Narin finds herself in a deep and reflective conversation with her Grandma, sitting by the serene banks of the River Tigris in 2014. This moment between the two women becomes a space for exploration, as they discuss the cultural myths that have shaped their identity and the isolation that often comes with adhering to these ancient beliefs. Grandma opens up about a painful memory of her younger brother being shunned by their community due to the prejudices and stereotypes tied to their cultural roots. As they journey toward Iraq, Narin, filled with a sense of excitement and maturity, reflects on the family’s rich heritage and the personal history that is intertwined with the land they are traveling through. This emotional journey takes Narin beyond the physical landscapes, as she begins to understand how the past shapes her present and the future ahead. She feels a deep connection with her ancestors as Grandma’s words imbue her with the sense of responsibility to carry their stories forward.

Upon arriving in Cizre, Narin’s world expands when her Grandma introduces her to the famous figure Al-Jazari, a renowned scientist and engineer from Upper Mesopotamia. This historical encounter brings to life Al-Jazari’s extraordinary inventions, such as a mechanical peacock designed to dispense water and attendants who provided guests with soap and towels. Narin is fascinated, realizing that these remarkable designs reflect the advanced knowledge of a long-forgotten era. As her father shares that Al-Jazari’s inventions are now housed in museums, particularly in the United States, Narin becomes aware of the broader implications of cultural heritage being displayed far from its place of origin. Grandma expresses her frustration and sadness over the loss of these invaluable pieces of their history, now removed from the very soil that once nurtured them. This realization sparks a meaningful conversation about the struggles faced by their culture in preserving their history while others around the world continue to profit from it.

The family delves further into their conversation, contemplating how the legacy of Al-Jazari is viewed through different cultural lenses—Arab, Iranian, and Kurdish. This discussion brings to light the deeper issues of cultural recognition and identity, highlighting how each community holds onto different interpretations of their shared past. Despite the historical erasure of figures like Al-Jazari, Narin’s father reassures her that their family plays a vital role in keeping these memories alive, referring to them as the “memory tribe.” This sentiment strengthens the family’s commitment to preserving their history and passing it on to future generations. As their journey progresses, they find themselves once again by the Tigris River, where Grandma fondly reminisces about the vibrant wildlife that once flourished in the region. The oryxes and lions that roamed freely are now lost, their presence wiped out by relentless hunting and the ravages of war. The memory of these animals’ majesty stirs up a deep sense of grief in Narin, as she reflects on the fragile balance between nature and human interference. The conversation then shifts to the marshlands, once a fertile and sustaining land, now drained and destroyed by the environmental and political forces that have devastated their homeland. Narin’s father then speaks of the Yazidi communities who have been displaced by the actions of oppressive governments, further emphasizing the fragility of their people’s survival. The continuing threat posed by the Mosul Dam adds to the weight of these reflections, but despite all the destruction, Narin’s family holds on to the hope that their culture and heritage will endure, even in the face of adversity. Their deep love for their history, rooted in both pain and resilience, becomes a beacon of strength as they continue their journey into an uncertain future, determined to preserve the stories and traditions that define them.