A Cultural Journey Through Time

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Culture

The Traditions of the Jews of Iraq

Iraqi Jews were among the oldest Jewish communities in the world, and among the most deeply rooted in their country. They spoke a distinctive Judeo Arabic dialect of Baghdad, wore the same clothes as their neighbors, and took part in every corner of city life.

Jewish musicians were at the center of Iraqi music. The brothers Salih and Daoud al Kuwaiti composed songs still sung across the Arab world, and Jewish players filled the ranks of Baghdad's radio orchestra. Families celebrated Shabbat with tbit, chicken and rice cooked overnight, and holidays with sweets like baba b'tamer, date filled cookies.

Since the mass departure of 1950 to 1952, Iraqi Jews have carried these traditions to Israel, Britain, the United States, and beyond. JIMENA's oral histories and programs help share them with new generations.

Explore further

Keep exploring

Timeline of Jewish Presence → Key dates in the history of the Jews of Iraq, at a glance.

Jewish History of Iraq → The story of the Jews of Iraq, from ancient times to today.

Oral histories from Iraq → Watch Iraqi Jews tell their own stories.

Iraqi Jewish recipes → Dishes for Shabbat, holidays, and every day, and the stories behind them.

Books on the Jews of Iraq → Histories, memoirs, novels, and children's books in JIMENA's library.