Hw 34. Gold and Palm Trees in Iraq

The role that gold plays in family’s savings in Iraq is that it is a very important part of their culture and has been since 1990. This started when the Iraqi Dinar began fluctuating. Many of the people started to convert their money into gold such as jewelry. People took their money out of the bank and converted it into gold before the war and bought “zeeneh” what women called gold instead. This is good because gold people can wear gold as jewelry to show off but can always be sold when in need for extra money. When Iraqis couples get married than man gives the women a dowry usually containing gold jewelry. When a baby is born the gifts are usually gold trinkets so the parents can sell. As you can see gold is a very important to Iraqi people Riverbend planned went over this phrase in her head in case the troops came to her house. “Take the money, gold and gun, leave the computer”. (p100) Dhuluaya a area near Sammara, north of Baghdad. This area is famous for their date palm, citrus trees, and grape vines. Many people in this area make their living by caring for these orchards. These trees are the pride and joy of many Iraqi land owners. These trees are very handy in the winter. They are used for birds and other animals to stay in. the leaves of the trees are used to make baskets and furniture. The palm trees are also used to provide shade for the citrus trees. “Historically, palm trees have represented the rugged, stoic beauty of Iraq and its people”.( p103-105)