This document provides an overview of Iraq, including its geography, government, languages, culture, history, and people. Some key points: - Iraq is located in the Middle East, bordered by several countries, with the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers running through the center. - The government is a federal parliamentary republic divided into 18 provinces. Arabic and Kurdish are the official languages. - Iraq has a long and rich history as the site of ancient Mesopotamia and successive empires, and was an important center of culture and learning under the Abbasid Caliphate. - The population is mostly Muslim Arab and Kurdish, with smaller ethnic and religious minorities. Extended

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4. A country with rich culture and
natural resources faces the
challenges of rebuilding after
years of conflict.

5. Geography of Iraq
Iraq in the middle
east, bordered by
Iran, Jordan ,
Kuwait , Saudi
Arabia ,
Syria and Turkey.

6. Republic of Iraq
• The federal government of Iraq is
defined under the current Constitution
as the democratic, federal parliamentary
Islamic republic.
• Elections take place every four years and
people will elect member of the
parliament then members will elect a
prime minister who has all the
authorities.
• Federal government is
composed of executive,
legislative, and judicial
branches, as well as small
independent commissions.
• Aside from the federal
government, there are
regions called province.
• Iraq has eighteen provinces.

7. National anthem

8. Languages:
• There are a number of languages spoken
in iraq, but mesopotamian arabic (iraqi arabic)
is by far the most widely spoken in the country.
• Arabic is the majority language, kurdish is
spoken by approximately 15-20% of the
population, turkmen, neo-aramaic languages
and others by 5%
Iraq is a Muslim
nation with Arabic
and Kurdish as its
official languages.

9. Greetings
• Men commonly hold hands or
kiss when greeting each other,
but this is typically not the case
for men and women.
• Respect is given to the elderly
and women, especially those
with children.
• The younger person usually
initiates the greeting.
• “Assalamu Alaikum _ Peace be
upon you
• Wa Alaikum Assalam _ And
upon you peace

10. Holidays
• As such, Islamic holidays are
celebrated. Other holidays
include the Nawroz, the Iraqi
Army Day, and the International
Workers’ holiday.

12. Weekends
• Weekends in Iraq are
Friday and Saturday,
as opposed to the
Western version of
Saturday and
Sunday.

13. Current president
• Haider Jawad Kadhim Al-Abadi (or
al-'Ibadi; born 25 April 1952) is an
Iraqi politician who has been Prime
Minister of Iraq since September
2014. Previously he served
as Minister of Communication from
2003 to 2004, in the first
government after Saddam Hussein.
.
He was designated as Prime
Minister by President Fuad
Masum on 11 August 2014 to
succeed Nouri al-Maliki and
was approved by the Iraqi
parliament on 8 September
2014.
Political party: Islamic Dawa
party

14. Markets
• Many markets reflect local
culture and economy.
• The famous Al-Safafeer
market in Baghdad which is
one of the oldest markets in the
city established during the
Abbasid Caliphate.
• Remains famous for various
copper collectables and
exhibits.

15. • Iraqi cities are famous for their dedicated traditional market places which reflect local culture,
folklore and economy.
• Baghdad for one is famous for such places;Astarabadi (textile mall), Mutanabi (for books), Al-
Nahar (Goldsmith and Silver jewelry), Shorja (spices) and Al-Safafeer (copper-smiths) , which is
one of the oldest markets in the city established during the Abbasid Caliphate (around 1200A.D.)
and remains famous for various copper collectibles and exhibits

16. Currency
• The dinar was introduced
into circulation in 1932, by
replacing the Indian Rupee.
• 1 Pakistani Rs= 11.27
dinars
• 1 Indian Rs= 17.30 dinars

17. Recreational institutions
• Several institutions in Iraq boast the
recreational culture of live theatre. Notable
institutions in Baghdad include the Iraqi
National Orchestra and the National
Theatre of Iraq.
• Cultural education is fostered through
institutions such as the Academy of Music
and the Institute of Fine Arts.

18. flag
• The flag of Iraq is an important
national symbol.
• It is composed of three colored,
horizontal sections: red on the
top, white in the middle, and
black on the bottom. The
phrase Allahu Akbar “God is
great” appears on the white
band of the flag.
Iraqi flag
Red refers to every drop of
Iraqi blood shed on the
earth without guilt just to
protect the homeland.
White refers to the pure
hearts of the Iraqis.
Black refers to the many
good things in Iraq and
large palm forests.

19. Music
• Iraqi music has its historic roots
in ancient traditions but has
continued to evolve through
various eras.
• From creation of the oldest guitar
in the world and the invention of
the lute, to adding a fifth string to
the rhythms and the various Iraqi
maqams, Iraqi music proves to be
an important part of the country's
culture.
Although Iraqi music is
very genuine and
distinctively recognized
from other middle
eastern music, it closely
resembles Turkish,
Persian and Syrian music.
Kazim Alsahir
Iraq is the home of the most
renowned international
contemporary oud composer,
Naseer Shamma. Who owes much
to the long line of Iraqi composers
like Abbas Jamil, Nazim Naeem,
Mohammed Noshi.
Naseer Shamma

20. Ancient Mesopotamia
• Iraq is located in southwestern
Asia , in the heart of the Middle
East.
• Iraq Is about the size of
California.
• Rivers, Tigris and Euphrates,
run through the center of Iraq.
• These provide Iraq with
agriculturally capable land and
contrast with the steppe and
desert landscape that covers
most of western asia.
Iraq covers most of the
area of the ancient
Mesopotamia, which
centered on the land
between the Tigris and
the Euphrates Rivers.
Mesopotamia, also called
to as the “fertile Crescent”
was an important center
of the early civilization.

21. Historically , Iraq was the center of the Abbasid
Caliphate.(750-1258)
• Settled in area that was once part of Persian
empire.
• They adopted Persian customs, and hired
Persian officials and lived luxurious life.
• They valued learning and educational persuits.
• Began after overthrow of Umayyad caliphs in
750CE.
They were responsible for
advances in :
• Medicine
• Mathematics
• Literature and poetry
• Art
• Publishing

22. The golden Age of Islam:
Bait-Al-Hikma
• Bagdad a city of intellectual development was the
richest city of the world.
• Muslims started translating and pereserving the books
in Arabic.
• Many discoveries took place there.
• The scientific method was used.
• The great scholars of house of wisdom include Al-
Khawarzmi , Al-Razi , Ibn-Sina,
Jabir (Muslim chemist), Ibn-al-Haytham,
Al-Farabi.

23. Landmarks of Abbasid Empire
• The Abbasid caliphate built the city of
Baghdad in the 8th century as their
capital, and it became the leading
metropolis of the Arab and Muslims
world for five centuries.
• Baghdad was the largest multicultural
city of the middle ages, peaking at a
population of more than a million, and
was the center of learning during the
Islamic golden age.
• Minaret malwiya and mustansiriya
school are one of the landmarks of the
abbasid empire.

25. • Baghdad capital city of Iraq, was
the headquarters of the Abbasid
Empire which stretched out Islam
all over Asia and beyond.
• They built many mosques, schools,
universities all in one.
Math and
Science
books
destroyed by
the Mongols,
Madrasa Al-Mustansiriya

26. The land of the Mesopotamia belonged to the Sumerians, who built:
• Advanced irrigation systems
• Developed grain agriculture
• Invented earliest form of writing
• Invented a math system which the modern world is based on
The first human
civilization called
sumer, has
developed in Iraq
The earliest form of writing system

27. • Invented the wheel
• Invented the first plow
• Literature was produced , including the first
known recorded story, the Epic of Gilgamesh .
• Science and art

28. • when the Sumerian civilization collapsed , the king Hammurabi
took over the area and renamed it Babylonia.
• Hammurabi, a great leader known for creating the fist recorded
laws in history, united the Assyrians and Babylonians in harmony.
• Babylon, which is south of Baghdad , became the most famous
city in the world, and became proud of among other things, the
Hanging Gardens of the Babylon.
• It was considered one the seven wonders of the ancient world.
King Hummurabi

30. Abraham prophet
• Abraham from old testament originated from Ur of Chaldies.

31. • It was built by Chaldean Nebuchadnazzer II, to please
his sick wife, Amytis who loved trees and plants for her
homeland Persia.
• Babylonia became the part of the Persian empire, until
Arab Muslims took over it
• The gardens were destroyed by several earth quakes.

32. Lion of Babylon

34. • In Iraq , its our high priority to
build buildings according to
historic style, like archaeological
sites, mosques, and government
buildings.
• Ziggurats were built by the
Sumerians, Babylonians, and
Assyrians for local relegions.
• Each ziggurat was part of a
complex temple which included
other buildings.
The ziggurat was built by King Ur-Nammu
landmarks

35. Replica of the real Gate of Temple of Ishtar

36. • Assyrian Winged
Lion
and
Bull statue
Guardians
The horned cap attests to its divinity, and the belt signifies its
power.

37. Nice waterfalls in northern parts of Iraq

39. • The northern parts of
Iraq are the
mountains and
experience cold,
harsh winter, and
pleasant summer
months.
The average temperatures
in Iraq range from higher
than 48 degree C (120
Fahrenheit) in July and
August to below freezing
in January.

40. • In summer , a dry, dusty wind called the shamal
blasts through the country with dust storms,
lasting for several days.
• Since the country is so dry , these are few plants,
except for the date palm tree, known for its
dates.
• In fact, more than 80% of the world’s date
supply is grown in Iraq.

41. More than 200 kinds in Iraq

42. Religions
and ethnic

43. Population
• 95% of the population of Iraq
practice the religion Islam.(54% Shias
and 41% Sunnis)
• The second largest culture group is
the Kurds, who live in the highlands
and mountain valleys of the north.
• Then the rest of the people are
divided into several other ethnic
groups , including Assyrians
,Turkoman , Chaldean, Armenian,
Yazidis , Christians and Jewish

44. Difference between Sunni
and Shia
• Iraqi Muslims are split in two groups the
Sunni and Shia.
• They share the fundamental Islamic
believes.
• Main difference is political.
• When the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH)
died, the Sunni believed that any one could
be the religious leader, but Shia believed
only the descendants of Muhammad
could.
• Shia is the majority in Iraq , but minority
in middle east.

45. The Extended family structure
• The extended family or tribe is the main
unit in the Iraqi society.
• It yields considerable influence in the
decision making process of individual
and society.
• Family honor comes before other social
relationships.
It is common for large
extended families to live
in the same houses,
compound or village.
In urban Areas families do
not necessarily live in
same house, although they
generally live in the same
street or suburb at least.

46. Collectivist society
• Arab culture is the collectivist
culture where the individual
relinquishes the self and obeys the
will of group/society.
• Those who have been exposed to
western culture may practice
individualistic styles of life in the
privacy of their homes but respect
and adhere to the collectivist style
outside.

47. Reasons for fight
• Fled for many reasons.
• Sunni Shia violence is the
most common reason.
Others have suffered
persecution for political
reasons(perceived or real
ties to former regime,
insurgency , the current
Iraqi government or
coalition forces)
The members of
non-Muslim
minorities, including
Christians, have
increasingly become
targeted.
Persecution of Christians

48. Characteristics of
refugees
• Low vaccination rate for children,
high rate of diarrhea for children,
war related injuries.
• Psychological distress due to
traumatizing events in Iraq
including torture, kidnapping,
blackmail, rape, intimidation and
harassments by militia and
neighbors.
Christian refugee
camp in Erbil, Iraq

49. Occupational and educational
backgrounds
• Many Iraqis have higher
education or professional skills.
In Lowell, there is a lawyer ,
doctor , director of the art
university, teachers , pharmacist,
chemist, physicist, engineer,
professors, journalist, mechanics
and those with skills in sewing
and construction.
• Educational
accreditation does not
transfer in the US.
• Loss of social status and
ability to do meaningful
work has created stress.

50. Discuss or then do or first do and then discuss
• Iraqis prefer to discuss
a matter in a
roundabout way,
rather than say no
directly to someone.

51. Shrine of Imam Ali in Al-Najaf, South of
Iraq

52. Imam Abu Hanifa Shrine on Prophet
Muhammad’s (P.B.U.H)
Birthday
The grave of Imam
Abu Hanifa in Iraq

53. Mountains in north of Iraq

54. Early Education
• Public education is free to all Iraqi citizens
through the secondary level.
• Primary education lasts for six years, from
ages six to eleven.
• Almost all Iraqi children complete primary
school.
• Secondary education also lasts for six years,
from ages twelve to seventeen. The first
three years consist of training in math and
science.
TheJihanintermediaryschoolinDohuk,Iraq.
Iraq Risks Losing Generation Due
To Lack Of Schools,

55. • Higher Education.
• Prior to the Persian Gulf War higher
education was greatly prized, and the
state used to pay for all of it, even
literacy classes for adults.
• In the 1980s the literacy rate was
about 80 percent, and there were
several plans to build new universities
and expand existing ones.
University of Technology of baghdad
Babylon University campus in Hilla city/ IRAQ

56. Traditional
Clothes

57. • The traditional dress that that Iraqi
men wear is the dishdasha .
• The shmag , a white or checkered
square scarf folded into a triangle
and sometimes worn over a small
white cap with the agal , a circular
black rope to hold the Shmag in
place.
The traditional
costume includes
the abayah , a
long black cloak
worn over a
dress and
covering the
wearer form
head to foot.

58. • Traditionally, Kurdish women
wear colorful skirts and blouses.
Men wear baggy , colorful pants
with a plain shirt having every
full sleeves, which were tied at
the elbow.

59. fashion
• Fashions due to social classes. the
women with more money tend the
wear more colorful beaded clothes.
• The poor wear plain clothing with
few colors.

60. sports
• Football is the most popular
sport in Iraq.
• Other popular sports in Iraq
include wrestling , volleyball ,
taekwondo , Karate and
basketball.
taekwondo vollyball
wrestling karate

61. • The Iraqi soccer team has had many major
achievements.
• These include going to the finals in the World
Cup in Mexico in 1986, winning the Asian
Cup in 2007, and winning fourth place in the
Olympic Games in 2004

62. Coach Ammo Baba, One of the BEST
players and coaches.
• Younis Mahmoud is an
Iraqi football icon. He is
best known as the athlete
who scored the winning
goal for Iraq in the Asian
Cup in 2007.

63. Art and
crafts

64. The country of Iraq is known for its poets and painters
and sculptors whom are among the best in the Arab
world.
• World renowned Iraqi painters and
sculptors include Ismail Fatah Al
Turk, Khalid Al Rahal, Mohammed
GhaniHikmat and Faeq Hassan.
• Handicrafts are very popular in Iraq.
• Most crafts are in the form of
jewelry, rugs, blankets, leather, and
pottery.
oil painting by Faeq Hassan
Great poets Abu Al Tayeb
Al Mutanbi of the
Abbasid Period. Modern-
era poetic contributors
include Mohammad
Mahdi Al Jawahiri.

65. Food
• Iraqi food is strongly influenced by its
neighboring countries, Turkey , Iran.
• There are several dishes native to the
country.
Iraqi Meat & Vegetable
Casserole
kubbat potato (Iraqi
Cuisine potato chop)..My
favorite food in the whole
Spiced rice with minced
chicken
Dolma (Stuffed Cabbage
Leaves
Kibbeh is a popular dish. It is
widespread in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan,
Iraq, Egypt (where it is called
koubeiba), Israel, ...

66. Fish
Masgoof is
a fish on a
stick
barbequed
on an
outdoor
grill.

67. Other common dishes include kebabs
and Dolma(spicy rice stuffing in vegetables)

69. biryani
Chicken with
fruits
• Other popular dishes include
Chicken with Fruit, Kubbat
Burghul , Kubat Halab ,
Biryani etc.

70. Deserts are favorite among the Iraqis.
• They include Baklawa and
Zlabia, a pastry made of
honey and nuts layered
between paper-thin
sheets of dough. There’s
Kleacha . Dough inside it
dates.
Baklawa
Zlabia

71. Tea
• They prefer to drink tea with Kleacha.

72. Hospitality
Iraqis are known for being very
generous and polite , especially
when it comes to mealtime.
Many Iraqis feed their guests
well before themselves.

73. • Most Iraqis hosts feel that they are failing
in their role as hosts if their guests have not
tried all of their dishes.
• A tradition within Islam actually stipulates
someone is allowed to stay in your home
for 3 days before you can question why
they are staying and when they will leave.
• Invitations to a home must be seen as a
great honor and never turned down.

74. Entertainment/Recreation
• Football “or soccer” is a favorite sport in Iraq.
• Out door activities are popular: swimming &
fishing are favorite recreations in the Tigris &
Euphrates rivers during the summer.
• Rural women visit with each other and talk, cook
,or make handicrafts.

75. • Almost all the entertainments with the Iraqis people is
done in large groups because Iraqi people are very
social and recreation is a way to be social and active.

76. The Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra
Chief Principal Conductor
Karim Wasfi leads the Iraqi
National Symphony Orchestra
during a concert in Baghdad

77. Wedding
Mashaya & Sharbet
• Men from the groom’s family go to
meet the men on the bride’s side with a
formal marriage proposal.
• Asked formally by her father if she will
accept the offer of marriage.
• Once she agrees the Fatiha is read and
then the families celebrate by
sharing ‘sharbet’ which is a delicious
fruit coridal often flavoured with rose
water and pomegranate.
• Turkish coffee and dessert is also
served.
Traditionally, their weddings
would consist of seven steps and
rituals, today some of these steps
can merge.
They also share many traditions
with their Iranian neighbors.

78. • Engagement
• The engagement requires an exchange of
rings for each - usually gold for the
woman and silver for the man placed on
their right hand ring finger.
• They celebrate with a dinner at the
woman’s home with both families.

79. Nishan
• The Nishan is the offering
of generous gifts for the
bride from the groom and
his family – gold, jewellery,
clothes, shoes.
• There will be religious
readings and blessings, all
of which vary from family
to family.
• Nishan could be a simple
dinner at the bride’s home
or something more
extravagant.
• If this is a marriage of a
Muslim couple they will meet
with the imam or sheikh, two or
three days before the wedding
party to sign the contract.
• At this stage the bride and
groom are in separate rooms.
• The bride is wearing a simple
white nightdress with no
jewellery or adornments, this is
to represent that life is to be
natural, relaxed and easy
between the couple.

80. • She agrees then goes to another room to
change into a dress that her mother-in-law
has bought her.
• They are seated at the elaborately decorated
table ‘Mez al Sayed’.
Mez al Sayed Items
• A mirror is facing them with a candelabra on
either side; the Holy Book;
• A basket of decorated eggs and a basket of
decorated almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts in
the shell; pomegranates & red apples;
• A bowl of gold coins and a treasure box with
pearls & crystals.

81. • A tray of seven herbs and spices ‘Sini-ye
Aatel-O-Baatel’ - Wild Rice; Angelica; Salt
(to blind the evil eye); Nigella Seeds; Black
Tea, Frankincense (to burn the evil spirits)
Tray of seven white foods which represents
purity – sugar; flour; rice; cheese; cream;
milk; yeast.
• A cup of honey to sweeten the bride &
groom’s life.
• A silk shawl is held over the
couple’s head by female
relatives while two sugar
cones are rubbed together to
shower them with sweetness
and symbolising a happy life
together.

82. Cardamon pods are put between
the bride’s fingers and she places
her feet in a bowl of water
sprinkled with green leaves.

83. • Henna Evening
• Either that evening or the next the women celebrate
usually at the bride’s house – music, dancing, dinner and
henna. The bride’s mother- in- law places a coin and
piece of henna in her hand, which she holds so it is then
imprinted on her palm.
• The groom celebrates with his male friends and family at
his house or a restaurant.

84. Wedding celebration
• Finally the party – the groom and his entourage
make their way to the bride’s home to collect her.
• His male family members and friends will be
hanging out of their cars tooting horns and singing
and basically making as much noise as possible!
Everyone must know a wedding is happening.
• Once they reach the bride’s house the groom meets
his beautiful bride adorned in her white dress and
veil and escorts her and the bridal party to the
venue, usually at a hotel.
• Before they enter, traditional musicians (Zaffa) will
precede the couple into the beautifully decorated
venue.

86. Birth of a child
• The birth of a child is another occasion for
a big celebration.
• Three days after the birth the family
members and the friends come to visit and
bring gifts for the child.

87. Dancing(lacunar)
• A unique style of dance based in special
footwork, shimmies and hair tossing.
• Dancing in Iraq is the same and called lacunar,
but it depends on the culture and the areas.
• Kurd dancing performance in the north is
different from middle and south.

88. Iraqi Kurd dancing

90. Iraqi Arab dancing

91. Iraqi traditional dancing

92. Grief and family support
• When a loved one dies the whole family,
friends and relatives gather around to
support financially, emotionally and
physically.
• During the first few months the relatives of
the deceased and friends provide time, food
emotional, and financial support.

93. Funeral traditions
• After special prayers for the deceased in the hall, the whole community gathers men on one side and
women on the other side.
• A pot luck will be provided by the relatives and friends of the deceased for all who attended the funeral.
• Special ceremonies are held on two occasions the seventh and fortieth day of the deceased loved one.
• The first seven days are very intense, the whole community offer their condolences to the relatives of the
deceased. The family and relatives of the deceased prepare food for all visitors. Closest relatives and friends
visit often until forty days and even longer

94. Festivals of Iraqi people
festivals
National
Based on
solar
calendar
Islamic
Based on
lunar
calendar
Only
Muslims
practice
Common
in all
Iranians

95. National festivals
• Nawruz(new year festival March 21).
• Mehrgan (Autumn festival on 9th of October ,
thanksgiving festival).
• Yalda ( the winter fiesta on 21st of December, longest
night of the year).
• Sadeh( the fire festival on 31st of Jan, to defeat the
forces of darkness).
• Chahar-shanbe suri ( Red Wednesday bonfire festival
on the last Wednesday of the year).
Dancers performing on
Nawruz festival
yalda
Naoroz festival celebrated
in iraq
Sadeh festival

96. Islamic festivals
Shias Ashura
Is the remembrance of martyrdom of the 3rd Imam in
Shia
Mid- Shaban ( birth of12 th imam)
All
Muslims
Eid-e-Qurban
Ramadan
Eid-e-Fitr

97. Common Iraqi Gestures:
Gestures Meaning
Eyebrows raised and
head tilted back:
No
Clicking the tongue: No
Waving forefinger
right-to-left:
No
Right hand moving up
and down with the
palm facing down:
Be quiet!
no
no

98. Sign of victory Go away Sign of sincerity Come here

99. Etiquette and Customs in Iraq
• Meeting People
• The most common greeting is the
handshake coupled with eye contact and a
smile.
• The standard Arabic/Islamic greeting is
"asalaamu alaikum" ("peace be with you"), to
which the response is "wa alaikum salaam"
("and peace be unto you").
• Good friends of the same
sex may greet each other
with a handshake and a
kiss on each cheek,
starting with the right.
• Expect to be introduced to
each person individually
at a small social function.
At a large function, you
may introduce yourself.

100. • Dining Etiquette
The culture of hospitality means Iraqis like to invite people to
their homes. If you are invited to a home:
• Remove shoes.
• Dress conservatively and smartly.
• Do not discuss business.
• formal manners .
• If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one
knee. Never let your feet touch the food mat.
• Use the right hand for eating and drinking.
• It is considered polite to leave some food on your plate
when you have finished eating.

101. • If you are invited to an Iraqi’s home,
bring a box of cookies, pastries or a box
of chocolates. A fruit basket is also
appreciated.
• Flowers are being given more and more
but only to a hostess.
• If a man must give a gift to a woman, he
should say that it is from his wife,
mother, sister, or some other female
relation.
A small gift for the children is
always a good touch.
Gifts are given with two hands.
Gifts are generally not opened
when received.
Gift Giving Etiquette

102. Living conditions
• The middle and upper classes in Iraq enjoy much
better living conditions than does the lower class.
• Lower class, mostly rural dwellers, live in reed and
mud huts, generally without electricity or running
water.
• Doctors and nurses tend to cluster in larger cities, so
there is a serious lack of health care available in rural
areas.
• Housing is comfortable for the urban middle and
upper classes.
• Traditional Arab homes are very private.

103. Employment
Agriculture:
• Iraq was once an agricultural
nation.
• After oil was discovered,
however, it quickly grew to
become the principal
industry.
• By 1986, only 30 percent of
Iraqis were still farmers.
• Wheat, barley, tobacco, and
dates are the major crops.
Industry
Only 10 percent of the
population work in small
manufacturing.
These industries include
textiles, cement, paper
products, food processing,
and leather.
When they grow up, rural
children usually do the same
type of work as their parents.
The most important industries
in Iraq produce crude oil

104. URBANISM
• Iraq's economy was once based on
agriculture, which stipulated a
large rural population.
• Due to oil production, an economic
boom hit Iraq in the 1970s, and
with the change of economic basis,
much of population migrated
toward urban centers.
Modern apartment and
office buildings sprang
up in Baghdad, and
programs and services
such as education and
health care developed
with the shift from rural
areas to urban population
centers.

105. • SOCIALIZATION
• Infant Care.
• Children are the mother's responsibility, and in extended domestic units other female members
also take care of the children. Children normally imitate older siblings, and obedience and loyalty
to elders are of vital importance.
• Child Rearing and Education. The family holds an important role in teaching values, and they
consider it their duty and feel responsible for other family members' behaviors.
• A good child is loyal, obedient, and does not question authority.

106. houses
• Housing is comfortable for the urban middle and upper classes.
• Traditional Arab homes are very private.
• Inside the home, there is usually a formal outer parlor in which the men of the family can receive
male visitors.
• Modern houses also have high-walled roofs (where it is cooler) for sleeping in the summer.

107. Cultural heritage:
• Sumerians, thought to be the first advanced
civilization on Earth.
• The most famous literary works to emerge from
this tradition are the Epic of Gilgamesh(an
Akkadian hero tale) and The Thousand and One
Nights(a collection of Arab folk tales).
• Modern Iraqi literature is becoming
Westernized.
Illustration of One Thousand and One Nights

108. • National Museum of Iraq:
• This museum is located in Baghdad, Iraq.
• Also known as the Iraq Museum, it contains relics from the Mesopotamian civilization which are said to be
among the most important in the world.
• The museum chronicles the development of human civilization with artifacts dating back more than
10,000 years from the Sassanid, Assyrian, Babylonian, Sumerian, Akkadian and Ottoman dynasties as well
as Stone Age and Prehistoric artifacts. Important artifacts from the over 5,000 year long history of
Mesopotamia are on display in 28 galleries in both English and Arabic languages.
"Winged human-headed bull"Assyrian Period,
reign of Sargon II (721-705 BC) Khorsabad,
ancient Dur Sharrukin, Assyria, Iraq

109. Baghdad Museum:
• This museum is located near Shuhada
(Martyrs) Bridge at the area where in the old
Round City of Baghdad was originally
established.
• The museum houses paintings, photographs,
maps and illustrative materials that showcase
the city's history.
• In addition, the museum depicts the folk
heritage of Iraqi customs and traditions. A
multilingual library is located in the
museum.

110. Museum of Natural History:
This museum is located in Rasafa,
Baghdad and highlights Iraqi
wildlife and biology. The museum
showcases Iraqi history through
various animals and plants and
houses 26,000 books that delve even
further into the history of Iraq.
Kurdish textile meuseum
Located in an elegant house
inside the front gates of the
Erbil Citadel, this museum
offers a look at the cultural
heritage of Kurdish people
through the intricacy of
Kurdish weaving.

112. Thanks for listening and
Allah Hafiz