Iraq

The Land of Ancient Civilizations, Rich Culture and New Problems

Iraq lies in the center of the Mid-Eastern region, and it is the motherland of the great cultural heritage dated to one of the oldest human civilizations. Iraq is considered a cradle of civilization; it was the home of the ancient Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, who left indelible marks in the cultural, technological and mental growth of people. In spite of the rocky history of the contemporary world, Iraq still has the power to fascinate the world with its historical monuments, its vivid culture and its strong nation.

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Geographical Location

Iraq is found on Western Asia, with Turkey in the north, Iran in the eastern side, Kuwait in the south east, Saudi Arabia in the south, Jordan in the south west, and Syria in the west. The nation is about 437072 square kilometers. Iraq is strategically located as a meeting point of cultures, empires and trade, hence it has played a major role in world history.

Learn more about Iraq’s rich culture and history on this informative page.

Natural features/Landforms

The environment of Iraq is diverse because there are plains, mountains, rivers, and deserts. Iraq has some of the most vital rivers in the ancient world, namely the Tigris and Euphrates rivers which are fertile as they have provided farmers with agricultural activities. Most of the population of Iraq is found in the arable lands in between these two rivers which are also referred to as the “Mesopotamian”. To the north, there are rugged, and beautiful mountains, the Zagros Mountains, which offer beautiful sceneries and natural resources. The topography of Iraq in the south is diverse but it blends into the Arabian Desert that comprises extensive tracts of arid land.

Iraq also has certain Notable natural features, such as Lake Tharthar, the largest lake within Iraq and the Ahwar Marshes in the south which has been declared a UNESCO world resource due to its ecology.

Ancient Civilizations

Iraq is commonly called the Cradle of Civilization, as it was the place of one of the first and the most influential civilizations in the world. Writing, mathematics, and the wheel are credited to the Sumerians who moved to southern Iraq in 3500 BCE. They thrived in Mesopotamia in their city-states of Ur, Uruk and Lagash.

The Akkadian Empire, Babylonians and Assyrians became powerful in Iraq after the Sumerians. The Babylonians with King Nebuchadnezzar II II and the Assyrians are also well known methods of military, and have one of the very first known libraries in the world, Nineveh.

The Islamic and the Ottoman Periods

With the Arab conquest, Islam quickly expanded across Iraq during the 7th century, and the area was a hub of Islamic culture and science. The city of Baghdad was established in 762 AD as a capital of Abbasid Caliphate and a great centre of intellectuality, located in the great House of Wisdom, where the academics contributed to the development of science, philosophy, and mathematics.

Iraq was settled in the Ottoman Empire and dominated the region in the 16th century until World War I. In the course of this period, the diversity of the Iraqi culture and religion was formed due to the existence of the Arab or Kurdish, Turkmen, and Assyrian people as well as the Sunni and Shia Muslim groups.

Modern Iraq

Following the First World War, Iraq gained the status of the British mandate, and in 1932, it became independent. Political changes continued in the country, including revision of its rule, which resulted in the revolution of the year 1958, that overthrew the monarchy and transformed the rule to the republic. The recent history of Iraq was characterized by the political instability, wars, and changes of the regimes involving the emergence of Saddam Hussein who governed the country until 2003.

The country was devastated by the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988) and the Gulf war (1990-1991). A U.S.-led coalition in 2003 invaded Iraq that resulted in the toppling of Saddam Hussein. The invasion was followed by years of violence, insurgency, political upheaval; sectarian violence and emergence of terrorist groups such as ISIS.

Post-Saddam Iraq

Iraq has been facing the difficulties of rebuilding infrastructure, economy, and political institutions since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. Although the nation has achieved a lot as far as security and governance are concerned, issues like political corruption, sectarianism, and reconstruction activities are some of the key setbacks that have hit the country as it struggles to develop.

Ethnic and Religion Diversity

The country of Iraq is very ethnically and religiously diverse. Most Iraqis belong to the Arab race; however, quite sizable Kurdish, Turkmen, and Assyrian, along with other ethnic groups, are also present. The Kurds mainly live in the Northern part of Iraq and the Kurdish people speak their own unique language, culture and turn.

Iraq as per religion may be described as being mainly Muslim whose population is mainly Shia Muslims and a good number of Sunni Muslims. The tension that exists between Shia and Sunni people has been a bone of contention. Different religious minorities, such as Christians (mainly Assyrian and Chaldean), Yazidis, and Mandaeans can also be found in Iraq.

Culture and Cultural Traditions

Iraqi culture is strongly entrenched in its history of Islamic and Mesopotamian culture. The country of Iraq has a rich literary and artistic heritage, its history known for long lines of poetry and story telling and art. The cultural heritage of the country also lies in the richness of materials and regarding food, the Iraqi cuisine such as the diversity of spices, rice, lamb, and vegetables. Kebab, masgouf (grilled fish) and dolma (stuffed vegetables) are the main constituents of Iraqi cuisine.

Iraqi culture relies heavily on music and dance as its traditional forms ( maqam ( traditional Arabic classical music) and dabka ( traditional folk music and dance) are celebrated during cultural festivals and events.

Religious Festivals

The religious holidays in Iraq are determined by the Islamic calendar mainly as the most popular festivals are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr is the conclusion of the month of Ramadan during the holy period of fasting and is honoured with community prayers, gathering of a family and eating. Another important holiday in Iraq is Eid al-Adha that is dedicated to the sacrifice of Ibrahim (Abraham).

Among Shia Muslims the custom of the Ashura is very important. Ashura is the day which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad; religious practices, marches and mourning are incorporated in the day.

National Holidays

The independence Day of Iraq (on the 3rd of October) celebrates the date when the nation became independent of British rule in the year 1932. The date of July 14 is Republic Day to commemorate the dethroning of the monarch and setting up of the Iraqi republic in 1958.

Natural resources and oil

The economy of Iraq is mainly based on oil where it has one of the largest proven oil reserves in the world. Most revenue of the country is dominated by oil exporting and the oil sector is placed at the middle of setting the economic scenario in Iraq. Iraq is an OPEC member and it is still working to expand its oil infrastructure so that it will be able to produce more.

Industry and Agriculture

Oil is the key economic activity in Iraq; however, agriculture is significant as well, especially in the areas near Tigris and Euphrates rivers, where wheat, rice and barley can be cultivated. The nation also plays host to vegetables, fruits and dates. The industrial sector remains an exponent and there are moves to diversify the economy and decrease dependency on oil exports. Iraq too is having natural gas and it is trying to exploit its possibilities.

The Post War Economic Problems

After years of war and with thousands of people out of jobs, Iraq has major difficulties to revive its infrastructure, enhance living standards and overcome unemployment. Nevertheless, Iraq has improved with regard to telecommunication, construction and finance.

Ancient Sites

Iraq has some of the most critical archaeological and historical sites on the face of the earth; some of them include Babylon, the ancient city that was the capital of the Babylonian Empire. Other historical landmarks include the Assyrian ruins of Nimrud and Ziggurat of Ur, which was an ancient Sumerian temple complex.

Angkor Wat and the ruins of Sumer are grand proofs of antiquity and architectural expertise of the old Iraqi civilization.

The capital city of Iraq is Baghdad and this city has a great cultural heritage. The National Museum of Iraq has some of the most important of Mesopotamian artifacts in the world, although looting in the course of the Iraq War has taken its toll. Al-Mutanabbi Street is the so-called cultural center of the city, where it is possible to find the book stores, cafes and galleries.

Healthcare System

Several years of conflict, sanctions and poor funding have confronted the healthcare system in Iraq. Nevertheless, there is well-developed medical infrastructure especially in the urban regions. The hospitals and clinics tend to be underfinanced, but the government is still trying to help as far as healthcare is concerned.

Education System

Education means a lot to Iraq and literacy levels are relatively high compared with other nations in the region. Nonetheless the education system has been in great difficulty especially after the years of conflicts. Educational opportunities are being filled in and schools and universities are being rebuilt.

Religious Festivals

Iraq’s religious festivities mostly consist of the Islamic calendar and the two most common festivals in this country include Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr is a holiday after the period of fasting in honor of the holy month of Ramadan and is characterized by mass praying, gathering of relatives, and feasting. The other important holiday in Iraq is Eid al-Adha, which goes to remember the sacrifice of Ibrahim (Abraham).

Shia Muslims attach a lot of importance to the celebration of Ashura. Ashura is the day when Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad was martyred and it is witnessed by religious observances as well as processions and outpouring by the people.

National Holidays

The Independence Day of Iraq on 3 rd October celebrates the independence of the country of British control in 1932. Iraq Republic Day (July 14) is the day of toppling the monarchy and the constitution of the Iraqi republic in 1958.

Oil/ Natural Resources

Iraq is an oil rich country and the economy of the country relies on oil to a great extent. The revenue of the country is mainly oil-based, with exportation being the significant part of it; the oil industry is regarded as the central determinant of the economy of the country. Iraq is an OPEC member and still under development of its oil facilities to embark on expanded production.

Farms and Manufactories

Although the oil sector dominates the economy of Iraq, agriculture is also a significant sector especially when it comes to farming in and around the Tigris and Euphrates rivers such as wheat, rice and barley. Vegetables, fruits and dates are also produced in this country. The sector related to industries remains within the state of development, attempting to diversify the economy and decrease its dependence on oil production exports. Iraq as well possesses natural gas deposits which it is still in the process of developing.

Economic Problems in a Post-War Period

After several years of war, Iraq is going through a major problem of reinstating its infrastructure, better living and unemployment issues. In spite of that, Iraq has demonstrated improvements in particular areas such as telecommunications industry, construction, and finance.

Ancient Sites

Iraq also has some of the most significant archaeological and historical places in the whole world like the Babylon city which was once the capital of the Babylonian Empire. Another important historical place is the Ziggurat of Ur, an ancient Sumerian temple, or the Assyrian ruins of Nimrud.

Angkor Wat and Sumerian ruins are testimonials of the ancient civilization and architectural capabilities of the country Iraq.

Baghdad

There is a city (Baghdad) in Iraq where people have a rich cultural background. The National Museum of Iraq has had some of its most important Mesopotamian exhibits stolen under attack in 2003 during the Iraq War, although it continues to hold some of the most important artifacts in the world. The al-Mutanabbi Street or the cultural cradle of the city is densely covered with bookstores, cafes, and galleries.

Healthcare System

Years of conflict, sanctions and poor funding has posed immense challenges to the healthcare system in Iraq. Nevertheless, the nation boasts an advanced medical system especially in the city. Hospitals as well as clinics tend to be under-equipped, but the government still strives to enhance the quality and access to healthcare.

Education System

Iraq is a country with long-standing traditions of appreciation of education, and its literacy rates are quite high contrasted with other nations in the region. The education system however has not been found without many challenges especially during post-conflict years. Renewal of schools and universities and enhanced access to education are being worked on.

Transportation Network

Iraq is well-equipped in its transportation industry with highways and roads connecting the urban centers. Nevertheless, years of conflict have destroyed many roads. Iraq also has a small rail network and the country is investing in modern transportation and systems so that it can support trade and better connections.

Baghdad international airport is the main air hub and the nation is endeavoring to increase its aviation services.

Urban Development

There was extensive re-building of the cities of Iraq and especially in Baghdad and the problems of traffic congestion and lack of public transport are still there. There is an attempt to make the city more modern and enhance the living conditions of citizens.

Ideal Seasons

To visit Iraq, the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most appropriate seasons considering that the weather is controllable and quite favorable to visit the country. The months between June and August might be very hot in the southern part of Iraq.

Special Events and Festivals

During the Eid al-Fitr and Ashura one can travel to Iraq and enjoy the religious and cultural festivities. Such events not only provide information about the culture of Iraq but also give evidence of the importance of religion in everyday life.

Closure The Future of Iraq

Iraq is a land of strength and change, which has come out of its years of war and gropes towards the reconstruction of its economy, infrastructure and institutions. Iraq with a great cultural background, natural beauty and its historical values can be made a destination for travelers who like to visit places that are rich in history, culture and life of the Middle East. Iraqi people have endured its difficulties on the way to a peaceful and prosperous future.

Frequently asked questions

When should one visit Iraq?

Iraq is best toured during the spring (March to May) or during the fall time (September to November), and this is because the weather at that time of the year is less harsh.

What are the best places to visit in Iraq?

The main tourist sites are the ancient ruins in Babylon, Ur, Nimrud and the national Museum of Iraq in Baghdad.

Which languages speak in Iraq?

The national language is Arabic and Kurdish is widely spoken, especially in the north of the country. English is spoken urban and among the younger voters.

Which religion is predominant in Iraq?

Most of the Iraqis are Muslims but they are divided into Shia and Sunni Muslims. Christians, Yazidis and Sabeans form smaller groups of believers too.

Is Iraq tourist friendly?

Iraq has regions that are not stable, nor secure enough to travel in; and there are travel advisories in most regions. The tourists are advised to move with the changes on the ground and move with caution when deciding to travel there.

Which currency is in Iraq?

The currency in official use is Iraqi dinar (IQD).