellent Video, thanks for share !!! :)

[alilasvegas]

Iraqi Women Are Beautiful!