Iraq-Tradition+and+Culture

=Tradition and Culture=



² Liberation day in Iraq 4/9/2006

CULTURAL HERITAGE
-Iraq has a rich cultural history dating back to the Sumerians, thought to be the first advanced civilization on earth. Iraq's history is strongly influenced by storytelling and these stories (such as the Song of Songs, and The Psalms), Greek epics & myths (such as The Iliad & Aesop’s Fables) have been the basis for many other stories in other cultures throughout history. The most famous literacy work to emerge from this vast cultural history are the Epic of Gilgamesh (an Acadian hero-tale) & the One Thousands and One Nights (a collection of Arab Folktale). Iraqi stories are mainly stories that have morals because culturally, they want the children to be advised not to sin and stories are a simple way to convey the message.

ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION
- Football “or soccer” is the favorite sport in Iraq. Outdoor activities are popular; swimming & fishing are favorite recreations in the Tigris & Euphrates rivers during the summer. Rural men hunt & fish with friends and shop together for food and drinks at the market and bazaars of the town. Rural women visit with each other and talk, cook, or make handicraft. Almost all entertainment with the Iraqi people is done in large groups because Iraqi people are very social and recreation is a way to be social and active.

FAMILY LIFE
- The family is the most important social unit in Iraq, and family loyalty is one of the most important values. Honor, both personal and family, is also very important. It is considered a disgrace to speak badly about a family member, or tell non-family members about bad things that have happened in the family. A family consists of all related kin, and can include hundreds of people. Rural families live with or near each other, while urban families stay closely connected through other means. The traditional household of a typical man in his 40s consists of himself, his wife, their unmarried sons and daughters, their married sons and their wives and children, the man’s mother if she is still alive, and frequently his unmarried sisters if he has any. Very probably, the most powerful force in the household is the man’s mother. Her sons revere her, and her daughters-in-law must do her bidding. The structure of Arab society is such that financial power is in the hands of the husband, although his wife is not completely without influence. Sex roles are very clearly defined in Iraq. In rural areas, this strict division many times causes the sexes to be segregated except when eating and sleeping. Most marriages are arranged by families, but a couple must approve a match. Divorce is very rare, even when it’s fairly easy under Islamic Shari’a (law) Young children are adored and indulged, though they are strictly punished for misbehavior. They are expected to obey their parents and grandparents. Iraqis believe that wisdom increases with age, so the elderly are deeply revered. In the Iraqi culture, respect is a key component because everyone is so close that they want things to remain peaceful in the family and socially. Children respect their elders, men and women respect one another, and respect is expected in all social situations.

[[image:folklore_dance.jpg align="center"]]¹
Traditional Iraqi dancing at a wedding

- Weddings are the most important festivals – aside from Islamic holy days – in Iraqi life. Relatives and friends hold parties for a few days before a wedding, which is usually short. - The birth of a child is another occasion for a big celebration. Three days after the birth, family members and friends come to visit and bring gifts for the child. Sometime between 9 – 13 years old, children begin the “al-Khitma”, or the reading of the Quran. A child studies for a year or more to prepare for this task. When ready, those who read the Quran with minimal errors, earn the title of “Hafiz” (someone of good memory). After a successful reading, the family holds a celebration in the child’s honor, usually a luncheon or tea. Relatives give the child gifts and money, and everyone wears colorful clothes.¹

[|Culture of Iraq-Wikipedia] [|TIME-life in Iraq]

To return to the Iraq home page click the link below: =**HOME**=

(1) "My Iraqi Culture." __My Arabic Story__. 19 Apr. 2007 [|.] (2) http://www.michaelfuchs.org/razorsedge/index.php?story=2006-04-09