Beauty Blooms in Akre Alley
A young man in Akre, Haval Sabah, transformed his old alley into a beautiful garden with his own resources and donations. The initiative has become an inspiration, proving that small acts of beauty can make a big difference in a community.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a testament to the power of a single idea, one young man in the historic Akre district has single-handedly transformed a modest alley into a vibrant oasis of color and life, proving that beauty can flourish even in the most unexpected places and inspiring his community along the way.
Amid the old neighborhoods of Akre in Duhok province, which lack many basic amenities, local resident Haval Sabah chose to create a place of beauty. His personal initiative has turned the alley of his residential neighborhood into a small green space brimming with flowers, becoming a beloved local landmark.
In an interview with Kurdistan24, Haval shared his simple yet profound motivation. "I was born and grew up here, in an old neighborhood where our fathers and grandfathers lived," he said. "There is no garden or park for the children, nor a place for people to rest. So, we decided to plant flowers and create a small breathing space for the neighbors and children."
Fueled by passion, he pieced the garden together with dedication and community spirit. "I bought every flower here from a different place, and some were donated by people who loved the idea," Haval explained. "We planted them with love and put a lot of effort and money into this small project."
The result has captured the hearts of many. The once-plain alley has blossomed into an attraction where neighbors, children, and even tourists now stop to admire the scenery and take photographs.
The positive impact has given Haval a new aspiration: to see the idea spread. "Many visitors say they have never seen a place like this before and wish that all the alleys could be turned into planted gardens," he said. "This is what we aspire to: for this idea to spread and for people to decorate their own alleys. Beauty is contagious."
While the project is a notable success, it faces the ongoing challenges of maintenance, including lighting repairs, repainting walls, and keeping the walkways clean, all of which require continuous effort and funding.
Haval remains hopeful that the initiative will continue to thrive. "We hope to receive support from institutions or local residents so that we can continue," he concluded, "because these small initiatives make a big difference in people's lives and in the city's appearance."
