A first generation Argentine, the arrival of the Hamud family in Argentina dates back to the years of the First World War, where the need to flee from recruitment to the Ottoman Empire caused my great-great grandfather to transfer his entire family across the Atlantic.
He was born in Tucumán (Argentina) in 1941 and lived in Argentina until the age of 18 with his parents (Ali Hamud and Ana Luisa Martínez), his brother (Salvador), and grandparents (Abdallah and Zamzam). His grandmother and he returned to their roots in Taldarah (Syria) after the death of his parents in a tragic accident.
The following years of his life can be summarized as a marriage with 7 children (unfortunately one of them died at an early age), his dedication to Spanish-Arabic translation and interpretation in the media, and a passion for photography.
In 1974, Ismael visited Spain for the first time with the idea of finding opportunities for entrepreneurship. It took a few years until he was able to start a small textile import and export business that would gain capacity and solidity, to the point of his being recognized and awarded as tradesman of the year in his field.
His great project, however, was always his family. Over time he brought his children from Syria to Spain and the children of his brother (also deceased) from Argentina to Spain, so they could take over the reins of what he was building.
With gastronomy as one of the family passions, Ismael sold the textile business. Together with his children, they began to open restaurants in Barcelona and since the 90s this was the main business in which the Hamud family has been involved.
In the early 2000s, he decided to let his children take over the business. He devoted the rest of his life to watch his family grow and to take care of his garden in Taldarah.
My grandfather, together with his wife and children, had the great fortune of seeing Mawlana Hazar Imam in 2001 and 2008, both times in Salamiyah. He held those memories in high esteem. His devotion and faith have always been deep-seated in all his children and grandchildren.
Ismael Hamud Martínez died on September 28, 2018 in Barcelona surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Despite all the challenges that life posed, Ismael was a strong man, with faith, and always felt lucky to have been able to raise a large, healthy family and to take care of all their needs. He left as legacy 6 children, 14 grandchildren and countless memories.
