HW 34- Gold in the trees!

Improving my “cultural literacy” has never really been a topic on my mind. I think that it is important to expand your mind though. Reading, “Baghdad Burning”, I learned about the role of gold in Iraq. “Gold is a part of our culture and the roll it plays in ‘family savings’ has increased since 1990 when the Iraqi Dinar began fluctuating crazily” (Riverbend, 100). In 1990, gold became a very confusing topic. The value kept changing, which urged people to keep trading their money in for gold, such as earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Gold became somewhat of a currency. If people could not afford things, they could sell their gold for it. It became some sort of trade. Just like gold is important to the Iraqi public, Date Palms have a strong affect to. "A palm tree is known as a "nakhla" and never fails to bring satisfaction and admiration. They are the pride and joy of Iraqi farmers and landowners. A garden isn't complete if there is not a palm tree gracing it." (Riverbend, 103) Palm trees seem to be loved where ever they grow but in Iraq it is different. There are 500 different types of dates from the palms. Dates are used for a wide variety of purposes. They each have their own distinct features, which make them unique from one another. Some dates are used for hats, bags, food, alcohol, and much more. Palm trees in Iraq represent a lot about their culture and they are savored as a form of hope within themselves.