Iraq is known primarily for its rich maqam heritage which has been passed down orally by the masters of the maqam in an unbroken chain of transmission, leading up to the present. The maqam al-Iraqi is considered to be the most noble and perfect form of maqam. Join us as we explore the most interesting facts of this Middle Eastern country. Iraq is home to the world’s oldest civilisation. … Iraq means fertile. … Drought has uncovered a 3,400-year-old city. … A superstition about black cats could have originated in Iraq. … The world’s oldest writing came into existence in Iraq.