A morning of fun and celebration for the whole family awaits

We are proud to announce the completion of our mudhif and the launch of the 
Senan Shaibani Marsh Arabs Project

Join Archaeology Now and the Arab-American Educational Foundation to celebrate 5,000 years of history—from the Iraqi Marshes to the marshes of the Gulf Coast of America—as we formally open our newly completed mudhif, a copy of an ancient reed guest house, used in the marshes of Iraq.

This structure was created in components by master builders in Iraq and shipped to Houston where we assembled the pieces on the campus of Rice University. It is the first time this has ever been done in the United States and it is having a pivotal impact on preserving traditional building techniques and knowledge in danger of disappearing forever! 

We are proud to showcase the work of volunteers from many communities in Houston whose muscle and dedication helped to create this unique structure made from authentic materials using traditional methods.

Four months of entertaining and educational programs, all centered around the mudhif, await you this fall!

TOUR a replica of an ancient structure.
SAMPLE traditional food.
CREATE art with your family.
JOIN in song and dance.

FREE ADMISSION
Saturday, September 9, 2023.  10am – 1pm
Rice University, Entrance #8 at University and Stockton Streets
Paid Parking is available at West Lot 5.  

Courtesy of Gail Peterkin