Central Iraq

Quick Facts: Who was Central Iraq?

Subject:

Central Iraq

Known for:

A historically rich nation in West Asia, known as the cradle of civilization.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in West Asia. Located within the Middle East, it is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south, Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, the Persian Gulf and Kuwait to the southeast, Jordan to the southwest, and Syria to the west. The country covers an area of 438,317 square kilometres (169,235 sq mi) and has a population of over 46 million, making it the 58th largest country by area and the 31st most populous in the world. Baghdad, home to over 8 million people, is the capital city and the largest in the country. Starting in the 6th millennium BC, the fertile plains between Iraq's Tigris and Euphrates rivers, referred to as Mesopotamia, fostered the rise of early cities, civilisations, and empires including Sumer, Akkad, Babylonia, and Assyria.

Career & Major Achievements

Known as the cradle of civilisation, Mesopotamia saw the invention of astrology, mathematics, navigation, timekeeping, writing systems, the wheel, the sailboat, a calendar, and a law code. After the Arab conquest of Mesopotamia in the 7th century, Iraq became the metropole of the Abbasid Caliphate with Baghdad emerging as a global cultural and intellectual hub during the Islamic Golden Age, home to institutions such as the House of Wisdom. Following Baghdad's destruction by the Mongols in 1258, Iraq came under successive empires, and from the 16th until the 20th century, it was governed within the Ottoman system as a defined region known administratively as Ottoman Iraq. Since independence in 1932 after the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, Iraq has experienced spells of significant economic and military growth alongside periods of instability and conflict. Iraq emerged as a hashemite monarchy after centuries of Ottoman rule and a period under British administration.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1958, a military coup led by Abdul Karim Qasim overthrew the monarchy and established a republic. Later, the Ba'ath Party took power in 1968, establishing a one-party state under Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr and later Saddam Hussein, who presided over war against Iran from 1980 to 1988 and then invaded Kuwait in 1990. In 2003, U.S.-led coalition forces invaded and occupied Iraq, overthrowing the government and triggering an insurgency and sectarian violence during the Iraq War, which ended in 2011. From 2013 to 2017, Iraq faced another major conflict with the rise and defeat of the Islamic State. Today post-war conflict continues at a lower scale, hampering stability alongside the influence of Iran.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1258: 1258 Milestone — Following Baghdad's destruction by the Mongols in 1258, Iraq came under successive empires, and from the 16th until the 20th century, it was governed within the Ottoman system as a defined region known administratively as Ottoman Iraq.
2. 1932: 1932 Milestone — Since independence in 1932 after the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, Iraq has experienced spells of significant economic and military growth alongside periods of instability and conflict.
3. 1958: 1958 Milestone — In 1958, a military coup led by Abdul Karim Qasim overthrew the monarchy and established a republic.
4. 1968: 1968 Milestone — Later, the Ba'ath Party took power in 1968, establishing a one-party state under Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr and later Saddam Hussein, who presided over war against Iran from 1980 to 1988 and then invaded Kuwait in 1990.
5. 2011: 2011 Milestone — -led coalition forces invaded and occupied Iraq, overthrowing the government and triggering an insurgency and sectarian violence during the Iraq War, which ended in 2011.
6. 2013: 2013 Milestone — From 2013 to 2017, Iraq faced another major conflict with the rise and defeat of the Islamic State.

Notable Quotes by Central Iraq

“For Allah to grant a victory, even a handspan, of the Holy Land by my hand is more beloved to me than a district from the districts of Iraq”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Central Iraq

True or False: “The term 'Mesopotamia' was exclusively used by Arab geographers before the 10th century.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While Arabic usage evolved, the region was known by various names and concepts predating the exclusive use of 'Iraq' or its modern designation.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Osman I — Historical peer (Born in 1258) (1258): Founder of the Ottoman Empire, establishing a powerful Turkish principality.
• Abebe Bikila — Historical peer (Born in 1932) (1932): Ethiopian Olympic marathon champion, known for his barefoot victories in Rome and Tokyo.
• Adolfo Suárez — Historical peer (Born in 1932) (1932): Key architect of Spain's transition to democracy, serving as Prime Minister 1976-1981.
• Abhijeet Bhattacharya — Historical peer (Born in 1958) (1958): Veteran Indian playback singer known for Hindi, Bengali, and diverse regional music.
• Alec Baldwin — Historical peer (Born in 1958) (1958): Versatile American actor known for dramatic depth and comedic timing.
• Abrar-ul-Haq — Historical peer (Born in 1968) (1968): Esteemed Pakistani singer, philanthropist, and former politician from Punjab.
• Adam McKay — Historical peer (Born in 1968) (1968): Acclaimed American filmmaker known for satirical comedies and high-profile adaptations.
• Abby Wambach — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Iconic American soccer forward, celebrated for her goal-scoring prowess and longevity.
• Adande Thorne — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Trinidadian-American YouTuber, animator, comedian, and actor known as Swoozie.
• Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad — Historical peer (Died in 1988) (1988): Renowned Egyptian Quran reciter, celebrated for his melodious and emotionally engaging style.

Frequently Asked Questions about Central Iraq