Local Customs & Etiquette in Erbil, Iraq
1. Greeting Etiquette
Iraqis in Erbil usually shake hands and greet each other with the phrase 'Assalamu Alaykum', which means 'Peace be upon you'. It's important to return the greeting appropriately.
- Respectful Greeting: Shaking hands and using the traditional greeting demonstrates respect for the other person.
- Religious Significance: The greeting has Islamic origins, reflecting the city's religious and cultural heritage.
- Formality: The greeting is used among both acquaintances and close friends, emphasizing the importance of formalities in Erbil society.
2. Dining Etiquette
Eating with your right hand is common in Erbil. It's considered rude to touch food with your left hand. Also, offerings and accepting food with both hands is a sign of respect.
- Cultural Tradition: Using the right hand for eating reflects cultural traditions that go back centuries.
- Respectful Offering: Offering food with both hands shows respect to the person you are sharing a meal with.
- Left Hand Taboo: Avoid using your left hand when eating as it is considered unclean in Iraqi culture.
3. Dress Code
Modest dress is expected in Erbil. Women should cover their heads and avoid revealing clothing, while men should wear long trousers.
- Respect for Local Culture: Dressing modestly shows respect for the local culture and religion.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and adhering to the dress code demonstrates cultural sensitivity and awareness.
- Local Customs: The dress code is a reflection of traditional customs and values in Erbil.
4. Gift Giving
Gifts are often given during special occasions or as tokens of appreciation. Avoid giving alcohol or pork products due to religious reasons.
- Religious Considerations: Avoiding alcohol and pork products shows respect for the local beliefs.
- Appreciation Gesture: Giving gifts can be a meaningful way to express gratitude or celebrate special occasions.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding the local customs around gift giving demonstrates cultural sensitivity.
5. Public Behavior
Public displays of affection are considered inappropriate. It's also important to respect local religious sites and avoid revealing clothing in public.
- Respect for Local Culture: Avoiding public displays of affection shows respect for the local culture.
- Religious Sensitivity: Respecting religious sites and avoiding revealing clothing in public is important out of respect for local beliefs.
- Cultural Awareness: Understanding and adhering to the norms around public behavior shows cultural awareness.
6. Business Etiquette
Business meetings often start with a round of tea or coffee. Punctuality is important and dress code should be formal.
- Hospitality: Starting business meetings with refreshments demonstrates hospitality.
- Punctuality: Arriving on time for a meeting shows respect for the other party's schedule.
- Formality: Dressing formally for business meetings reflects professionalism and respect.
7. Visiting a Home
When visiting a home, remove your shoes before entering. It's also important to accept any refreshments offered.
- Respect for the Host: Removing shoes shows respect for the host's home.
- Hospitality: Accepting refreshments demonstrates appreciation for the host's hospitality.
- Local Customs: The custom of removing shoes and accepting refreshments is a reflection of traditional customs in Erbil.
8. Tipping
Tipping in restaurants is expected. A 10-15% tip is customary.
- Expected Practice: Tipping is a common practice in Erbil's restaurants.
- Appreciation: Leaving a tip shows appreciation for good service.
- Customary Amount: A 10-15% tip is considered customary in Erbil's restaurants.
9. Photography Etiquette
Always ask permission before taking someone's photograph. Some religious sites may have specific rules about photography.
- Respect for Privacy: Asking permission before taking someone's photograph shows respect for their privacy.
- Religious Sensitivity: Understanding and adhering to rules about photography at religious sites is important out of respect.
- Cultural Awareness: Asking permission before taking photographs demonstrates cultural awareness.
10. Bargaining in Markets
Bargaining is common in Erbil's markets. Be prepared to haggle over prices.
- Common Practice: Bargaining is a common practice in Erbil's markets.
- Price Negotiation: Haggling over prices is part of the shopping experience.
- Understanding Prices: Knowing the rough value of items before bargaining can help you get a fair price.
11. Welcoming Guests
Guests are welcomed warmly and offered refreshments. Hospitality is highly valued in Erbil.
- Hospitality: Welcoming guests warmly demonstrates hospitality, a key value in Erbil.
- Generosity: Offering refreshments to guests shows generosity and care.
- Respect for Guests: Treating guests with respect and hospitality is a reflection of local customs.
12. Local Holidays
Know about local holidays such as Newruz (New Year) and Ramadan. Adjust your travel plans accordingly to respect local customs.
- Cultural Awareness: Understanding local holidays demonstrates cultural awareness.
- Respect for Local Culture: Adjusting travel plans to respect local holidays shows respect for the local culture.
- Cultural Exchange: Participating in local holiday celebrations can provide a unique cultural experience.
13. Driving Etiquette
Traffic laws may not always be strictly enforced. Drivers often ignore traffic signals and drive recklessly. Always be vigilant on the roads.
- Road Safety: Staying safe on the roads is essential while driving in Erbil.
- Cultural Differences: Understanding and adapting to local driving habits can help ensure a safer journey.
- Expect the Unexpected: Being prepared for unpredictable driving behaviors can help you navigate Erbil's roads more safely.
14. Smoking Etiquette
Smoking is common in Erbil, but avoid smoking in public places designated as no-smoking zones.
- Respect for Regulations: Avoiding smoking in no-smoking zones shows respect for regulations.
- Health Considerations: Reducing exposure to second-hand smoke is important for health reasons.
- Cultural Understanding: Understanding and adapting to local smoking habits demonstrates cultural understanding.
15. Women's Dress Code in Religious Sites
In religious sites, women should wear long skirts or dresses that cover the arms and head. Avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing.
- Respect for Local Customs: Dressing modestly in religious sites shows respect for local customs.
- Religious Sensitivity: Understanding and adhering to dress code rules in religious sites is important out of respect.
- Cultural Awareness: Dressing appropriately in religious sites demonstrates cultural awareness.