Iraq, a country in the Middle East, has a rich and ancient history. It was once part of the world’s earliest civilizations. The land we now call Iraq had different names in the past. Let us explore the old names of Iraq and its historical significance.

Old Name of Iraq

In ancient times, the land we call now Iraq was known as Mesopotamia. The word Mesopotamia means the “Land Between the Rivers,” referring to the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. This region had rich alluvial plains, which supported agriculture and gave rise to some of the earliest human civilizations. Important ancient kingdoms like Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria were all part of Mesopotamia.

Importance of Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia was part of the Fertile Crescent, a region where agriculture and human settlements flourished. Many large empires such as the Persian, Greek and Roman dynasties, conquered and ruled this region because of its wealth and fertile lands. In the 7th century, Mesopotamia became an important part of the Islamic world.

When was Mesopotamia Named Iraq?

After the World War I (1914-18), the Ottoman Empire collapsed. The British created the modern nation-state of Iraq in 1920 by combining three Ottoman provinces: Baghdad, Basra and Mosul. The name Iraq was chosen because it was already a historical term linked to the region.

Why was the Name Changed to Iraq?

The name change happened due to political and historical regions:

• After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, European powers drew new borders in the Middle East.
• The name Iraq reflected the Arabic history and culture of the region.
• It unified different regions (Baghdad, Basra and Mosul) into one nation.

Iraq’s Path to Independence

Iraq became formally independent in 1932, but British influence remained strong for another 25 years. The country faced political instability, especially during its monarchial rule.

Modern Changes and Iraq Today

In 1958, the monarchy was overthrown and the Ba’ath Party came to power in 1968, bringing a period of stability. However, under Saddam Hussein, Iraq experienced wars such as the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88) and the Persian Gulf War (1990-91). Saddam’s regime ended in 2003 during the Iraq Qar.

Today, Iraq is known for its rich history, ancient civilization and cultural contributions to humanity. The capital city, Baghdad, remains a significant part of Iraq’s heritage.

Buddhist monasteries are places of worship, meditation and learning for Buddhist monks and followers. They serve as peaceful retreats, preserving Buddhist traditions and offering a space for spiritual growth. These monasteries are found across the world, often in scenic locations, reflecting Buddhist teachings and culture. In this article, we will know about the location and key facts about Asia’s oldest Buddhist monastery.

Location of Asia’s Oldest Buddhist Monastery

Tawang Monastery is located in Arunachal Pradesh, a northeastern state in India. It sits in the beautiful Tawang River Valley, near the town of Tawang. The monastery is about 2 kilometers away from Tawang town and is surrounded by mountains on three sides, making it a peaceful and scenic place.

Features of the Tawang Monastery

Tawang Monastery is a large and impressive building with three stories. It is built like a mansion and contains many important structures. The monastery has a big assembly hall, ten functional buildings, and 65 residential quarters for monks. Inside the main temple, there is a large, decorated statue of Buddha sitting in a lotus position. The monastery is rich in art and religious significance.

History of Tawang Monastery

The Tawang Monastery was founded in 1680-1681 by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso. He built in at the request of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso. The monastery belongs to the Gelug school of Mahayana Buddhism. At one point, it was connected to the famous Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, Tibet.

Dharamshala is a beautiful hill station in the northern part of India. It is known for its stunning views, pleasant weather and Tibetan culture. The town is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, which is famous for its mountains, temples and natural beauty.

Location of Dharamshala

Dharamshala is located in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is surrounded by the beautiful Dhauladhar mountain range and sits at an altitude of 1,457 meters (4,780 feet) above sea level. The town is close to other cities like Kangra, Shimla and New Delhi, making it a popular destination for tourists and spiritual seekers.

What is Dharamshala Known for?

Dharamshala is famous for its Tibetan culture, monasteries, and the residence of the Dalai Lama. The town has earned the nickname “Little Tibet” because it has preserved much of Tibet’s culture and religion. It is also home to the Tibet Government-in-Exile.

Other Names for Dharamshala

People often refer to Dharamshala as “Little Tibet” because of its strong Tibetan influence and the presence of Tibetan refugees.

Places to Visit in Dharamshala

• Tsuglagkhang Complex: This is the Dalai Lama’s residence and an important place for Buddhist worship.
• Dharamshala Cricket Stadium: Known as one of the highest cricket stadiums in the world, it often stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Dal Lake: A small, scenic lake surrounded by deodar trees and hills. It is a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy nature.

In cricket, some players stand out for their incredible ability to score runs consistently. These players earn special nicknames because of their exceptional performances and achievements. One such nickname is “Run Machine.” In this article, we will know about the cricketer who has earned the nickname of “Run Machine.”

Run Machine in Cricket

Virat Kohli, the famous Indian cricketer, is widely known as the Run Machine. He earned this title by scoring runs consistently in all formats of the game. His records, including 50 ODI centuries and high performances in Test and IPL matches, make him the most deserving of this nickname.

Why is Virat Kohli Known as the Run Machine?

Virat Kohli is known as the Run Machine because of its ability to score runs regularly throughout his career. Although he faced some struggles with his form, his overall performance has been outstanding.

• Record in IPL: Virat holds the record for the most runs in a single IPL season. In 2016, he scored an unbelievable 973 runs in one season.
• International Records: Kohli has played at the top level for many years. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he scored 50 centuries in just 294 games. This record is even better than the great Sachin Tendulkar, who scored 49 centuries in 463 matches.
• Test Cricket: Virat Kohli had played 113 Test matches and scored over 8,800 runs, including 29 centuries. His highest score in Tests is 254 not out against South Africa in 2019.
• T20 Matches: In T20 cricket, Kohli has scored 9 centuries. He shines especially in the IPL  while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

What makes Player a Run Machine?

There is no official title of Run Machine, but it is a term given to players who score runs consistently in all formats of cricket.

• High Average: These players often have batting averages close to 50 or more.
• Big Centuries: They score many centuries and often play long, important innings.
• Reliability: Run Machines are the most dependable batters in their teams. Fans trust them to score runs when the team needs it the most.

Young Run Machines in Cricket

Some young players are showing the potential to become Run Machines in the future.

• Harry Book (England): Harry Book had an impressive start to his Test career, averaging close to 60 in his first 24 innings.
• Yashasvi Jaiswal (India): Jaiswal made 712 runs in just 9 innings, with an average of 89.
• Marnus Labuschagne (Australia): Labuschagne has been a top performer for Australia in Test Cricket.
• Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan): Rizwan has been scoring heavily in recent years, especially in T20 matches.

Uttar Pradesh is a large state in northern India, known for its rich history, culture and significance in the country’s development. It is famous for its historical sites, temples, and as the birthplace of major religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. The state is also an important center for agriculture and industry. In this article, we will know about the district of Uttar Pradesh which is known as the “City of Printing.”

An Overview of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a large state in northern India, with over 241 million people, making it the most populated state in India and the world’s most populous subdivision. It shares borders with Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Nepal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. The state covers an area of 243,286 square kilometers, and its capital is Lucknow, while Prayagraj serves as the judicial capital. Uttar Pradesh has 18 divisions and 75 districts.

Number of Districts of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has 75 districts, each managed to ensure smooth governance. To make administration easier, the state is divided into 18 divisions. These divisions help in organizing and coordinating government work more effectively across the state.

City of Printing in Uttar Pradesh

Farrukhabad, a district in Uttar Pradesh, is known as the “City of Printing.” This name comes from the city’s rich history and skilled craftsmanship in the textile industry. Farrukhabad is famous for its traditional block printing, Zari Zarodi work, and other textile printing techniques. These beautiful creations are highly sought after both in India and abroad.

Block Printing in Farrukhabad

Farrukhabad is famous for its block printing, a craft that dates back to the Mughal period. Block printing is done by using wooden or brass blocks to imprint designs on fabrics. These fabrics, often made of silk or cotton, feature bright, colorful and intricate patterns. Common designs include paisley, butis, tree of life and Kairi (mango).

Zari Zardori Industry

The district is also well-known for its Zari Zardori work, which is a type of intricate embroidery done with gold or silver threads. This craft is so popular in Farrukhabad that it has spread across the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. The Zari Zardori work is often used for wedding dresses and special occasion garments, making it a key part of India’s textile industry.

Other Type of Textile Printing

In addition to block printing and Zari Zardori, Farrukhabad is also recognized for its screen printing techniques. This method is used to create patterns on fabric by pushing ink through a mesh screen. The results are bright, clear designs that are in high demand.