IRAQ

LOCATION AND RELIGION

• Iran is a Middle Eastern country bordered by Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria
• Ethnic and religious groups include Shia and Sunni Arabs, Kurds, Assyrians, Iraqi Turkmens, and Yazidis

WEATHER AND CURRENCY

• The average temperature is 120 degrees or higher in the summer and below freezing in the winter months
• The majority of the rainfall occurs from December to April, up to 40 inches in mountainous regions
• Long, hot summers and short cool winters
• Iraqi Dinar, worth: .0009 US dollars

BABYLON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

• September 22nd through October 1st
• Associated with art and music
• Goal: pass traditions on to older generations
• Emphasis on different cultures and civilizations
• Includes seminars, workshops, ensembles, musicals, and singing

IRAQ SHORT FILM FESTIVAL

• Established in 2005
• August 1st through September 30th
• Made to celebrate Iraqi movies
• Played in Arabic or Kurdish

CROPS GROWN

• Fertile Crescent- rich soil
• Leeks, onions, lentils, wheat, and barley, grapes, olive trees

EVERYDAY FOODS

• Food influenced by neighboring countries
• Stuffed vegetables, lamb, rice, yogurt
• Beef with fruity dish

SPECIAL OCCASION

• Adas Bil Hamod- lentils with lemon juice
• Red Lentil Soup
• Yalanchi- tomatoes stuffed with rice
• Ma'mounia- wheat pudding
• Foods range from different religious customs

FOOD

• Meat, olive oil, lentils, dates are usually incorporated into most foods
• Foods are plain, simple with peppers or cinnamon to add a spice flavor to it
• Different from American food, less processed, more meat

WHEAT PUDDING