Iraq

Iraq, heir to Mesopotamia, holds traditions of maqam music, reed-marsh life and date cultivation.

Music & dance Building & habitat Food & cooking Nature & herbalism Textile & dress

Knowledge in this place

Iraqi maqam

Iraqi maqam

Urban classical vocal art performed with santur, joza and percussion ensemble.

Mudhif reed architecture

Mudhif reed architecture

Marsh-Arab guest halls built entirely of bundled and arched qasab reeds.

Building & habitat

Masgouf cuisine

Masgouf cuisine

Tigris river carp butterflied and slow-grilled upright by an open fire.

Date palm cultivation

Date palm cultivation

Knowledge of hand-pollinating and tending date palms passed down across generations.

Nature & herbalism

Kashida embroidery

Kashida embroidery

Hand embroidery on cloaks and garments using couched metallic and silk thread.

Textile & dress