Local Customs & Etiquette in Ba‘qūbah, Diyālá, Iraq

1. Mosque Etiquette

Respectfully dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.

Dress Code: Covering hair and arms is expected for women.
Shoe Removal: Removing shoes helps maintain cleanliness within the mosque.
Prayer Times: Be aware of prayer times and avoid disturbing worshippers during these moments.

Use a firm handshake while greeting and maintain eye contact.

Handshakes: Firm handshakes show respect in Diyala.
Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact demonstrates honesty and sincerity.
Familiarity Levels: Greetings can vary depending on the level of familiarity with the person.

Offer food to guests and share meals communally.

Guest Hospitality: Sharing a meal with guests is an expression of warmth and generosity.
Communal Eating: Eating from a common dish promotes social bonding.
Refusing Food: If offered food, it's polite to accept, even if you're not hungry.

Avoid smoking in public places and be mindful of others' sensitivities.

Smoking Regulations: There are designated smoking areas in most public spaces.
Respect for Others: Respect the religious and personal beliefs of others regarding tobacco.
Cigarette Sharing: Cigarette sharing is not common or encouraged in Iraqi culture.

Bring small gifts for hosts and avoid giving alcohol or pork products.

Appropriate Gifts: Gifts should be modest, useful, and representative of your culture.
Avoid Offensive Items: Avoid gifts associated with religion or political sensitivities.
Gift-Giving Timing: It's polite to offer a gift upon arrival, but it can also be given later during your stay.

Be punctual, maintain a conservative dress code, and establish strong relationships.

Punctuality: Arriving late for meetings can be seen as disrespectful.
Dress Code: A conservative dress code shows respect and professionalism.
Building Relationships: Building strong personal relationships is essential for successful business ventures.

Haggle politely and be aware of common scams.

Polite Haggling: Negotiating prices is expected, but do so respectfully.
Scam Prevention: Be cautious of people trying to sell low-quality or overpriced goods.
Bargaining Tactics: Learn common bargaining tactics and be open to walking away if necessary.

Respect fasting customs during the holy month of Ramadan.

Fasting Hours: Fasting hours run from sunrise to sunset, and eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited.
Iftar Invitations: Be invited for Iftar (the breaking of the fast) by a local host.
Avoiding Public Consumption: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours during Ramadan.

Attend the henna night and be prepared for a multi-day celebration.

Henna Night: The henna night is an essential part of the wedding festivities.
Celebration Duration: Wedding celebrations can last for several days in Ba‘qūbah.
Gifts and Cash: Bring gifts or cash to show your appreciation for the happy couple.

Respectfully offer condolences and avoid talking about the deceased's death.

Condolence Messages: Express sincere sympathies and refrain from dwelling on the cause of death.
Prayers at the Grave: Join in prayers for the deceased at their grave site.
Respect for Mourning Family: Avoid laughing or making light of the situation when around the family.

Remove shoes at the door and offer gifts upon entering.

Shoe Removal: Removing shoes helps keep the home clean.
Gift Offering: Bringing small gifts shows appreciation for your host's hospitality.
Respect for Privacy: Ask permission before exploring the home and respect their privacy.

Be a gracious guest by accepting invitations and offering gifts.

Gracious Acceptance: Accepting an invitation shows appreciation for the host's hospitality.
Gift-Giving: Bringing small gifts demonstrates your gratitude for the host's generosity.
Reciprocating Hospitality: Return the hospitality by inviting your hosts to your home if possible.

Stand when necessary and be mindful of personal space.

Standing Respectfully: Offer your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities.
Personal Space: Respect others' personal space during crowded transport rides.
Avoiding Loud Conversations: Conduct quiet conversations on public transport to be considerate of others.

Join in local festivals and celebrate with the community.

Community Bonding: Participating in festivals fosters a sense of unity within the community.
Food and Drink: Enjoy local cuisine and beverages during festival celebrations.
Dressing for the Occasion: Wear traditional clothing to show respect and blend in with the locals.

Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially women.

Respect for Privacy: Respect the privacy and personal space of the people you photograph.
Asking Permission: Asking permission demonstrates respect and politeness.
Respect for Culture: Be aware of cultural sensitivities and avoid taking photos that might offend locals.