Iraq is called the land between the rivers. The rivers are the Tigris and the Euphrates, which originate in the mountains of Turkey and flow southward through Syria into Iraq. Between these two rivers lies a fertile plain where, as far as is known, the 1st human civilization flourished. By the year 4000 BC. Iraqis are very generous & loyal and very polite to their friends. If a friend asks for a favor, it is considered very rude to say no. It is taboo to wish bad luck on someone because it might come true. While having a conversation, it is rude to turn one’s foot out (or on the table) so that the sole is facing the other person. The left hand is used for sanitary purposes, therefore, it is never used when eating.