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.