Iraqi Traditions

Iraq is a country of a wide and varied heritage, home to Muslims, Christians, Jews, Assyrians and "Marsh Nomads", amongst countless others. As such many have contributed to the wide spectrum of Iraqi Culture

Holidays

usually the Iraqi families and friends visit each other on a holiday to celebrate it and they serve a traditional pastries called Klegha. Also they go to social parties to celebrate.

Food

the Iraqi food is well-known in the Mid east region with it delicious test. It contain a big variety, each Iraqi region has its own kind of food. For example the north region is well-known with hot soups and souses like sour kibi , yogurt soup (kibi labaniya), Dolma( Stuffed Grape Leaves with rise).

Center region is known with Briyani which is rise mixed with spiced Chicken and meat, Tashreeb (tomato soup with lamb meat). South region is known with grilled fish and shrimps with spices and lemon served with Iraqi flavor tea and dates. The west region is known with barbec meat and serves it with white rise. .

Marriage

in this issues tend to vary from one city to another due to different traditions and religions. For example in some villages cousins have to marry each other, While in Ashurrian community it’s forbidden. In big cities most of the marriages are result of love between the groom and bride,  or it could be a traditional arranged marriage. Weddings are most important festivals in Iraqi life. Relatives and friends hold parties for a few days before a wedding called Hina party which is usually filled with dancing.

Tea

The Iraqis love tea, but they won’t serve tea in just any cup. If it’s not in a crystal clear cylinder-shaped glass the size of a shot glass, you know the tea maker is a rookie. a big part of the Iraqis live is having tea; it’s believed that this tradition was taken from the Turkish and British while they invited Iraq. They have a special cup for tea it’s called Estekan, they drink it with sugar and nothing more.

Greetings

when men greeting men, a handshake and kisses on each cheek is common in most situations.  When women greeting women, a handshake and kisses on each cheek is common in most situations.
While greetings between men & women are usually a handshake is acceptable, but a nod can replace that among conservative Muslims.  But it differs if family members like cousins and in Laws, also it’s less with modern educated people.
Finally sitting cross-legged with your shoe /foot in the direction of someone’s face is considered rude