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Iraq Profile AREA 437 072 km2

Population 36,004 million

GDP per capita $6900 CURRENCY Iraki Dinar (IQD)

Languages: and KURDISH MAIN INFORMATION

“ - Location Map (2013) - IRQ - UNOCHA” by OCHA. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File:Iraq_-_Location_Map_(2013)_-_IRQ_-_UNO- CHA.svg#mediaviewer/File:Iraq_-_Location_Map_ (2013)_-_IRQ_-_UNOCHA.svg

Official Name: Republic of Iraq (Al-Jumhuriya al-Iraqi-ya).

Location: Iraq is located in the Middle East, in the most northern part of the , North of , West of , East of and South of .

Capital: Flag Climate: Mainly hot arid climate, mild cool winters, dry, hot summers with no clouds; heavy snowfalls are typical for the northern mountainous regions, located east from Syria and South of Turkey.

Ethnic composition: Arab 75 – 80%, Kurdish 15 - 20%; Assyrians, Turkmen and others 5%

Religion: Muslim 97%, Christian and others 3%, (Christian 0.8%, Hindu <1%, Buddhist <1%, Jewish <1%)

Coat of Arms

“Coat of arms (emblem) of Iraq 2008” by File:Coat_of_arms_of_Iraq.svg was by User:Tonyjeff, based on national symbol, with the help of User:Omar86, User:Kaf- ka1 and User:AnonMoos; further modifications by AnonMoos. Arabic script modified by User:Militaryace. - symbol adopted in July 2nd, 1965, with updates. Based 3 on File:Coat_of_arms_(emblem)_of_Iraq_2004-2007.svg with stars removed and text enlarged.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http:// commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coat_of_arms_(emblem)_of_Iraq_2008.svg#mediaviewer/File:Coat_of_arms_(emblem)_of_Iraq_2008.svg FACTS ABOUT IRAQ

Flag The Iraqi flag consists of three horizontal look-alike stripes in red, white and black with three green pentagrams, positioned on the white field. The phrase “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is great) written in Arabic is also positioned on the white field between the stars.

Language According to the constitution of 2005 the two main languages in Iraq are Arab and Kurdish, which is official for the regions where a lot of live. Turkmen, Assyrian and Neo-Aramaic are also official languages in the areas where they are spoken. The two regional Arabic Dialects that are spoken are Mesopotamian (spoken by 11.5 million people) and North Mesopotamian (spoken by 5.4 million people). Other Photo by Getideaka at freedigitalphotos.net languages are Armenian, Azeri, Chaldean and Neo- Aramaic. Religion The constitution of 2005 guarantees the freedom of faith, but states that no law contradicting Islam, the state religion, can be passed. About 97% of the population are Muslim, 60-65% of them Shia, and 32-35% Sunni. Although the Shia constitute more than half of the population of the country for the most part of the 20th century, until 2005, they were excluded from the government of the country. ’s Sunni regime systematically represses the Shia. In 1991 the Shia rebellion in South Iraq leads to mass executions and even after the end of Saddam Hussein’s regime the division between Sunni and Shia continues to affect the politics in the Photo by Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee country. The Kurds are mainly Sunni, but are ethnically at freedigitalphotos.net different from the Arabs and do not possess such a belligerent mood.

4 FACTS ABOUT IRAQ

Family and honor Family and honor are of utmost importance to . Relatives and tribe have a significant political and social part. Families keep each of their members responsible for their actions as one wrong doing brings shame to the whole family. Loyalty to the family is more important than other social relationships, including business. Employing a relative is typical as they can be trusted. It is customary for a few generations to live in the same household. It is not always like that in the cities, although relatives usually live in the same street or in the same neighborhood.

Capital In 2011 the population of Baghdad is almost 7 216 040 people, which makes it the biggest city in the Arab world after Cairo, Egypt and the second biggest in West Asia, after Tehran, Iran.

Baghdad is located on the River. It was established in the 8th century, and became the capital of . Baghdad evolved into a significant cultural, commercial, and intellectual center for the Islamic world. Throughout the Middle Ages, Baghdad was considered to be the largest city in the world with an estimated population of 1,200,000 people.

The city was largely destroyed at the hands of the Mongol Empire in 1258. The city fell into decline due to plagues and frequent change of rulers. With the recognition of Iraq as “Baghdad collage” by Collage by Kurtis. - w:Chris- an independent state (British Mandate of ) in tian Peacemaker Teams photograph, uploaded by 1938, Baghdad gradually regained some of its former Sherurcij.Photo taken by Robert Smith, transferred to Commons.Photo originally taken by a United States prominence as a significant center of Arab culture. Department of State employee, uploaded by Sherurcij. Original file uploaded to Flickr by Jim Gordon, subsequently transferred to Commons by Prioryman and reviewed by FlickreviewR bot.. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http:// commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baghdad_collage. png#mediaviewer/File:Baghdad_collage.png 5 FACTS ABOUT IRAQ

Hospitality The hospitality has its origins buried deep in the Arab and Muslim culture. Guests are treated as Kings who deserve continuous care. According to the Islam tradition a guest can stay at your home for up to three days, and you can ask them in advance about the purpose of their visit and when they are going to leave. An invitation for a visit is considered a great honor and must not be declined.

Cuneiform The oldest known writing system appeared in Iraq around 3200 BC. It is known as script and uses about 600 symbols, instead of an alphabet, where every symbol is a syllable or a separate word.

Saddam Hussein Saddam Hussein (1937 – 2006) is the fifth president if Iraq, from 16.07.1979 to 09.03.2003. He is the leading member of the revolutionary Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party, which combines Arabic nationalism and Arabic socialism. Saddam played a key role in the coup of 1968 (later became known as the revolution of July 17th), after which the party came to power in Iraq. Saddam officially became president in 1979, although he had ruled the country for a few years already. He oppressed the Shia movements and the Kurds who tried to bring down the government and managed to remain in power through the war with Iran and the . In 2003 a coalition lead by the USA and Great Britain attacked Iraq to overthrow Saddam’s rule, on the allegations of possession of weapons of mass destruction and ties with Al Qaida. The trial against Saddam was held during the temporary Iraqi government. He was found guilty and executed on the 30.12.2006.

“Bill of sale Louvre AO3765” by Marie-Lan Nguyen (2009). Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bill_ of_sale_Louvre_AO3765.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Bill_of_sale_Louvre_AO3765.jpg 6 “Iraq, Saddam Hussein (222)” by Original uploader was 172 at en.wikipedia - Transfered from en.wikipedia From Iraqi state television.. Licensed under Public Do- main via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Iraq,_Saddam_Hussein_(222).jpg#mediaviewer/File:Iraq,_Saddam_Hussein_(222).jpg PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1 January: New Year’s Day 1 May: Labor Day follow Allah's (God's) Iraq participates in the The 1st of May is celebrated command to sacrifice his traditional international as Labor Day almost all son Ishmael. celebrations for the first day around the world. of the Gregorian calendar. 3 October: Iraqi national 14 July: Republic Day holiday – Independence Variable date in winter: 14 July 1958 is the day the Day Milad Un Nabi Hashemite monarchy was In 1932 after the agreement The birth of the Islamic overthrown in Iraq by popular between Iraq and Great prophet Muhammad. forces led by Abdul Karim Britain, Iraq gains its Kassem, who became the independence. 6 January: Armed Forces Day nation's new leader. Annual celebration of the Variable date in autumn or Variable date in the creation of the on winter: New Year summer: Eid al-Fitr (3 days) 06.01.1921. according to the Islamic The end of the fasting during calendar month is The first year according to 21 March: Nowruz celebrated. the Islamic calendar begins (celebrated only by the in 622 AD when Kurds) 27 July: 1991 Shia uprisings Muhammad moved from Nowruz marks the first day in Iraq Mecca to Medina. of spring and the beginning Commemoration of the Shia of the year according to the uprising against Saddam Variable date in autumn: Persian calendar. Hussein’s regime in 1991. For Shias this is a day of 9 April: Liberation Day 8 August: Armistice Day atonement, they wear End of Saddam Hussein’s The end of the war with Iran mourning clothes and avoid regime. is celebrated (1980-1988), any form of entertainment. known as the First Gulf War. For Sunnis this is a day of joy 17 April: FAO Day and celebrations with the Commemoration of the day Variable date in autumn: Eid al-Adha (4 days) family and friends in honor of the and Agriculture of Allah’s victory. Organization. An Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to 7 SHORT HISTORY

• Iraq has been part of the Ottoman Empire, and during World War I is occupied by Great Britain.

• In 1920 Great Britain receives the mandate from the League of Nations to rule Iraq. Gradually Iraq receives independence in the following 12 years.

• In 1958 Iraq is declared a republic, but a number of powerful political figures actually rule the country until 2003, when Saddam Hussein is overthrown from power.

• The territorial disputes with Iraq lead to war, which lasts for eight years (1980-1988) and leads to losses for both countries.

• In August 1990 Iraq occupies Kuwait, but is pushed back by UN coalition, led by the U.S. during the Gulf War (January-February 1991). After the liberation of Kuwait, the United Nations Security Council requests of Iraq to remove all weapons of mass destruction and range missiles and allow inspection to be carried by UN experts. Iraq’s failure to comply with UN resolutions for a duration of 12 years, leads to the U.S. attack on Iraq on March 2003 and the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime. The U.S. forces receive a mandate from the United Nations Security Council to remain in Iraq until 2009, and after that they remain in the country as part of a bilateral security agreement during which time they train Iraqi security services.

• In October 2005 after a national referendum, Iraq adopts a constitution and in December 2005 chooses a 275 member Council of representatives. The Council approves most of the ministers in May 2006, noting the transition towards the first constitutional government of the country, from half a century till that day.

• In January 2009 elections for regional counselors for all provinces are held in Iraq, except for three provinces with Kurdish or Kirkuk rule. In March 2010 elections are held, where 325 legislators are elected. After a nine month standstill, in December 2010, the Council of representatives approves the new government. Nearly nine years after the beginning of the second Gulf War, in the middle of December 2011, the U.S. military actions in Iraq are ceased.

“Jehu-Obelisk-cropped” by Steven G. Johnson (Own work). Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - 8 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jehu-Obelisk-cropped.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Jehu-Obelisk-cropped.jpg INTERESTING FACTS

Almost half of Iraq’s territory is covered Turkey and Zagros, on the border with with desert. Iran. Mountains are the only places in Iraq, where there are still forests. Traditionally marriages in Iraq are arranged, although in the last years more One of the most typical plants for Iraq is and more Iraqis in the big cities choose licorice, used for thousands of years in their wives. traditional medicine.

The famous story about “Ali Baba and Iraqis have bees for 5000 years. the Forty Thieves” was written in Iraq is the main source of food and about 1200 years ago. income for many families.

Like many other Muslim countries, in Iraq There are sand storms in Iraq 20 to 50 the left hand is not used during eating days per year which reach 15 meters because it is considered unclean. height sometimes.

Women in Iraq have had more rights than Some of the most prestigious schools and women in the neighboring countries, but colleagues in the Arabian world were once after the Gulf War the situation to be found in Iraq, but after the war from deteriorates. Religious groups make 1991 and the UN sanctions, only 40% of women wear veils and threaten them if Iraqis can read and write. they wear western style clothes. Iraq has been the home of some of the According to a report from 2010, 1.9 greatest cities in the world - Ur, , million Iraqis have sought refuge in Nineveh, Ctesiphon, and Baghdad. neighbor countries. After , Iraq is the country where most refugees The Iraqi desert is the home of a type of come from. viper considered the most dangerous snake in the world. According to the Bible, Abraham was from Ur, a city in southern Iraq. Isaac's wife, Ancient Iraq was the source of some of the Rebecca is from Nahor, which is also in most important discoveries in the world, Iraq. In addition, according to legends, the including the bicycle, the writing, the first Garden of Eden is located in Iraq. prompt calendar, the first maps and the first schools. About 20% of Iraq’s territory is mountains. The two main mountain chains are Taurus on the border with

9 IRAQI

Iraqis highly value hospitality. They are generous and polite, especially when it comes to eating. and dinners are usually non formal and turn into a small celebration. Many Iraqis have been taught to take care of their guests first, to be well- fed, and only then to eat themselves. Most Iraqis would think they have not presented themselves well in front of their hosts, if their guests have not tried all the dishes offered. Guests often show their appreciation for the host’s efforts by overeating.

The reflects the rich historic heritage and strong influence of the culinary traditions of the neighbor countries – Persia, Turkey and Syria. Like the Turks, Iraqis like stuffed and eat a lot of lamb, and . Like the Iranians, they love to cook and chicken with .

Modern Iraq still keeps the natural division of ancient Mesopotamia, which included (the dry lands to the north) and Babylon (alluvial fields to the south). In Al- Jazeera (ancient Assyria) and crops are grown, which require a change of the seasons, such as apples and some stone fruits. In al-Iraq (ancient Babylon) rice, , fruits and dates are grown.

Kubbat mousel is a flat disc (bread) of two layers of burghul (a mixture of different types of crops, most often including durum wheat) with a thin layer of minced meat mixture in the middle. It originated in the city of Mousel, 240km north of Baghdad. Kubbat Mousel is sold frozen in the Arab world and in most Arab shops in western countries.

Fesenjān (chicken with syrup and ground ) most probably originates from Iran. The recipe has been transferred to Baghdad through the cities of and , where many Iraqis have visited the holy places and spent some time. Marriages between Iranians and Iraqis also contribute to the mixing up of the cultures of these two countries.

Masgouf is traditional Mesopotamian dish, prepared from fish from Tigris River. It is a baked freshwater fish, marinated in oil, salt, and . The traditional side dish includes , and tomatoes, as well as the typical flat bread for Iraq and most of the Middle East.

The main ingredient of Tepsi Baytinijan is the , which is placed in a pan together with lamb or beef, tomatoes, onion and . Potatoes are put on top and after that the dish is baked. Like most other Iraqi dishes, it is usually served with rice and salad. 10 Photo by KEKO64 at freedigitalphotos.net IRAQI CUISINE

Dolma is the name for dishes with stuffed vegetables. Stuffed vine leaves, stuffed , eggplant, tomatoes and peppers are traditional for Iraq.

Kofta – meatballs, typical for Middle East, Indian and Balkan cuisine. In their plainest form, these are balls of minced meat – beef or lamb – mixed with seasoning and/or onion. The vegetarian ones are “lauki ”, “shahi aloo kofta” and “malai kofta”.

Kleicha is traditional Iraqi with different form and filling, most often filled with dates.

Qatayef is a dessert which is prepared for Ramadan and is something like a sweet pancake, filled with and strawberries. It was traditionally prepared in Levant and recently it has been spread to Egypt.

Drinks

Arak, transparent, colorless, unsweetened with . It is not typically consumed pure, it is usually diluted with water in proportion 1:3 or 2:3; ice is also added.

Sharbat, cooled sweet drink, prepared from juice or flower petals.

Shinēna, cold drink, prepared from yogurt, mixed with cold water. Sometimes sprinkled with a pinch of salt or dried mint.

11 USEFUL INFORMATION

Meetings and greetings way, in social places, as well as when alone. Men do not touch women, unless they are their close relatives (wife, mother, If the men or the woman does not have daughter or sister), in which case they sons, the name of the eldest daughter is shake hands. If you don’t shake hands with used, but if they don’t have children at all, somebody when you meet them or for the following form of address is used “Abu farewell, this might be interpreted as an ghayib” or “Um ghayib” (expecting father insult. or expecting mother). These rules apply only for people from the Body language same gender; it is considered insulting for The body language is very well-developed a man to put his hand forward to shake in Iraq and in everyday communication hands with a woman, if she hasn’t put her many gestures are used. Men gesticulate hand forward first. Touching one’s heart more than women and the following with the right hand is considered an information applies mainly for them. expression of respect and honesty. In village regions, in addition to shaking When speaking Iraqis usually stay close to hands, the greeting between men can each other and often get in physical include a kiss on both cheeks. A son can contact. The body language is particularly kiss his mother on the forehead as an important in one’s expression. expression of respect. Children show To show respect, especially to an older respect by kissing the hand of an elder. person, avoid eye contact during The typical greeting is “Al-salamu conversation. When a man and a woman ‘alaykum” (May peace be upon you). The speak, they also do not look each other in younger Iraqis greet each other with the the eyes. informal “Marhaba” (Hello). Raised eyebrows and head tilted Form of address backwards means “no”. It is considered impolite to address Stretching palms forward towards someone somebody by their first name, unless you is an expression of enthusiasm or means are very close friends, from the same “great”. gender and social class. Touching the external angle of your eyes A men is usually addressed with expresses consent. “Abu” (father of), followed by the first name of his eldest son. Women have a It is considered impolite to wave for similar form of address for example “Um greeting with your left hand. Pointing Abbas” (mother of Abbas). Even a husband something with your pointing figure is also and a wife address each other the same considered impolite, use the whole hand. 12 USEFUL INFORMATION

Attire The attire in Iraq is different, because Due to the common cases of harassment, it nowadays most people dress in western is important not to wear something which style, but the majority wears traditional distinguishes you as a foreigner. Most attire. visitors in Iraq are part of a military and non- government organization and it can provide The male traditional attire is called them most adequate information about the “dishdasha” and is a loose fitting appropriate clothing. clothing, which completely covers the man from his neck downwards. This attire in Iraq might be different colors, but most often it is black or brown. Women often wear “dishdasha” or “abaya”; female clothes though are usually richly decorated, colors are bright and often have golden embroideries.

Men, as well as women cover their hair’ women wear “hijab”, wrapped around their neck so only their face can be seen; men wear “keffiyeh” or leave their head uncovered.

Today some Iraqis have adopted the western style of dressing, but even they continue covering their heads and always wearing long trousers and shirts with long sleeves.

Foreigners in Iraq have to dress modestly; both arms and legs have to be covered. Most women would feel more comfortable covering their hair when in public places, but even among local people this practice gradually is fading.

13 USEFUL INFORMATION

Eating Allow the host to show you where to sit When eating in Iraq, there are some basic and if you are sitting on the floor, keep rules which you have to be familiar with your feet pointed downwards or and observe. backwards, because if you point them If you are invited to or dinner by towards the person, this is considered an local people, the most important rule is to offence. be dressed modestly. After the food is served, follow what the Moreover, remember that it is not host is saying – he might invite everyone acceptable in the more conservative to start eating together or invite the elders homes for men to eat together with or you to try the food first. Try each dish, women, unless she is his wife, daughter or because refusing to do so is considered sister. impolite. Although in the last years this rarely Follow the example of the locals – in most happens, for some conservative Muslims cases this mean to hold the knife in your this tradition is important, this is why right hand and the fork in your left hand. follow their example. This is why it is not Some dishes are eaten with hands – touch appropriate to bring a guest of the your food only with your right hand. If the opposite gender with you, unless you have food is served in the middle, fill your plate been invited to do so. In many restaurants a little, because you will surely be offered there are special parts only for men and another refill. Refuse their first suggestion halls for families, where men and women to refill and then accept after they keep can eat together (there are no rooms insisting. When you have finished eating designated only for women), this is why leave some food in your plate to show that before taking a woman out for lunch or the food has been more than enough. dinner, make sure the restaurant or the host allow women and men to eat together. Drinks Try to be on time for the meeting. If you As a predominantly Muslim country, have been invited to somebody’s home, alcohol is rarely served in Iraq, despite it take off your shoes at the door, if the being legal. others do the same. First greet the eldest Buying alcohol is difficult and religious people, but do not forget to greet each one radicals often attack people who sell or separately by shaking their hand. Do not consume alcohol. forget though that some conservative Tap water is not suitable for drinking. Muslims think that men and women should Due to the same reason, avoid the not touch each other, this is why wait for consumption of drinks with ice and salads. women to put forward their hand first.

14 Photo by MisterGC at freedigitalphotos.net ETIQUETTE AND CUSTOMS

Humor At the table

Irony, sarcasm and self-irony can be If you have been invited to somebody’s home: misunderstood in Iraq. It is not rare for Take off your shoes, if the other people have people speaking a foreign language to done so. interpret everything directly. Dress modestly. Telling a joke, which contains self- Do not talk about business. irony, can be confusing for a culture which pays so much attention to If you have to sit on the floor, sit with your legs status and personal reputation. It is crossed or bending on one of your knees. best to be careful when telling jokes, Never touch the cloth where the food is lying at least not until you got to know your with your feet. interlocutor better. Only use your right hand. When you finish eating, leave a small amount of food in your plate.

Gifts

If invited in somebody’s home, bring a box of chocolates, sweets or fruits. Flowers are also a common gift in the last couple of years, but are given only to the housewife. If a man has to give a gift to a woman, he should say it is from his wife, mother, sister or other relative of female gender. It is always appropriate to bring a small gift for the kids. Gifts are given with both hands. Gifts are usually not opened immediately.

15 RULES AND RESTRICTIONS

Main rules

Do not be surprised if people are smoking in public places.

Allow women the opportunity to avoid physical contact with men. It is possible for a man and a woman to shake hands, if she puts forward her hand first.

Show respect and express gratitude for the hospitality and generosity.

Offer the gift you have brought two or three times, until your host accepts it.

It is considered impolite if the host does not offer to his guest something to eat or drink. This also applies for unexpected guests. It is polite to accept the host’s invitation.

Do not offend your host, by refusing to enter the room first. According to tradition the eldest or the Do not show lack of interest, when most senior person enters the room first. speaking to an Iraqi. Women usually enter last. Do not pull away from people while having Do not use your left hand for eating, a conversation. Staying close to each other gesticulating and do not touch the other is typical and distancing oneself is person with it, as it is considered unclean. considered impolite. Do not show the heels of your feet or your shoes. Do not offer food or drink to a Muslim during Ramadan. Do not point with a finger, but with a Never offer alcohol or pork meat. whole hand.

“Cylinder Seal, Old Babylonian, formerly in the Charterhouse Collection 09” by Hjaltland Collection - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wiki- media Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cylinder_Seal,_Old_Babylonian,_formerly_in_the_Charterhouse_Collection_09.jpg#media- 16 viewer/File:Cylinder_Seal,_Old_Babylonian,_formerly_in_the_Charterhouse_Collection_09.jpg RULES AND RESTRICTIONS

Do not participate in religious discussions. Recommended topics of conversation

Do not make the gesture for “OK” or Make a compliment about the city where thumbs up – these are considered you are currently located. It is possible offensive. for your host to ask you about Erbil or Do not praise too much somebody’s Baghdad – always answer positively. Try belongings – they might give them to you to find a common topic related to sports. and expect in return a gift with the same Showing interest in Islam religion and value. culture is highly appreciated, but only if you are honest. Restrictions Topics to avoid: Most restrictions come from the Islam religion and are valid for most of the • Questioning Islam. Muslim countries. • Asking whether a person is Sunni or Shia. • To honestly declare you are an atheist. • Pork meat is never served on the table. • Ask questions about local women. • Alcohol is not consumed, unless the • Discussing Saddam Hussein. host offers. • Open criticizing of political figures, even if • The left hand is not used to touch the Iraqis do it themselves. food, to take business cards or gifts. • Discussing question related to Israel and • Do not point your feel towards the Palestine. others; sit with legs crossed. • Unreasonable comments about Iraq’s • Do not wear shoes at home. policy or negative moments from the past • Do not touch a woman, especially in a of the country. public place. • Showing patriotism towards your home • Never ask about the wife, daughter or country, especially if you think your way other female relatives, instead ask of life is the only correct one. questions about the family in general. • Showing support for the U.S. war against • If you have dog as a pet, do not speak terrorism. about it, because dogs are considered • Any kind of suggestion or implication that “dirty”. Iraq is guilty for the problems in the world.

17 Photo by Simon Howden at freedigitalphotos.net BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Meetings and greetings related to you, your company or your intentions. The Iraqi businessmen behave in a formal way during business meetings. Business meetings The traditional Arabic greeting is Due to the hierarchical structure of “asalaamu alaikum” (May peace be upon organization, the person who is the leader you), to which people answer with “wa from the Iraqi team, usually speaks mostly alaikum salaam” (May the peace be on behalf of his company or department. upon you too). His subordinates are there to confirm the Shaking hands and direct look in the eyes information said and provide expert is also a typical greeting. technical opinion or to give advice. Handshakes can be quite long; try not to Decisions are usually taken at the highest pull back your hand first. level, but are based on recommendations Men should wait for women to put from all parties involved and the technical forward their hand first. experts who have participated in the It is a good idea to have one side of the meetings. business card translated in Arabic. Communication Expect the meetings to be interrupted by The need to preserve ones dignity means phone calls or people entering in the room that any display of emotions is for other questions. Do not perceive this inappropriate. This applies very strongly as something negative, just be patient. to any display of anger. If you have to show disapproval, it is best to do it when During the meeting, usually several alone, quietly and tactfully. separate discussion are being held. Iraqis can interrupt the person speaking if they Always keep your word. Do not promise want to add something. and guarantee something you cannot fulfill. They can be noisy and insistent in their Iraqi businessmen are not afraid of asking attempts to present their point of view. direct questions. These questions might be

18 PEOPLE IN IRAQ The family is the most important social entity in Iraq and loyalty towards the family is one of the most important values. Honor, personal and that of the family is also extremely important. It is considered shameful to speak bad things about your family or to speak with people you don’t know bad things that have happened in your family.

The family includes all relatives and can rare, although according to the laws of be as big as hundreds of people. In the Sharia, it is easy to get divorced. villages relatives live close to each other, and in the cities they have managed to Small children are adored and pampered, find ways to maintain close connection. but also strictly punished when behaving badly. They are expected to obbey their The structure of the Arab society is such parents and the elders. Iraqis believe that that the finances are in the hands of the people get wiser with age, this is why the man, although the wife can also have elders are highly respected. influence. Respect is extremely important in Iraqi There is clear division of the roles of the culture, because everybody is very close two genders in Iraq. In village areas this to each other and people want to have often leads to segregation. peace in their families. Children respect the elders, men and women respect each Most marriages are arranged by the other and in all social interactions it is families, but the couple has to give its expected people to respect each other. approval too. Divorces are extremely 19 CULTURE AND SOCIETY

Cultural heritage What unites both Shias and Sunnis is their Iraq is one of the most ancient cultures in devotion to Iraq. Despite their different the world. It is situated on the territory of points of view, the Sunnis and the Shias ancient Mesopotamia and its heritage participate together in the governance of has influenced and shaped the face of the the country. ancient world. The Arab culture, influenced by the conquerors of the seventh century, has The country is famous for its poets, and withstood the many changes of power the artists and sculptors are the best in the throughout the centuries and has Arab world. Iraq is popular for its crafts – preserved its importance. mostly for woven rugs and carpets. In the 19th century, while the Ottoman Iraqi architecture is visible in the Empire is focusing on the Turkish identity of developing city of Baghdad, where most of the population, the rebels from the buildings are new, but are preserved Mesopotamia organize an Arab nationalist and fine examples of ancient architecture. movement. During World War I Great Britain agrees to recognize the Arab Unlike most Arab countries, Iraq accepts independence in Mesopotamia if the rebels and is proud of the achievements of the help them in the war against Turkey. civilizations that have inhabited its territories before the adoption of Islam. Although after the loss of the Ottoman Present day Iraq has once been the cradle Empire, Great Britain receives mandate for of civilization of ancient Mesopotamia and the governance of Iraq, the Arabian . nationalism manages to keep its strength. During the following couple of decades, even after receiving independence, the National identity government constantly hesitates between pro-British and Arab nationalist ideas. The Arab rule during the Middle Ages has Nowadays the pro-Arab nationalism is had the greatest cultural influence on typical for Iraq. present day Iraq. The predominant culture in Iraq is the Arab culture and most Arabs are Muslims. Muslims are Tribes divided in Sunnis and Shias. Sunnis who are the majority among Muslims, turn The tribal culture is an important aspect out to be the minority in Iraq, and the of the Iraqi society. According to Shias who are the minority among research, around 75% of the population Muslims, are a majority in Iraq. feels belonging to a respective tribe.

20 SOCIAL LIFE

Women in Iraq During the war between Iran and Iraq, when most men were soldiers, most women have been forced to be trained and work in areas which are typically male. Women doctors, for example, work mainly as pediatricians, midwives and obstetricians, in order to examine only children and other women.

The General Federation of Iraqi Women (GFIW) is a government organization with 18 branches – one in each province. The aim of this institution is to help organize women, their education, and encourage them to take a high school education and work. The federation supports important changes in the legislation, such as the law adopted in 1977, according to which a woman can become an army officer, if she has a higher education in medicine, dentistry or pharmacy. Despite this, the organization has a limited influence on issues related to the women as personalities, for example the topics of polygamy, divorce, inheritance.

Family life Arranged marriages have been a common practice in the past. But during the last couple of years it becomes rarer and a law has been adopted, which gives right to the judges to cancel the father's wish when there is marriage at an early age. Most Muslims traditionally view marriage as a union between two families, because the needs of the family are considered as most important. Men and women have greater opportunity to choose their spouse by themselves, in the cities, however the chosen one should be approved by the parents. The partners are often relatives and although marriages of people from different ethnic groups are acceptable, they are rare. The ruling Ba’ath party considers marriage as duty to the country, which has to be encouraged.

Couples can live separately or with the husband’s family. Due to the economic difficulties usually several generations live together. The expanded family includes the older people, their sons, wives and their children, as well as the unmarried daughters. Sometimes other relatives also are part of the household and the eldest man is considered the head of the family. Given these conditions the care for the household and bringing up of the children is usually divided between all women in the family.

If the couple can allow itself to live independently, even to work outside the home, it takes all the care for the children and the household. When it comes to children, obedience and loyalty towards the older people is considered extremely important.

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