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If you’ve ever spent time with Iraqis, you may have heard the phrase “Shako Mako.” At first, it might sound simple, just a casual greeting, but its meaning carries so much more.

In Iraqi Arabic, Shako Mako literally translates to “What’s there? What’s not there?” But in practice, it’s a warm way of asking: “How are you? What’s happening? What’s new in your world?” It’s a phrase that instantly breaks the ice, opens the door to conversation, and shows that you care about the other person’s life.

For many Iraqis, Shako Mako is not just a question, it’s an invitation to connect. Whether over a cup of tea, at a family gathering, or in a friendly chat, this phrase reminds us that life is about community, relationships, and stories.

At the Shako Mako, we chose this name because it captures exactly what we want to create: a place where Iraqi culture meets American life, where we can share experiences, celebrate heritage, and build bridges of understanding. Just like the phrase itself, our mission is about checking in on one another, supporting our community, and keeping our culture alive no matter where we are.

So the next time you hear Shako Mako, think of it as more than words, it’s a connection, a piece of home, and a reminder that we all have stories worth sharing.