The Iraqi palm tree

3:12:29

2023-11-01

704

A blessed tree, the fruits of which are the food of the poor, the sweet of the rich, and the enjoyment of the traveler, tall with glory. Whenever palm trees are mentioned, Iraq is mentioned, its first home and its most prominent incubator. Iraq was named the land of blackness because of the enormous plantations of palm trees which can be seen from far distance as blackness. They made of it roofs for their homes, mattresses and seats for them to sit, utensils for their food, stuff and goods … and many other handicrafts. As for their dates, they are one of the basic food for Iraqis, and one of the necessities of the (Iftar) table in the blessed month of Ramadan.

Historically: The first documented appearance of date palm trees in the ancient world is at both sites: (Tell Aweli and Tell Abu Shahran) in the far south of Iraq, before 4000 BC, and in ancient archaeological texts called the Tree of Wisdom or the Tree of Life. The Obelisk of Hammurabi included seven articles about The palm tree, the most important of which is imposing a fine on anyone who cuts down a palm tree. The palm tree was mentioned under several names in the three divine books, especially the Holy Qur’an, as well as in the Prophet’s biography, and in prose, poetry and proverbs; Being of many symbolic connotations, including: the homeland, life, generosity, giving, glory and survival. As for the fruit of the palm tree, it is called dates, and it is very delicious fruit and has a high nutritional value, and many health benefits, and its derivatives (dates molasses).

Iraq was one of the leading producers and exporters of dates in the world, where palm trees cultivation is spread in 13 out of 18 Iraqi governorates such as (Basra, Maysan, Wasit, Dhi Qar, Muthanna, Qadisiyah, Najaf, Karbala, Babylon, Anbar, Baghdad, Diyala, Salah Al-Din). Most of it is in Basra. As for the varieties of types of Iraqi dates, they are among the most famous and rare varieties in the world, reaching more than 600 types, including: (Al-Halawi, Al-Buraim, Al-Zahdi, Al-Jawzi, Al-Khastawi, Al-Barhi, and many others).

Today, imported dates have invaded our Iraqi markets, after Iraq neglected its (aunt) palm tree, the tree of our ancestors and turned from the land of black to a barren land! In spite of that, no matter how harsh a man can be with the palm tree and neglect the value of this elegant tree, it remains generous and glorious, struggling to survive, and bearing fruit … The (Muathiqun) team had a tour of several cities and governorates to document the magnificence and charm of the Iraqi palm tree and its orchards.

In spite of that, a few parties seek to revive palms tree in Iraq through the establishment of various farms, the most important of which is the Fadak palm farm affiliated with the Holly Husayni shrine, which supplies the market with the best types of dates and witnesses the cultivation of (7000) new seedlings of good and rare types.