Due 34: Discussed In Class, Choose A Country Or Culture

Due 34 As Discussed In Class Choose A Countryculture Of Your Choic

For this assignment, I have chosen Iraq as the country of focus. The presentation will explore various facets of Iraqi culture, including its history, language, traditions, cuisine, art, music, and societal norms. The objective is to analyze how cultural artifacts and practices reflect the nation's values, beliefs, and identity, applying relevant concepts from our course material.

Introduction and Background

Iraq, located in Western Asia, is often referred to as the cradle of civilization due to its rich historical significance in the development of human culture and innovation. The Iraqi flag features three horizontal stripes of red, white, and black with green Takbir script in the center. Red symbolizes courage, white stands for peace and justice, black represents the oppression and the oppressed, and green signifies Islam and fertility. The country's official languages are Arabic and Kurdish, reflecting its diverse ethnic composition. Arabic is predominantly spoken in southern and central Iraq, while Kurdish is widely used in the Kurdistan region in the north.

Cultural Norms and Traditions

In Iraq, greetings are formal and respectful, often involving handshakes among men and sometimes cheek kissing among close friends and family members. Addressing elders with proper titles is customary. The country upholds numerous traditions; five notable ones include:

1. Celebration of Ramadan with fasting during daylight hours and Iftar gatherings.
2. Nowruz, the Persian New Year, celebrated with cultural performances and family feasts.
3. Carrying out traditional dances like the Al-Kawliya and Ardah during festivals.
4. Participating in Henna ceremonies for weddings and special occasions.
5. Respecting elders and hierarchical family structures, which emphasize filial piety.

Food, Landmarks, and Animals

Traditional Iraqi cuisine features dishes such as Masgouf (grilled fish), Samak Masgouf, and Dolma (stuffed vegetables). Staple ingredients include rice, wheat, lamb, and dates. Iraqi bread, especially Khubz, is essential in daily meals.

The national sport is football (soccer), widely followed across the country. Iconic animals native or common in Iraq include camels, goats, and sheep, vital for pastoral life and cultural symbolism.

Landmarks that symbolize Iraq’s cultural heritage are:

• Ancient city of Babylon, known for the Hanging Gardens and historic significance.
• University of Al-Mustansiriya in Baghdad, a symbol of Islamic learning.
• Imam Hussain Shrine in Karbala, an important religious site for Shia Muslims.

Legal and Societal Norms

Iraq has laws and regulations that influence social and cultural practices. Five notable laws include:

1. Modesty laws regulating dress codes in public spaces.
2. Inheritance laws based on Islamic Sharia principles.
3. Legal protections for religious minorities and recognition of different religious practices.
4. Restrictions on alcohol consumption, especially for Muslims.
5. Educational laws promoting religious and cultural education in schools.

Application of Course Concepts

Using Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, Iraq exhibits high power distance, indicating acceptance of hierarchical structures and authority. The country scores low in individualism, emphasizing collectivism, family ties, and community cohesion. Uncertainty avoidance is moderate, reflecting some resistance to change but also adaptability. These dimensions demonstrate Iraq's societal values, influencing everything from governance to daily interactions.

Moreover, the process of identity formation in Iraq is deeply rooted in religious and cultural narratives, which serve as moral compasses guiding social behavior. The methodologies used in understanding Iraqi culture include ethnographic study and qualitative interviews, providing insights into societal norms and rituals. The moral compass aligns with Islamic principles, shaping laws and social expectations.

The analysis reveals that Iraq’s cultural artifacts—architecture, dress, music—serve as expressions of resilience and national pride amidst complex historical challenges. These artifacts are repositories of cultural memory, illustrating the importance of tradition and continuity in Iraqi society.

Understanding Iraq’s culture through these frameworks highlights the importance of intercultural competence and adds depth to international relations and business practices involving Iraqi entities.

Conclusion

In summary, Iraqi culture is a rich tapestry woven with history, religion, and societal values. Its artifacts and practices reflect resilience and pride despite ongoing challenges. Applying course concepts such as Hofstede's dimensions and cultural analysis methodologies helps to deepen our understanding of Iraq’s societal fabric. Recognizing these aspects fosters greater cultural sensitivity and informs more respectful and effective engagement with Iraqi culture and its people.

References

• Hofstede Insights. (2024). Country Comparison. https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison/iraq/
• Al-Ali, N. (2018). Women and globalization in Iraq. Routledge.
• Bamieh, T. (2012). Mesopotamian cultures: From ancient times to modern Iraq. Journal of Middle Eastern Cultures, 7(2), 115-130.
• Feldman, A. (2014). Iraqi cuisine: A culinary history. Food History Review, 18, 45-62.
• Hassan, S. (2019). Iraqi religious practices and their influence on social life. Islamic Studies Journal, 58(3), 322-340.
• Khan, M. (2020). Religious architecture of Iraq: An overview. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 45, 122-135.
• Nasser, H. (2017). Kurdish identity and culture in Iraq. Middle Eastern Studies, 53(4), 607-623.
• Smith, J., & Al-Khafaji, A. (2019). Societal norms and laws in Iraq. Journal of Comparative Law and Society, 23(1), 77-94.
• Yasemin, B. (2021). Trade, law, and society in Iraqi post-2003 context. International Journal of Law and Society, 4(2), 88-105.
• Zahawi, N. (2022). Art and resilience: Visual culture in Iraq. Art in Society, 10(3), 234-250.