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Iraq Local Customs

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Iraq Local Customs

by fabrice

Learn the local customs of Iraq. Tips and photos posted by real travelers and Iraq locals.

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Iraq Local Customs

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	Inshallah, and Never Saying No Tip Rating:

By EGerard on July 12, 2009

Iraq Page by EGerard

Giving Some Locals A Ride

by EGerard

Inshallah means God Willing. You will hear this a lot around Iraq. While it sounds pretty innocent, it basically means Whenever The Hell I Get Around To It! Like alot of places in the world, Iraq time is slower than what you may be used to in Europe or the States. It's a more relaxed time frame to getting things done; this can be a real pain when it comes to public works projects we're working on. Also, remember, if an Iraqi asks you for a favor, never just come out and say "no". That's essentially telling them to freck off, that you don't respect them. Instead, say something along the lines of "maybe later". Saving face is extraordinarily important in this country; it's important never to directly criticize people. There is no such thing as constructive criticism in this country. Always tell them that they did a good job, but maybe they should try it this way instead. You just have to adapt the way you train people. You get used to it pretty quickly.

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	Alcoholic beverages Tip Rating:

By jkseddon on September 26, 2004

Iraq Page by jkseddon

Both of Iraqi Kurdistan's two main factions, the PUK and KDP, have Marxist roots and as a result many people in the city aren't too religious. Alcohol is fairly readily available from shops and you can also drink at some cafes in Suli. Most people seem to enjoy their drinks at home though.

A fairly wide range of liquor is available but it seems to be possible to get only really bad wine and Efes beer (which is an average quality beer from Turkey).

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	to have fish on the bank of... Tip Rating:

By al-murtuza51 on August 24, 2002

Iraq Page by al-murtuza51

to have fish on the bank of tigress in baghdad
Iraq is a eastern culture so western culture is strange there but iraqi peoples like westerns its easy to make friendship with Iraqies

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	Feet

By hen263 on August 22, 2007

Iraq Page by hen263

In the Arab ME the soles of shoes should not point at someone. It is disrespectful. So if you cross your legs and the bottom of your shoe is pointing at someone they might be upset.

Don't ask me, I don't make up the rules.

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	Holding hands

By hen263 on August 22, 2007

Iraq Page by hen263

It is common for men to hold hands in the Arab ME. So if you are with someone and they take your hand, don't be offended or put off, odds are it means you are liked.

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	babylone again,the original...

By fabrice on August 25, 2002

Iraq Page by fabrice

by fabrice

babylone again,the original place was probably very different

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	another map

By fabrice on February 13, 2003

Iraq Page by fabrice

by fabrice

of the kurdish territories

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	kurdish population

By fabrice on February 13, 2003

Iraq Page by fabrice

by fabrice

settlements in the whole region

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	hand shake

Updated By fullofstock on June 29, 2006

Iraq Page by fullofstock

Iraqi workers

by fullofstock, 4 more photos

when greeting men from/in the middle east...you would extend your hand and then lightly touch the mans' hand and then touch your chest....this is a standard greeting...this is not to say you cannot or could not do a 'standard' hand shake....

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