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Middle East
Iraq
Capital: Baghdad
Cradle of civilization — where writing, cities, and law were born.
Daily life
Family, mosque, and the suq anchor daily life. Tea (chai) is poured constantly. Baghdad and Basra are Arab; the north is Kurdish; the marshes are home to the Ma'dan. Friday is the holy day; weddings spill into the streets.
Food
- Masgouf (grilled river fish)
- Dolma
- Quzi (slow-roasted lamb over rice)
- Kubba
- Cardamom tea
Family values
Extended family is everything. Elders are consulted on every major decision; hospitality (karam) is a sacred duty.
Holidays & traditions
Eid al-FitrEid al-AdhaAshuraNowruz (in Kurdistan)Iraqi National Day
Religion & spiritual life
Majority Shia Muslim, with large Sunni Muslim, Kurdish, Christian (one of the world's oldest churches), Yazidi, and Mandaean communities.