29 Things You Should Never Do In Iraq

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Don’t Expect Shops To Be Open In The Mornings If Traveling During Ramadan

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If you scheduled your trip in the holy month of Ramadan, know that it’s a religious time of daily fasting and prayer, and most shops and restaurants in Iraq will be closed during the day. Muslim Iraqis celebrate Ramadan on the ninth month of the Muslim year, during which they don’t drink or eat anything from sunrise to sunset. So, research on the place and plan ahead to avoid inconveniences, and you won’t return home complaining that you starved and weren’t able to see or do anything. While most establishments are closed during Ramadan days, evenings are remarkable, and people stay awake at night till the wee hours of the morning. Some shops and eateries will open by 2 PM, but if you’ve grown restless or hungry, you can visit Ankawa, a Christian town in Erbil where establishments would be open before noon. Otherwise, respect the beliefs and practices, and eat as much as you can at suhur, the heavy pre-dawn breakfast where you can get enough nourishment and energy to keep you going till next your next meal.