Cultural Characteristics

With only about a month left living in Iraq, I thought I would re-ignite the blogs with a few around my favourite things and memories about this wonderful country, and some of the challenges I have faced here. First up - some of my favourite cultural characteristics:

1. Iraqi and Syrian people, of all ethnicities have a cracking sense of humour. Which is useful when you live in a country that has not been truly peaceful for many, many years. They also understand my British teasing and sarcasm which certainly helps in my quest to be a well-liked boss :-) 
2. This is quite probably the most generous nation I have ever been to. I only have to say 'oh I like your coat/scarf/earrings/sandwich' and it is instantly offered to me. If I have run out of cash, someone will instantly buy my lunch. If I forget my wallet and I want some fruit, I can pay the fruit stall man tomorrow or the next day or whenever. 
3. This culture is welcoming to the foreigner. Whether you are from another city, or another country you are welcomed. Whether you have been displaced by conflict or you are here to work like me, you are accepted and made to feel at home. 
4. Old people are treated with respect and honour. They are cared for and they are included. 
5. Meals. You don't eat alone in this country. You eat with people, and it's an event.
   
6. Middle Eastern music has grown on me hugely in my time here. And particularly the local music. I love that western tastes have not taken over and people are still so proud of this aspect of their heritage.
7. Many residential areas are built around communal gardens - outside my house is a little park which the houses surround on all sides. In the evenings the kids play football, and ladies walk around the paths. There is a gardener who tends to the flowers and keeps things nice. In my old house in Dohuk we had a similar set up, although there the garden was split in to plots. But I like this way of using outside space - people don't tend to have their own gardens - just a small patio area, but then they share these small green spaces together.
8. Iraqi people are excellent at grieving together and celebrating together. There is a sense of putting your own awkwardness aside to enter in to other people's grief or joy, and this leads to genuine community. (I've written a whole blog on this one).
9. Tea drinking is a huge part of life here. It doesn't really matter the time of day, if you sit down with people you will be offered chai. A small glass of strong, slightly spiced, sweet black tea. It's delicious and somehow it helps conversation to flow.
10. Dominoes are a serious game here. It's where I have learned to play properly. It's really a man's game, and every cafe will have men playing dominoes and draughts, whilst smoking shisha and drinking tea.