AUK Professor, Ghazi Nassir Authors New Book

Associate Professor of English Language and Literature at the American University of Kuwait Dr. Ghazi Nassir has authored a new book titled 'Culture and Customs of Iraq' to be released January 31, 2012 by Greenwood Press. 

The book, made of eight chapters, provides an overview but concise look at the history, religion, education, economics and government of the Iraqi people. It also surveyed the roles of literature, media, cinema, fine arts, architecture, music, and dance as well as discussed Iraqi cuisine, traditional dress, gender, marriage, family, social customs and lifestyles. This volume is written from what might be called a double perspective; Iraq is viewed both from the outside and from within. It describes, and analyzes its history, people, religions, and social systems, and how these systems are shaped by traditional factors. It seeks to provide students and other readers essential, accurate, and solid information to understand the Iraqi people and their culture. Particular attention is devoted to the land and the people who make this culture, their backgrounds, vital rituals and central beliefs, practices, and moral values. 

Culture and Customs of Iraq comes in at a crucial juncture in history. The Iraqi culture stems from three main sources: family, religion (Islam), and language (Arabic). To understand Iraqis, one must understand these three sources adequately. The kinship trait includes a set of group interactions that are built around the family. Each Iraqi family member is responsible for the integrity of his or her family and for the behaviour of other members. Their religion is an ultimate expression of the idealism of the Iraqis. Iraqis generally are moderately a religious and conservative people, and religious principles (Islamic or non-Islamic) are quite noticeable in their daily lives. Their language exerts tremendous influence on their personal interaction and emotional tone. For the Europeans in general and the Americans in particular, this is a must to understand Iraqi culture and customs, especially important at present because it can provide a basis for our own interactive behaviour with Iraqis as well as a basis for interpreting their behavioural characteristics.
 

Dr. Ghazi Nassir