Iraq's Cultural Diversity
The Core Concepts
Iraq is a middle eastern country bordering Turkey, Iran, Kuwait,Saudi Arabia and Syria.
Iraq has an estimated 38 million people living in the country.
Iraq was once considered to be the birthplace of advanced civilization.
The capital city of Iraq is Baghdad
Men are expected to stand and greet a woman when she walks in the room.
When a elder enters the room, everyone is expected to stand and greet him or her.
A common verbal greeting is Peace be with you in Arabic. (Asalaamu alaikum)
Greetings
Shaking
Hands
When you go to greet a person of the opposite gender, Iraqi prefer to not make physical contact.
The method to see if they want to shake your hand is to nod your head and wait to see if they extend their hand.
If you do shake their hand, you are supposed to use your right hand and avoid retracting your hand before an Iraqi is finished greeting you
When you greet someone, you use the person's first name and title.
Iraq National Flag
Flag was adopted July 31, 1963.
The flag has green writing that states Allahu Akbar (God is Great)
The band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white)
Proper
Attire
In Iraq men are expected to wear normal western clothes but some in the rural area's wear Dishdasha's and i'gals.
Women also typically wear western uniforms without the hijab, but also wear modern clothes.
Women are expected to cover their skin and hair, but Iraq is more lenient than Iran and surrounding countries.
Iraqis are typically religiously acceptant and have familiarity with ethnic diversity.
Yet, Iraqi culture is very intolerant of any diversion from traditional conventions and behaviours.
Religion
Beliefs
In Iraq, Islam is the most followed religion by a large margin. Muslims (followers of Islam) aim to live a life of complete submission to Allah.
The two branches if Islam are Shi'a and Sunni
The few percent that are not islamic are Christians, Yazidis and Mandeans.
Do's and Don'ts
In Iraq, there are many things that people would do regularly in the United States that would come off disrespectful.
There are many do's and don'ts
Do's
In Iraq you are supposed to show Iraqi respect by dressing modestly and remaining sensitive and polite.
Iraqi take your words very literally so it is best to be sincere when you speak
Be aware that most people from Iraq actually prefer to be called by their ethnic heritage instead. (Assyrian)
Do not say anything that could be taken insulting or derogatory.
Avoid talking about politics in Iraq unless they initiate the conversation.
Avoid telling dirty jokes or taking photos or videos in Iraq without permission.
Don'ts
Food
Iraqi food is strongly influenced by its neighboring countries, Turkey and Iran.
Iraqis favorite foods typically consist of stuffed vegetables, lamb, rice and yogurt.
Most of the people from Iraq are muslim so they follow the fast of Ramadan.
During the fast of Ramadan muslims rise before dawn to eat a meal called suhur.
They are also allowed to eat foods containing grains and seeds during Ramadan.
At the end of Ramadan comes a three-day festival called (Eid al-Fitr)
where they gather to eat large meals.
Eating pork is forbidden to Muslims, but other meats are allowed.
Religious Foods and Beliefs
Beef, lamb, and fish are the common meats you will see in Iraq.
Other common dishes you will find may include kebabs, yalanchi and ma'mounia.
The National dish of Iraq is Masgouf. (Mesopotamian dish consisting of seasoned, grilled carp)
Famous and Most Common Foods
References
URL https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/iraqi-culture/787-do-s-and-don-ts
Website Title Cultural Atlas
Access Day 14
Access Month october
Access Year 2019
Article Title Iraqi Culture - Do's and Don'ts
URL https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Iraq
Website Title Wikipedia
Publication Day 20
Publication Month September
Publication Year 2019
Access Day 14
Access Month october
Access Year 2019
Article Title Flag of Iraq