FINJAN FIL-BUSTAN فنجان في البستان
A vibrant afternoon of games and community connection featuring authentic local catering
Finjan fil-Bustan: Iraqi Cultural Afternoon & Poetry with Faleeha Hassan
Celebrate Iraqi culture, cuisine, and literature at our Special Edition of Finjan! Drop in during the afternoon for traditional Iraqi food, warm drinks, and community socializing, followed by an evening bilingual poetry reading and book signing with acclaimed Iraqi poet Faleeha Hassan.
Illustration: Max-O-Matic| oprah.com
Event Details:
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture (310 Master Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122)
Admission: Free | RSVP Required
Schedule of the Day
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Open Gathering & Iraqi Catering
Drop by our Bustan and gallery space to unwind, connect with neighbors, and enjoy a curated spread of authentic Iraqi food, tea, and sweets Made By Noora Al-Rawi. Whether you stay for 20 minutes or the full afternoon, everyone is welcome.
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Poetry Reading with Faleeha Hassan
Gather for an intimate reading and discussion featuring celebrated poet Faleeha Hassan, reading from her poetry collection, A Goat in a Tequila Cup. The reading will be followed by an audience Q&A and a book signing reception.
About the Book: A Goat in a Tequila Cup
Spanning her journey from Iraq to Turkey and the United States, Faleeha Hassan’s collection captures the tension between deep historical memory and modern exile. Her work traces the human cost of conflict and displacement while uncovering love, survival, and quiet moments of hope.
Copies of A Goat in a Tequila Cup will be available for purchase and signing during the evening reception.
About Faleeha Hassan
Faleeha Hassan is an internationally celebrated Iraqi-born poet, playwright, teacher, and cultural activist. Widely recognized as the first woman to write poetry for children in Iraq, she holds a master’s degree in Arabic Literature, has authored 25 books, and has seen her work translated into more than 20 languages. Her honors include the Moonstone Chapbook Contest (2019), the Women of Excellence Inspiration Award (2020), the Sahitto International Grand Jury Award for Literature (2021), and the Women in the Arts Award (2023).