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Iraq » Going Out

Things To Know

There is strict adherence to Islamic laws on the consumption of alcohol, which is available within the limits of religious laws. A permit for alcohol may be necessary, although this may only be valid at international hotels. Certain hotels prohibit the consumption of alcohol by visitors. During the lunar month of Ramadan, smoking and drinking in public is not permitted. Waiter service is usual in restaurants. In Iraqi Kurdistan in the north, alcohol is available in more expensive restaurants and in many shops which sell imported beer, wine and spirits. No permit is necessary to purchase or consumer alcohol.

Social Conventions

Owing to a long and varied history, Iraq is a culturally rich country. Today, traditional Islamic culture predominates, with Koranic law playing an active role in the day-to-day life of the country, and visitors should be careful to respect this and act accordingly. Visitors should always address their hosts by full name and title. Traditional Arab hospitality is followed as a rule, in accordance with religious law. Conservative and discreet dress should be worn in observance of local Islamic laws.

Social conventions in Iraqi Kurdistan are more flexible. This northern region of Iraq has been semi-autonomous since 1991. Many women wear western fashions and no headscarves.

Photography: There is a need for extreme caution when photographing anything of a sensitive nature. This includes photographs of local people (the Muslim religion does not allow the representation of human or animal images in any form); and, most importantly, any government installations, buildings or indeed anything else that may be considered off-limits to visitors. If in any doubt, do not take a photo.

Religion

Islam. Muslims make up 95% of the population, with considerably more Shiites than Sunni. Others are Christians who belong to various sects, including Chaldeans, Assyrians, Syrian and Roman Catholics, Orthodox Armenians and Jacobites. Other religious minorities are the Yezidis and the Sabaeans, or Mandeans, who are followers of John the Baptist.

Regional Specialities


Dolma (vine leaves, cabbage, lettuce, onions, aubergine, marrow or cucumbers stuffed with rice, meat and spices).
Tikka (small chunks of mutton on skewers grilled on a charcoal fire).
• Quozi (small lamb boiled whole and grilled, stuffed with rice, minced meat and spices and served on rice) and masgouf (fish from the Tigris, cooked on the river bank).

Regional Drinks


Arak (a clear, colourless, unsweetened aniseed-flavoured distilled alcoholic drink).

Tipping

Normal limit is 10 to 15%.
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Information in this section was last updated: Fri Apr 12 2013