The History of Iraq: A Look at Asia's Ancient Land
Iraq is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria. It is an ancient land with a long and rich history. Iraq was once part of the powerful Mesopotamian civilization and is the birthplace of writing, law, and agriculture. Iraq has been a major center of trade and culture for centuries.
The area now known as Iraq has been inhabited since prehistoric times. During the 3rd millennium BC, the Sumerian civilization flourished in the region, and by the 2nd millennium BC, the Akkadian Empire had taken control. The Akkadians were followed by the Babylonians, who built the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The Assyrians, who established the powerful Assyrian Empire, also ruled the area for a time.
In the 6th century BC, the Persian Empire conquered Iraq and it became part of the Achaemenid Empire. Alexander the Great conquered Iraq in 331 BC and it became part of the Seleucid Empire. The Parthians, a nomadic people from Central Asia, then took control of the region in the 2nd century BC.
The Arab conquest of Iraq began in the 7th century AD. Iraq was part of the Umayyad Caliphate until 750 AD, when it became part of the Abbasid Caliphate. The Abbasids ruled Iraq until the 13th century, when the Mongols invaded and destroyed Baghdad. The area was then divided among several small states, and in 1534, Iraq became part of the Ottoman Empire.
The British occupied Iraq in 1917, and in 1921, Iraq was declared an independent kingdom. In 1958, a military coup overthrew the monarchy and established a republic. Saddam Hussein became president in 1979 and remained in power until 2003, when the US-led coalition invaded Iraq and removed him from power.
Iraq has a long and complex history, and its people have endured many struggles. Despite its turbulent past, Iraq is an important part of the Middle East and its culture continues to influence the region.