13 UNIQUE THINGS & PEOPLE FOUND ONLY IN IRAQ
Iraq is a country with a long and complicated history, with various cultural, historical and geographical uniqueness. Here are some of Iraq's unique features:
1. Ancient History
Iraq is home to some of the most important archaeological sites in history, including the Sumerian ruins at Uruk and the Ziggurat Temple at Ur. It is one of the birthplaces of the world's first civilizations.
2. Mesopotamian Civilization
Mesopotamia is a region that covers most of Iraq and is known as the "Valley between Two Rivers" (Tigris and Euphrates). It is the birthplace of agricultural civilization, writing, and written law.
3. Nightlife in Baghdad
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and has a rich nightlife, with restaurants, cafes and lively night markets. In the past, Baghdad was known as an intellectual and cultural center.
4. Sufism
Iraq is the birthplace of important Sufi orders in Islam. The city of Najaf is an important center of Shiite Sufism, while Baghdad is a center of Sunni Sufism.
5. Perception of the Age
Iraq has a unique time system, where people often refer to time as "before the war" or "after the war," referring to the Persian Gulf War of 1990-1991.
6. Access to the Persian Gulf
Iraq has a coast on the Persian Gulf that includes port cities such as Basra and Umm Qasr. This is an important area for oil trade and transportation.
7. Arabic
Arabic is the official language in Iraq, and Iraqi Arabic dialects have their own characteristics.
9. National Park
Iraq has beautiful national parks and wilderness areas that include the Zagros Mountains to the west and the Tigris and Euphrates River Deltas to the south.
10. Religious Diversity
Iraq is home to various religious communities, including Sunni Islam, Shia Islam, Christianity, Yazidis, and others. This creates a rich cultural and religious diversity.
11. Arts and Literature
Iraq has a rich artistic and literary tradition with famous writers such as Ibn Battuta and poets such as Al-Mutanabbi.
12. Iraqi Cuisine
Iraqi cuisine includes dishes such as dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat), kebabs, biryani, and dishes rich in spices.
13. Persian Language Influence
Iraq has a long history of Persian cultural influence, which is reflected in art, literature, and everyday culture.
Iraq is a country with a very rich cultural and historical heritage, although it has also experienced significant conflict and social change over the past decades.