What is the 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. Explore more about the historical significance of Iraq.

Akansha Arora Published On December 17th, 2024

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.