Info4Migrants

IraqProfile

AREA 437 072 km2

36,004 millionPopulation

GDP per capita

CURRENCY

$6900

Languages: ARABIC and KURDISH

Iraki Dinar (IQD)

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 Persian Gulf, North of Saudi Arabia, West of Iran, East of Syria and South of Turkey.

Capital: Baghdad

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%)

Flag

Coat of Arms

MAIN INFORMATION

“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 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

“Iraq - 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

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FACTS ABOUT IRAQ

LanguageAccording 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 Kurds 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 languages are Armenian, Azeri, Chaldean and Neo-Aramaic.

ReligionThe 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. Saddam Hussein’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 country. The Kurds are mainly Sunni, but are ethnically different from the Arabs and do not possess such a belligerent mood.

FlagThe 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.

Photo by Getideaka at freedigitalphotos.net

Photo by Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee at freedigitalphotos.net

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CapitalIn 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 Tigris River. It was established in the 8th century, and became the capital of Abbasid Caliphate. 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 an independent state (British Mandate of Mesopotamia) in 1938, Baghdad gradually regained some of its former prominence as a significant center of Arab culture.

FACTS ABOUT IRAQ

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Family and honorFamily and honor are of utmost importance to Iraqis. 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.

“Baghdad collage” by Collage by Kurtis. - w:Chris-tian Peacemaker Teams photograph, uploaded by Sherurcij.Photo taken by Robert Smith, transferred to Commons.Photo originally taken by a United States 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

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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 Gulf War. 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.

FACTS ABOUT IRAQHospitalityThe 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.

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

“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“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

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1 January: New Year’s DayIraq participates in the traditional international celebrations for the first day of the Gregorian calendar.

Variable date in winter: Milad Un NabiThe birth of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

6 January: Armed Forces DayAnnual celebration of the creation of the Iraqi army on 06.01.1921.

21 March: Nowruz (celebrated only by the Kurds)Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year according to the Persian calendar.

9 April: Liberation DayEnd of Saddam Hussein’s regime.

17 April: FAO DayCommemoration of the day of the Food and Agriculture Organization.

1 May: Labor DayThe 1st of May is celebrated as Labor Day almost all around the world.

14 July: Republic Day14 July 1958 is the day the Hashemite monarchy was overthrown in Iraq by popular forces led by Abdul Karim Kassem, who became the nation's new leader.

Variable date in the summer: Eid al-Fitr (3 days)The end of the fasting during Ramadan month is celebrated.

27 July: 1991 Shia uprisings in IraqCommemoration of the Shia uprising against Saddam Hussein’s regime in 1991.

8 August: Armistice DayThe end of the war with Iran is celebrated (1980-1988), known as the First Gulf War.

Variable date in autumn: Eid al-Adha (4 days)An Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to

follow Allah's (God's) command to sacrifice his son Ishmael.

3 October: Iraqi national holiday – Independence DayIn 1932 after the agreement between Iraq and Great Britain, Iraq gains its independence.

Variable date in autumn or winter: New Year according to the Islamic calendarThe first year according to the Islamic calendar begins in 622 AD when Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina.

Variable date in autumn: AshuraFor Shias this is a day of atonement, they wear mourning clothes and avoid any form of entertainment. For Sunnis this is a day of joy and celebrations with the family and friends in honor of Allah’s victory.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

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SHORT HISTORY

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

• 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 rulethe 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) andleads 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 December2005 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, exceptfor 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 - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jehu-Obelisk-cropped.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Jehu-Obelisk-cropped.jpg8

INTERESTING FACTS

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Almost half of Iraq’s territory is covered with desert.

Traditionally marriages in Iraq are arranged, although in the last years more and more Iraqis in the big cities choose their wives.

The famous story about “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” was written in Iraq about 1200 years ago.

Like many other Muslim countries, in Iraq the left hand is not used during eating because it is considered unclean.

Women in Iraq have had more rights than women in the neighboring countries, but after the Gulf War the situation deteriorates. Religious groups make women wear veils and threaten them if they wear western style clothes.

According to a report from 2010, 1.9 million Iraqis have sought refuge in neighbor countries. After Afghanistan, Iraq is the country where most refugees come from.

According to the Bible, Abraham was from Ur, a city in southern Iraq. Isaac's wife, Rebecca is from Nahor, which is also in Iraq. In addition, according to legends, the Garden of Eden is located in Iraq.

About 20% of Iraq’s territory is mountains. The two main mountain chains are Taurus on the border with

Turkey and Zagros, on the border with Iran. Mountains are the only places in Iraq, where there are still forests.

One of the most typical plants for Iraq is licorice, used for thousands of years in traditional medicine.

Iraqis have bread bees for 5000 years. Honey is the main source of food and income for many families.

There are sand storms in Iraq 20 to 50 days per year which reach 15 meters height sometimes.

Some of the most prestigious schools and colleagues in the Arabian world were once to be found in Iraq, but after the war from 1991 and the UN sanctions, only 40% of Iraqis can read and write.

Iraq has been the home of some of the greatest cities in the world - Ur, Babylon, Nineveh, Ctesiphon, and Baghdad.

The Iraqi desert is the home of a type of viper considered the most dangerous snake in the world.

Ancient Iraq was the source of some of the most important discoveries in the world, including the bicycle, the writing, the first prompt calendar, the first maps and the first schools.

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Iraqis highly value hospitality. They are generous and polite, especially when it comes to eating. Lunches 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 Iraqi cuisine 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 vegetables and eat a lot of lamb, rice and yogurt. Like the Iranians, they love to cook beef and chicken with fruits.

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

Kubbat mousel is a flat disc (bread) of two layers of burghul (a mixture of different types of grain 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 stew with pomegranate syrup and ground walnuts) most probably originates from Iran. The recipe has been transferred to Baghdad through the cities of Najaf and Karbala, 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 olive oil, salt, turmeric and tamarind. The traditional side dish includes lemon, onion 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 eggplant, which is placed in a pan together with lamb or beef, tomatoes, onion and garlic. 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.

IRAQI CUISINE

Photo by KEKO64 at freedigitalphotos.net10

Dolma is the name for dishes with stuffed vegetables. Stuffed vine leaves, stuffed zucchini, 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 kofta”, “shahi aloo kofta” and “malai kofta”.

Kleicha is traditional Iraqi pastry 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 cheese and strawberries. It was traditionally prepared in Levant and recently it has been spread to Egypt.

Drinks

Arak, transparent, colorless, unsweetened alcoholic drink with anise. 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 fruit juice or flower petals.

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

IRAQI CUISINE

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Meetings and greetingsMen do not touch women, unless they are their close relatives (wife, mother, daughter or sister), in which case they shake hands. If you don’t shake hands with somebody when you meet them or for farewell, this might be interpreted as an insult.

These rules apply only for people from the same gender; it is considered insulting for a man to put his hand forward to shake hands with a woman, if she hasn’t put her hand forward first. Touching one’s heart with the right hand is considered an expression of respect and honesty. In village regions, in addition to shaking hands, the greeting between men can include a kiss on both cheeks. A son can kiss his mother on the forehead as an expression of respect. Children show respect by kissing the hand of an elder.

The typical greeting is “Al-salamu ‘alaykum” (May peace be upon you). The younger Iraqis greet each other with the informal “Marhaba” (Hello).

Form of addressIt is considered impolite to address somebody by their first name, unless you are very close friends, from the same gender and social class.

A men is usually addressed with “Abu” (father of), followed by the first name of his eldest son. Women have a similar form of address for example “Um Abbas” (mother of Abbas). Even a husband and a wife address each other the same

way, in social places, as well as when alone.

If the men or the woman does not have sons, the name of the eldest daughter is used, but if they don’t have children at all, the following form of address is used “Abu ghayib” or “Um ghayib” (expecting father or expecting mother).

Body languageThe body language is very well-developed in Iraq and in everyday communication many gestures are used. Men gesticulate more than women and the following information applies mainly for them.

When speaking Iraqis usually stay close to each other and often get in physical contact. The body language is particularly important in one’s expression.

To show respect, especially to an older person, avoid eye contact during conversation. When a man and a woman speak, they also do not look each other in the eyes.

Raised eyebrows and head tilted backwards means “no”.

Stretching palms forward towards someone is an expression of enthusiasm or means “great”.

Touching the external angle of your eyes expresses consent.

It is considered impolite to wave for greeting with your left hand. Pointing something with your pointing figure is also considered impolite, use the whole hand.

USEFUL INFORMATION

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USEFUL INFORMATION

AttireThe attire in Iraq is different, because nowadays most people dress in western style, but the majority wears traditional attire.

The male traditional attire is called “dishdasha” and is a loose fitting 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.

Due to the common cases of harassment, it is important not to wear something which distinguishes you as a foreigner. Most visitors in Iraq are part of a military and non-government organization and it can provide them most adequate information about the appropriate clothing.

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USEFUL INFORMATIONEatingWhen eating in Iraq, there are some basic rules which you have to be familiar with and observe.If you are invited to lunch or dinner by local people, the most important rule is to be dressed modestly. Moreover, remember that it is not acceptable in the more conservative homes for men to eat together with women, unless she is his wife, daughter or sister.Although in the last years this rarely happens, for some conservative Muslims this tradition is important, this is why follow their example. This is why it is not appropriate to bring a guest of the opposite gender with you, unless you have been invited to do so. In many restaurants there are special parts only for men and halls for families, where men and women can eat together (there are no rooms designated only for women), this is why before taking a woman out for lunch or dinner, make sure the restaurant or the host allow women and men to eat together.Try to be on time for the meeting. If you have been invited to somebody’s home, take off your shoes at the door, if the others do the same. First greet the eldest people, but do not forget to greet each one separately by shaking their hand. Do not forget though that some conservative Muslims think that men and women should not touch each other, this is why wait for women to put forward their hand first.

Allow the host to show you where to sit and if you are sitting on the floor, keep your feet pointed downwards or backwards, because if you point them towards the person, this is considered an offence.After the food is served, follow what the host is saying – he might invite everyone to start eating together or invite the elders or you to try the food first. Try each dish, because refusing to do so is considered impolite.Follow the example of the locals – in most cases this mean to hold the knife in your right hand and the fork in your left hand. Some dishes are eaten with hands – touch your food only with your right hand. If the food is served in the middle, fill your plate a little, because you will surely be offered another refill. Refuse their first suggestion to refill and then accept after they keep insisting. When you have finished eating leave some food in your plate to show that the food has been more than enough.

DrinksAs a predominantly Muslim country, alcohol is rarely served in Iraq, despite it being legal.Buying alcohol is difficult and religious radicals often attack people who sell or consume alcohol.Tap water is not suitable for drinking.Due to the same reason, avoid the consumption of drinks with ice and salads.

Photo by MisterGC at freedigitalphotos.net14

ETIQUETTE AND CUSTOMS

Humor

Irony, sarcasm and self-irony can be misunderstood in Iraq. It is not rare for people speaking a foreign language to interpret everything directly.

Telling a joke, which contains self-irony, can be confusing for a culture which pays so much attention to status and personal reputation. It is best to be careful when telling jokes, at least not until you got to know your interlocutor better.

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.

At the table

If you have been invited to somebody’s home:

Take off your shoes, if the other people have done so.

Dress modestly.

Do not talk about business.

Never touch the cloth where the food is lying with your feet.Only use your right hand.

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If you have to sit on the floor, sit with your legs crossed or bending on one of your knees.

When you finish eating, leave a small amount of food in your plate.

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 most senior person enters the room first. Women usually enter last.

Do not use your left hand for eating, gesticulating and do not touch the other person with it, as it is considered unclean.

Do not show the heels of your feet or your shoes.

Do not point with a finger, but with a whole hand.

Do not show lack of interest, when speaking to an Iraqi.

Do not pull away from people while having a conversation. Staying close to each other is typical and distancing oneself is considered impolite.

Do not offer food or drink to a Muslim during Ramadan.Never offer alcohol or pork meat.

RULES AND RESTRICTIONS

“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-viewer/File:Cylinder_Seal,_Old_Babylonian,_formerly_in_the_Charterhouse_Collection_09.jpg

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Do not participate in religious discussions.

Do not make the gesture for “OK” or thumbs up – these are considered offensive. Do not praise too much somebody’s belongings – they might give them to you and expect in return a gift with the same value.

Restrictions

Most restrictions come from the Islam religion and are valid for most of the Muslim countries.

• Pork meat is never served on the table.• Alcohol is not consumed, unless thehost offers.• The left hand is not used to touchfood, to take business cards or gifts.• Do not point your feel towards theothers; sit with legs crossed.• Do not wear shoes at home.• Do not touch a woman, especially in apublic place.• Never ask about the wife, daughter orother female relatives, instead ask questions about the family in general.• If you have dog as a pet, do not speakabout it, because dogs are considered “dirty”.

Recommended topics of conversation

Make a compliment about the city where you are currently located. It is possible for your host to ask you about Erbil or Baghdad – always answer positively. Try to find a common topic related to sports. Showing interest in Islam religion and culture is highly appreciated, but only if you are honest.

Topics to avoid:

• Questioning Islam.• Asking whether a person is Sunni or Shia.• To honestly declare you are an atheist.• Ask questions about local women.• Discussing Saddam Hussein.• Open criticizing of political figures, even ifthe Iraqis do it themselves.• Discussing question related to Israel andPalestine.• Unreasonable comments about Iraq’spolicy or negative moments from the past of the country.• Showing patriotism towards your homecountry, especially if you think your way of life is the only correct one.• Showing support for the U.S. war againstterrorism.• Any kind of suggestion or implication thatIraq is guilty for the problems in the world.

RULES AND RESTRICTIONS

Photo by Simon Howden at freedigitalphotos.net17

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Meetings and greetings

The Iraqi businessmen behave in a formal way during business meetings. The traditional Arabic greeting is “asalaamu alaikum” (May peace be upon you), to which people answer with “wa alaikum salaam” (May the peace be upon you too).Shaking hands and direct look in the eyes is also a typical greeting.Handshakes can be quite long; try not to pull back your hand first.Men should wait for women to put forward their hand first.It is a good idea to have one side of the business card translated in Arabic. CommunicationThe need to preserve ones dignity means that any display of emotions is inappropriate. This applies very strongly to any display of anger. If you have to show disapproval, it is best to do it when alone, quietly and tactfully.

Always keep your word. Do not promise and guarantee something you cannot fulfill. Iraqi businessmen are not afraid of asking direct questions. These questions might be

related to you, your company or your intentions.

Business meetingsDue to the hierarchical structure of organization, the person who is the leader from the Iraqi team, usually speaks mostly on behalf of his company or department. His subordinates are there to confirm the information said and provide expert technical opinion or to give advice. Decisions are usually taken at the highest level, but are based on recommendations from all parties involved and the technical experts who have participated in the meetings.

Expect the meetings to be interrupted by phone calls or people entering in the room for other questions. Do not perceive this as something negative, just be patient.

During the meeting, usually several separate discussion are being held. Iraqis can interrupt the person speaking if they want to add something.They can be noisy and insistent in their attempts to present their point of view.

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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.

PEOPLE IN IRAQ

The family includes all relatives and can be as big as hundreds of people. In villages relatives live close to each other, and in the cities they have managed to find ways to maintain close connection.

The structure of the Arab society is such that the finances are in the hands of the man, although the wife can also have influence.

There is clear division of the roles of the two genders in Iraq. In village areas this often leads to segregation.

Most marriages are arranged by the families, but the couple has to give its approval too. Divorces are extremely

rare, although according to the laws of the Sharia, it is easy to get divorced.

Small children are adored and pampered, but also strictly punished when behaving badly. They are expected to obbey their parents and the elders. Iraqis believe that people get wiser with age, this is why the elders are highly respected.

Respect is extremely important in Iraqi culture, because everybody is very close to each other and people want to have peace in their families. Children respect the elders, men and women respect each other and in all social interactions it is expected people to respect each other.

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Cultural heritage

Iraq is one of the most ancient cultures in the world. It is situated on the territory of ancient Mesopotamia and its heritage has influenced and shaped the face of the ancient world.

The country is famous for its poets, and the artists and sculptors are the best in the Arab world. Iraq is popular for its crafts – mostly for woven rugs and carpets.Iraqi architecture is visible in the developing city of Baghdad, where most of the buildings are new, but are preserved and fine examples of ancient architecture.

Unlike most Arab countries, Iraq accepts and is proud of the achievements of the civilizations that have inhabited its territories before the adoption of Islam. Present day Iraq has once been the cradle of civilization of ancient Mesopotamia and Sumer.

National identity

The Arab rule during the Middle Ages has had the greatest cultural influence on present day Iraq. The predominant culture in Iraq is the Arab culture and most Arabs are Muslims. Muslims are divided in Sunnis and Shias. Sunnis who are the majority among Muslims, turn out to be the minority in Iraq, and the Shias who are the minority among Muslims, are a majority in Iraq.

What unites both Shias and Sunnis is their devotion to Iraq. Despite their different points of view, the Sunnis and the Shias participate together in the governance of the country.The Arab culture, influenced by the conquerors of the seventh century, has withstood the many changes of power throughout the centuries and has preserved its importance.In the 19th century, while the Ottoman Empire is focusing on the Turkish identity of the population, the rebels from Mesopotamia organize an Arab nationalist movement. During World War I Great Britain agrees to recognize the Arab independence in Mesopotamia if the rebels help them in the war against Turkey.

Although after the loss of the Ottoman Empire, Great Britain receives mandate for the governance of Iraq, the Arabian nationalism manages to keep its strength. During the following couple of decades, even after receiving independence, the government constantly hesitates between pro-British and Arab nationalist ideas. Nowadays the pro-Arab nationalism is typical for Iraq.

Tribes

The tribal culture is an important aspect of the Iraqi society. According to research, around 75% of the population feels belonging to a respective tribe.

CULTURE AND SOCIETY

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Women in IraqDuring 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 lifeArranged 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.

SOCIAL LIFE

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