Know the culture of Iraq—from Mesopotamian to modern—as this war-torn country returns to its traditional ways, emerging from years of strife, oppression, and devastation. Read about the Babylonians and Sumerians, witness the birth of Islam, and then explore present-day Iraq with its diverse ethnic groups, languages, festivals, and customs—both old and new. Ornate carpets and handicrafts, miniature paintings, Mesopotamian murals, ancient architecture, and modern buildings come alive in over forty full-color photographs. This book also gives you a glimpse of the society, and art and literature of Iraq, and even retells the ancient epic tale of Gilgamesh!