Once upon a time, in the year 2004, a serendipitous encounter unfolded between myself, Abdallah Rouhli, and Anwar Abudragh. Our story began in a rather unassuming manner – I was on a quest to master the oud, a pursuit that led me to a magazine published by the Arab Cultural Center of Brussels. It was there, amidst the pages, that I first glimpsed Anwar’s face, adorned with a youthful, friendly smile that seemed to beckon me. Compelled by an inexplicable urgency, I dialed the number beneath his photograph, eager to embark on my musical journey.
Our initial conversation was a revelation. Anwar’s voice, warm and sympathetic, resonated with the confidence of a seasoned instructor. Although my schedule, crowded with work commitments and the education of my two daughters, left little room for the oud, this did not dampen the spark that was ignited between us.
What began as a musical endeavor soon blossomed into a profound friendship, fueled by a shared passion for culture and art. Our meetings became a fertile ground for ideas, where dreams of creating Arabic Maqam Centers, orchestras, and music schools took shape. We penned thousands of lines, envisioning projects that would celebrate our rich heritage.
Our ambitions led us to Luxembourg, where we were joined by Christian, a talented photographer and filmmaker. Despite the setback of unfulfilled partnerships, Anwar’s spirits and mine remained undaunted. We refined our visions, giving birth to the Maqamat International Academy Of Arts and Heritage and the Maqamat International Orchestra, among other ventures.
Our journey was not without its trials. In Belgium, our search for support met with disappointment, prompting us to cast our gaze towards Dubai, the Arab Emirates, and even the USA. Personal circumstances, however, anchored me in Belgium, especially after the separation from my wife. It fell upon Anwar to venture to the USA, laying the groundwork for our shared dream.
Yet, as fate would have it, complications arose, steering our project to the welcoming shores of Canada. There, in Mississauga, our aspirations finally found fertile ground. While I managed administrative tasks from Belgium, Anwar worked tirelessly in Canada, transforming our vision into reality.
Today, the Maqamat International Academy Of Arts and Heritage and the Maqamat International Orchestra stand as testaments to our journey – a journey marked by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to our cultural legacy. Our websites, a digital window to our world, continue to attract an ever-growing audience, a sign of our endeavors reaching hearts and minds.
As I reflect on our journey, I am filled with gratitude and pride. Our efforts, far from being in vain, have woven a tapestry of cultural enrichment and community engagement in Mississauga. And as for me, Abdallah Rouhli, and my dear friend Anwar Abudragh, our story is far from over. With several projects still simmering with potential, our journey continues, ever inspired, ever hopeful, in the pursuit of dreams that know no bounds.
Abdallah Rouhli
