Iraq

The Cradle of Civilization

Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is one of the most historically significant countries in the world — known as Mesopotamia, the “Land Between Two Rivers” (Tigris and Euphrates). It is the birthplace of writing, law, agriculture, and some of humanity’s earliest empires. From ancient Babylon to modern Baghdad, Iraq stands as a timeless symbol of civilization’s origins and resilience.

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🏛️ Formation & Historical Background

Iraq’s history is among the richest on Earth, tracing the rise of early urban life, ancient kingdoms, and Islamic scholarship.

Key Historical Timeline:

• 4000 BCE: Birth of Sumerian Civilization in southern Mesopotamia

• 2334 BCE: Akkadian Empire – world’s first empire founded by Sargon the Great

• 1792 BCE: Babylonian Empire under Hammurabi – introduced the world’s first written legal code

• 7th Century CE: Islam spread; Baghdad founded in 762 CE as capital of the Abbasid Caliphate – the Golden Age of Islamic learning

• 1258 CE: Mongol invasion – destruction of Baghdad

• 1534–1918: Under Ottoman Empire rule

• 1920: Became a British Mandate after WWI

• 1932: Gained independence – Kingdom of Iraq established

• 1958: Revolution – monarchy overthrown, republic established

• 1979–2003: Saddam Hussein era – war, sanctions, and political turmoil

• 2003: US-led invasion, fall of Saddam regime

• Present: Federal parliamentary republic rebuilding toward stability and development

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🧭 Basic National Information

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⚖️ Government and Leadership

Iraq’s constitution ensures federalism, religious freedom, and democratic representation, despite ongoing challenges of reconstruction and political reform.

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🗺️ Administrative Structure

Iraq consists of 19 governorates (muhafazat), including the autonomous Kurdistan Region in the north.

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🌐 Geography & Environment

• Location: Western Asia, between Iran and Syria

• Rivers: Tigris and Euphrates — lifeline of Mesopotamia

• Terrain: Fertile plains, desert regions, and mountains in the north

• Climate: Mostly arid; mild winters, very hot summers

• Natural Resources: Oil, natural gas, sulfur, phosphate, water resources

• Environmental Challenges: Desertification, pollution, water scarcity

The Tigris–Euphrates river system makes Iraq one of the oldest agricultural regions in the world.

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Local Government Structure

• Governorates are led by Governors, with local councils elected by the public.

• Kurdistan Region has its own government (KRG) based in Erbil, including:

  • President of the Region

  • Prime Minister of the KRG

  • Parliament of Kurdistan

• Disputed areas (e.g., Kirkuk) have joint security arrangements.

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Leadership & Governance

• Iraq’s constitution (2005) guarantees:

  • Power-sharing among Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish blocs.

  • Federalism and decentralization

• Governance priorities:

  • Anti-corruption and decentralization

  • National security and service delivery

  • Rebuilding infrastructure and trust

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Law Enforcement & Safety

• Oversight by:

  • Ministry of Interior

  • Federal Police

  • Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF / Hashd al-Shaabi)

  • Kurdistan Regional Security Forces (Asayish, Peshmerga)

• Challenges:

  • Militia influence, terrorism (e.g., ISIS remnants), political violence

• Emergency Numbers:

  • 104/115 – Police/Ambulance/Fire (varies by region)

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🕌 Religion, Language & Culture

Cultural Highlights:

• Birthplace of writing (Cuneiform script)

• Ancient cities: Babylon, Ur, Nineveh

• Golden Age scholars: Al-Khwarizmi (father of algebra), Al-Razi (medicine), and Al-Farabi (philosophy)

• Cuisine: Masgouf (grilled fish), dolma, kebab, samoon bread

• Festivals: Ashura, Eid al-Fitr, Nowruz, Arba’een pilgrimage to Karbala

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📈 Economy & Key Sectors

Iraq’s economy is primarily driven by energy exports, agriculture, and reconstruction efforts.

Vision 2030: Iraq aims to rebuild its infrastructure and diversify its economy while restoring cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.

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🎓 Education & Healthcare

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✈️ Transport & Infrastructure

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🏙️ Tourism & Attractions

Despite decades of war, Iraq’s cultural and spiritual sites attract millions of visitors annually.

Top Destinations:

• Baghdad: Capital of Islamic Golden Age

• Karbala: Shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S.) – pilgrimage site for millions

• Najaf: Imam Ali Shrine – one of Islam’s holiest places

• Babylon: Ancient ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Ur: Biblical city of Prophet Abraham (A.S.)

• Mosul: Historical mosques and churches being restored

• Erbil Citadel: World’s oldest continuously inhabited city

• Marshlands of Southern Iraq: UNESCO-protected ecological wonder

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🌍 Global Role & Relations

Iraq is reemerging as a bridge between the Arab world, Iran, and the West, fostering regional diplomacy and economic cooperation.

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📝 Summary

Iraq remains a land of profound heritage and hope — the soil where civilization was born, empires rose and fell, and knowledge first flourished. From Mesopotamian inventions to Islamic scholarship, Iraq’s story is humanity’s story — one of creativity, struggle, and endurance.

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📢 News & Articles

• “Iraq’s Rebuilding Path: Balancing Heritage and Modernization”

• “The Revival of Babylon – Ancient Glory in a Modern Nation”

• “From Mesopotamia to Modernity: Iraq’s Ongoing Transformation”

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🎯 Our Mission

This national profile represents Iraq’s timeless contribution to global civilization — combining history, faith, and progress — under the AFP Global Knowledge Hub’s mission for education and cross-cultural understanding.

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📬 Contact Us

For verified updates or contributions about Iraq’s heritage and development, contact our editorial team.