BABIL, Iraq — “Madeef” is an Arabic word used when referring to a place dedicated to receiving guests. In Iraq, this word has a specific social meaning; it is a place where tribe members, leaders and sheikhs meet, socialize and resolve disputes between each other or with other tribes.
Madeefs are popular in Iraq, where people now prefer to solve their problems with the assistance of tribes, instead of going to the police and having to deal with courts.
