- What to bring delicious from Iraq?
- Unique souvenirs from Iraq
- Traditional gifts
The recent military events that took place on Iraqi territory have significantly reduced the interest of tourists to visit this country. But at the moment, the tourism industry is at the stage of revival, guests are attracted by the confluence of the legendary rivers Euphrates and Tigris, which are mentioned in many religious texts. Remains of ancient civilizations, monuments of architecture and masterpieces of oriental art, pilgrim tourism are developed as an important factor in attracting foreign guests. In the material, we will tell you not about the main attractions, but about what to bring from Iraq, what gifts to surprise your family and friends, what original souvenirs and practical things are offered by the country's trading establishments.
What to bring delicious from Iraq?
Like neighboring powers, Iraq pleases guests with various oriental delicacies, which include not only the famous sweets - baklava, Turkish delight, halva and sherbet. First of all, foreigners in local markets are struck by the abundance of seasonings and spices. Further, guests pay attention to tea, which, thanks to the local climate, gives a rich color and amazing taste. The male half of the tourist group is not indifferent to tobacco.
But the main thing is herbs and spices. At any bazaar, you can see colorful mountains, the aroma of which spreads for tens of meters. Not a single real hostess is able to resist such a purchase. And other tourists, thinking about their mothers and grandmothers, buy: cumin; green, black and yellow peppers; curry; saffron is the most expensive spice in the world obtained from crocus stamens.
In Iraq, as in other countries of the East, various nuts and dried fruits are common. This is also a favorite product for tourists, because it has a fairly low cost and unmatched taste. Cashews or almonds, pistachios or dried salted corn - the choice is large and interesting.
Unique souvenirs from Iraq
Today, souvenirs with stylized images of Saddam Hussein, as well as fragments of his fiery speeches or slogans proclaimed in those recent, but already historical times, are popular among foreign guests. The uniqueness is that you can buy such goods only on the territory of Iraq.
Traditional gifts
Local artisans have always tried to use the gifts of the Iraqi mother land for the manufacture of things necessary for the household. That is why, in any market in Iraq, in addition to the spices that attract with aromas, you can also buy practical goods for the home and interior. The following are in greatest consumer demand: pottery; incense and special scented lamps; woolen carpets, hand-woven using old looms and no less ancient technologies.
Fumigation is one of the most important rituals in Iraqi culture. Iraqi women know what kind of incense to use to create a peaceful atmosphere in the house, joyful or calm mood. According to local beliefs, a house with pleasant aromas looks cleaner and more tidy. Incense comes in a variety of forms, such as powder, granules, or wood dies coated with aromatic substances, but sticks, popular in Asia, are rare in this region.
But the set with incense comes with special lamps, some of them need to be connected to electricity in order for the metal plate to heat up. It is on it that you need to put a small amount of aromatic substances so that the room is instantly filled with pleasant smells. Other incense lamps are simply filled with glowing coals that spread breathtaking aromas. And the lamps themselves are very beautiful, they can decorate any interior.
Iraqi textiles are also popular with tourists; you can find everything on sale, from small napkins on the dining table to huge bedspreads. Many of these things are decorated with embroidery in the national style; local craftswomen use multi-colored silk, gold and silver threads, beads.
For a long time in Iraq, leather has been very skillfully made, various items have been made from it, leather bags and purses, wallets decorated with oriental ornaments and inscriptions look gorgeous. As in neighboring Oman, in this country you can buy elements of the national costume, for example, dishdasha, a long shirt with long sleeves, made from natural materials, which is great for the local hot climate.
