5.8: Republic of Iraq
- Page ID
- 251248
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)In this section, you will:
- Learn about Iraq, its Geographical location, famous cities, its most famous artifacts, and its traditional food and clothes.
Facts About Iraq
- Official Name: Republic of Iraq - جمهورية العراق
- Capital: Baghdad - بغداد
- Population: 42,100,744 - (2022)
- Currency: The dinar
- Continent: Asia
- Official Lagrange: Modern Standard Arabic -اللغة العربية الفصحى الحديثة
Watch this movie about Iraq and learn about ancient Mesopotamia.
Geographical location and flag
Iraq is located in Western Asia. It is bordered by Turkey to the north, Saudi Arabia to the south, Iran to the east, the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait to the southeast, Syria to the west, and Jordan to the southwest. The climate of Iraq has mild winters and hot summers. The country's mountainous regions, however, have very cold winters and mild summers.
Famous Cities in Iraq
Iraq is divided into 18 governorates, and these governorates are divided into districts, and the number of districts is 120, and this district divided into other, less important divisions called nahiyas. Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and the most populous. The most famous cities in Iraq after Baghdad are Mosul, Basra, Babylon, Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah, Karbala, Kirkuk, and Najaf.
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Baghdad (بغداد): The capital and largest city, Baghdad has been a major center for culture, education, and politics for centuries. It was the heart of the Abbasid Caliphate and remains an important city in the Arab world.
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Mosul (الموصل): Located in the north of Iraq, Mosul is known for its diverse culture and history. The city is famous for its proximity to ancient sites like Nineveh, and it has been a hub for trade and education.
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Basra (البصرة): Situated in the south of Iraq, Basra is Iraq's main port city and has a strategic location on the Shatt al-Arab waterway. It is known for its role in trade, especially in the oil industry, and its historical importance as a center for literature and science.
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Erbil (أربيل): The capital of the Kurdistan Region, Erbil is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its most famous landmark is the Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Karbala (كربلاء): A city of great religious significance to Shia Muslims, Karbala is the site of the Battle of Karbala and is home to the Imam Hussein Shrine. It attracts millions of pilgrims each year.
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Najaf (النجف): Another important religious city for Shia Muslims, Najaf is known for the Imam Ali Shrine. It is one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam and a center for religious education.
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Fallujah (الفلوجة): Known historically for its resistance during the Iraq War, Fallujah is located in the Anbar Province. The city has long been a center for Sunni Islam and has played an important role in the country’s recent history.
These cities not only represent Iraq's historical depth but also reflect its diversity, both culturally and religiously. For Arabic learners, understanding the significance of these cities is key to appreciating Iraq's rich history and contemporary dynamics.
Traditional Iraqi Food
Iraqi cuisine is known for its deep flavors and historical significance, influenced by the ancient civilizations that thrived in the region. Here’s a more detailed look at some key traditional dishes:
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Masgouf (المسقوف): Often called the national dish of Iraq, Masgouf is a fish (usually carp) that’s butterflied, seasoned with spices like tamarind, and grilled over an open flame. It’s usually served with flatbread, vegetables, and pickles.
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Kleicha (الكليشة): This is the traditional Iraqi cookie, typically prepared during festive occasions. There are two main types: one filled with dates and the other filled with a mixture of nuts, sugar, and cardamom. The sweet aroma and flaky texture of Kleicha make it a popular treat during holidays.
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Dolma (الدولمة): The Iraqi version of Dolma involves grape leaves, zucchini, eggplants, and bell peppers stuffed with rice, minced lamb or beef, and a blend of spices. It’s slow-cooked in a tangy tomato sauce, and it’s a dish often served during family gatherings.
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Kubba (الكبّة): Kubba refers to different types of stuffed meatballs or patties, often made with ground meat and bulgur or rice. There are various versions, including Kubbat Halab, which is fried, and Kubbat Mosul, which is baked. Another version, Kubba Hamouth, is served in a sour soup.
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Tashreeb (تشريب): A hearty dish, Tashreeb is a stew made with lamb or chicken, served over torn pieces of flatbread that soak up the broth. It’s a popular dish for family meals and is often eaten during the colder months.
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Iraqi Biryani (البرياني العراقي): Iraqi Biryani, influenced by South Asian cuisine, is a flavorful rice dish made with layers of spiced rice, lamb or chicken, mixed vegetables, raisins, and nuts. The Iraqi version tends to be lighter than its Indian counterpart, with more subtle spice blends.
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Quzi (القوزي): A dish made from whole roasted lamb, Quzi is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, nuts, raisins, and spices. It’s commonly served during special occasions such as weddings and religious celebrations.
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Baghdad-Style Shawarma (الشاورما البغدادية): A popular street food in Iraq, Baghdad-style shawarma consists of marinated lamb or chicken cooked on a vertical spit and sliced into thin pieces. It’s typically served in flatbread with tahini sauce, pickles, and tomatoes.
Spices and Ingredients: Iraqi dishes are rich in aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, and saffron, creating layers of flavor. Herbs like cilantro, parsley, and mint are also essential, adding freshness to many dishes. Dates, nuts, and dried fruits are frequently used, reflecting Iraq's agricultural bounty.
Iraqi cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, offering a diverse range of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a family gathering or a street food stall in Baghdad, the food is a reflection of Iraq's rich history and culture. For students learning about Arabic culture and cuisine, Iraqi food provides a window into the hospitality, warmth, and communal spirit of the Iraqi people.
Dolma
Traditional Clothes
Iraq is one of the most multicultural societies in the Middle East. A broad diversity of religions, races, and cultures flourished in Iraq, united by common heritage, culture, and traditions. As for the traditional costumes, they vary according to race and religion. There are Arab, Assyrian, Kurdish, Armenian, Sabean, Yezidi, Turkmen, etc. costumes. Traditional costumes still exist to this day, and costumes in Iraqi society vary according to occasions. Holidays have a certain costume, religious rites have a certain costume, and ordinary days have another.
Arab dress. Sumerian roots
It consists of an abaya that a man wears over the dishdasha (the dishdasha is an ankle-length robe, with long sleeves and without embroidery). The abaya is usually embroidered with golden threads or colors that differ from the color of the abaya. As for the elderly women, they wear the black abaya on a long dress of one dark color most of the time, and for young women, they wear the Hashemite uniform in bright colors.
Christian fashion
It reflects the depth of their history in Mesopotamia and its origins from Babylon and Assyria The Syriac and Assyrian costume is characterized by simplicity in design and strong colors in which geometric shapes, flowers, or stars are inserted, and it is called the ornamental costume. Same thing with women costumes, they are colorful costumes with many pieces of accessories similar to the accessories that were worn by queens in Mesopotamia.
Kurdish fashion
It reflects the nature of the mountains and hills and has its own cultural and social features The Kurdish men's costume consists of two pieces and one color: the jacket and the trousers, and they are loose, and a cloth wrapped around the middle as a belt, and a head is covering with a cloth that is wrapped around over head. As for women’s fashion, it is characterized by its luster, luster and stark colors. It is a long dishdasha that covers mostly the soles of the feet and is embroidered and has long sleeves linked to two long conical tails and wears a thin and silky undershirt under it.
Activities
You plan to travel with your family to Mesopotamia (Iraq) during summer break. Use Google Earth to show your family the famous cities, and historical landmarks that you would like to visit.