Welcome to the cradle of civilization! Iraq is a country with a long and storied history, from its ancient Mesopotamian roots to its modern-day struggles and triumphs. Despite its many challenges, Iraq remains a land of incredible diversity, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring landmarks. From the towering ziggurats of Babylon to the bustling markets of Baghdad, there’s much to discover in this fascinating country. Join us as we delve into the world of Iraq facts and uncover some of the most intriguing and little-known aspects of this complex and captivating nation.
1-5 Fun Facts About Iraq
1. Iraq is commonly referred to as the “cradle of civilization” due to its rich history and significant contributions to human development.
2. A tablet discovered in Iraq dating back 3500 years contains the oldest known “Yo Mama” joke, but unfortunately, the punchline is missing.
3. The popular children’s tale Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves was penned in Iraq over 1000 years ago.
4. Iraqis observe two New Year’s celebrations: Muharram, which falls on the first month of the Muslim calendar, and December 31 of the Gregorian calendar.
5. Mountains comprise approximately 20% of Iraq’s terrain.
6-10 Shocking Facts About Iraq
6. Hussain al-Shahristani’s story is one of perseverance and intellect. Despite being confined to solitary for eight years, he refused to let his mind deteriorate. Instead, he kept himself sharp by creating and solving mathematical problems. His strength of character ultimately led him to become Iraq’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
7. On the night before Iraq invaded Kuwait, there was a significant surge in pizza orders made by the CIA.
8. James McCormick made a fortune by selling fake bomb detectors called ADE 651 for $5000 each, which were novelty golf ball detectors that cost less than $20 each. His scheme caused the loss of lives, and these detectors are potentially still in use today, especially in Iraq.
9. Saddam Hussein commissioned a calligrapher to write a copy of the Quran using his blood as ink. This 605-page book contains approximately 27 liters of his blood. It is kept in a mosque in Iraq, secured behind three vault doors.
10. The 2003 invasion of Iraq was initially named “Operation Iraqi Liberation” but quickly changed to “Operation Iraqi Freedom” because the original acronym spelled out “OIL.”
11-15 Surprising Facts About Iraq
11. Muhammad Ali, against President George H.W. Bush’s wishes, traveled to Iraq in 1990 to negotiate the release of 15 American hostages held in Iraqi prisons. He successfully secured and brought them home three days later.
12. In 1988, Saddam Hussein ordered a chemical attack on the town of Halabja in northern Iraq, claiming the lives of 5000 people. Despite condemning the act at the time, the U.S. continued to support Hussein.
13. According to the Bible, Iraq is the birthplace of Abraham and his wife Rebekah, as well as the site of the Garden of Eden. These Biblical connections add to the cultural significance of the country.
14. Soccer is the most popular sport in Iraq, with basketball, boxing, weightlifting, horseback riding, and horse races also enjoyed by many Iraqis.
15. In A.D. 762, Baghdad became the capital of a vast Islamic empire under the rule of the Abbasid dynasty. Built-in a perfect circle atop ancient Babylonian ruins, it quickly became the world’s hub for culture and education, ushering in the “Golden Islamic Age.”
16-20 Interesting Facts About Iraq
16. Approximately 50% of Iraq’s landmass is covered by inhospitable desert.
17. Arabic and Kurdish are the two official languages of Iraq.
18. The flag of Iraq features three horizontal stripes of red, white, and black, with three green stars against the white middle stripe. During the Persian Gulf War in 1991, the words “Allah Akbar,” meaning “God is great,” were added to the flag.
19. Iraq has been home to some of the most significant urban centers in the world, including Ur, Babylon, Nineveh, Ctesiphon, and Baghdad.
20. In 1990, Saddam Hussein introduced a law that allowed men who killed women in the name of family honor to be exempt from punishment. Since 2003, there has been a resurgence of honor crimes in Iraq.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Interesting Iraq Facts For Kids.
Read More:
10 Mind-Blowing Facts About Andorra That You Should Know
20 Mind-Blowing Facts About Haiti That Will Amaze You
15 Mind-Blowing Facts About Honduras That Will Surprise You
