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Special Reports > Around Asia > Iraq: the cradle of mankind

Present-day Iraq occupies the greater part of the ancient land of Mesopotamia, the plain between Euphrates and Tigris rivers. Some of the world's greatest ancient civilisations were developed in this area. Therefore the region is often referred to as the cradle of mankind.

Present-day Iraq possesses a huge amount of historical monuments and archaeological sites, e. g. Niniveh, the seat of government of the 7th century BC King Assurbarnipal; Ur, where the Sumerian civilisation had its final flowering at the close of the third millennium BC and where according to the Bible Abraham was born; and Babylon, in the 18th century BC the seat of king Hammurabi, who is primarily remembered for his codification of the laws governing Babylonian life.

Today's Iraq is different, but we still adore this culture-splendid country which was ahead of the world, we still want to walk up to it to unveil its once beauty, we still want to explore the mysteries buried under the dust.
　

Overview of Iraq The Republic of Iraq is a Middle Eastern country in southwestern Asia at the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, and also including southern Kurdistan. Iraq has a very narrow section of coastline at Umm Qasr on the Persian Gulf.	Baghdad - capital of Iraq It was surrounded by a circular wall, and became known as the "Round City". With more than five million people, it is the largest and most diverse city in Iraq. Baghdad, capital of Iraq, became a famous centre of learning in the Middle Ages, and by the tenth century was regarded as the intellectual centre of the world.
Ancient Iraq Iraq's story begins with the Sumerians who flourished in the rich agricultural lands surrounding the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers from around 4000 BC. Despite constant attacks from the Hittites and other neighbouring powers, Babylon would dominate the region until the 12th century BC, after which it went into a slow decline.	Iraq climate The average temperatures in Iraq range from higher than 48 degree(120 Fahrenheit) in July and August to below freezing in January. A majority of the rainfall occurs from December through April and is more abundant in the mountainous region and may reach 100 centimetres a year in some places.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders

These gardens portrayed the majesty of the Babylonian culture and the advanced technology of its people. It was a terraced garden that exhibited many beautiful plants and held many fountains. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon awed and astounded many travelers and historians in ancient times. Although they no longer exist, the idea of such a magnificent feat of engineering still fascinates people today

The Newroz Festival

Newroz (Kurdish) or Norouz (Persian) means "New Day" and marks the New Year's holiday for many people in countries in the Middle East and Central Asia each year around March 21. One of the major traditions of Newroz is the setting of the Haft Sin-the seven "S"s: seven items starting with the letter S or sin in Persian. The seven items on the table symbolically correspond to the seven creations and the seven holy immortals protecting them.

Traditional clothing

The traditional dress of Iraq is a reflection of Iraqi technical skills, aesthetic and political ideals, moral standards, and religious values. The traditional dress of Arab Iraqi men includes the dishdasha, aba, kaffiyeh, agal and kaffiyeh etc. while traditional costume for women inclueds the abayah, asha, sandals/clogs, and gold or silver jewelry ect.

Babylonia mysteries - literiture

Babylonians developed an abstract form of writing based on cuneiform symbols. Their symbols were written on wet clay tablets which were baked in the hot sun and many thousands of these tablets have survived to this day. It was the use of a stylus on a clay medium that led to the use of cuneiform symbols since curved lines could not be drawn.

Iraq's Asian Games dream The Iraqi delegation, after 20 years, participated in the Asian Games again in 2006 in Doha, Qatar, and won two silver and one bronze medals, placing the Iraqi team in 29th place out 45 countries and regions. Iraq earned its first Asian games medal in 20 years, following the last medals at the Asian Games were in 1986 at Seoul, South Korea.	Iraqi national football team: we never give up Football is the most popular sport in Iraq. Football games draw huge crowds to stadiums in Baghdad, Arbil, Mosul and other cities. In 2006, Iraq Olympic team won the Silver medal at the 2006 Asian Games. Winning the 2007 Asian Cup, Iraq qualified for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, to take place in South Africa in June 2009
Iraqi women compete in beach volleyball for the joy of life Lida Agasi and Liza Aghasy, the two sisters' courage and conviction in their love for beach volleyball cannot be dismissed as ordinary affection. For sports for they are representing a conservative Islamic country and taking part in an event the Doha 2006 Asian Games which is being staged in traditional Islamic state for the first time.	The only one bronze medal in Olympic Games Abdul Wahid Aziz is a weightlifter from Iraq who won a bronze medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy. And it is the only one bronze medal of Iraq in Olympic Games. Abdul Wahid Aziz was born in 1931 and died in 1982.

Tours and adventure travel guide for Iraq Because of the abundance of flora and fauna, Iraq is perfect for wildlife viewing especially if you are interested in seeing Asiatic Cheetah and Lion. Since there are lots of papyrus, reeds and lotus trees so it becomes easier for animals to hide them.	Abbasid Palace in Baghdad The only Abbasid palace left in Baghdad located near the North Gate overlooking the Tigris. It has a central courtyard and two stories of rooms, with beautiful arches and muqarnases in brickwork, and a remarkable ewan with brickwork ceiling and facade.
Arahman Mosque in Baghdad Arahman Mosque in Baghdad is a magnificent piece of architecture. It is one of the most important sites that are renowned for its marvellous architecture. The site is one of the most prestigious Islamic sites that help one to understand the culture and heritage of the country.	Tell Harmal - the ancient city of Shaduppum Tell Harmal is a well-known site. It was an administrative centre for the kingdom and its name means "the treasury". Cultural relics, such as guardian lions, were found and preserved well in the temples of Shaduppum.