History of Iraq

Ancient Mesopotamia (c. 3500 BCE – 539 BCE)
Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians: Iraq lies in the region once known as Mesopotamia, which is considered the cradle of civilization. The Sumerians (around 3500 BCE) are credited with inventing writing (cuneiform). The Akkadian Empire, established by Sargon of Akkad (c. 2334–2154 BCE), was one of the world’s first empires. The Babylonians, led by Hammurabi (c. 1792–1750 BCE), are famous for the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest written legal codes. Later, the Assyrians built a powerful empire, but it fell to the Babylonians and Medes in 612 BCE.
Persian Rule (539 BCE – 331 BCE): The Persian Empire conquered Mesopotamia in 539 BCE, bringing it under the control of the Achaemenid dynasty. Iraq became part of the Persian Empire until Alexander the Great’s conquest in 331 BCE.

2. Hellenistic and Parthian Periods (331 BCE – 224 CE)
   After Alexander’s death, his empire fragmented, and Mesopotamia came under the control of the Seleucid Empire. The Parthians (247 BCE – 224 CE) later established their own rule, controlling much of Iraq.
3. Sassanid and Islamic Conquest (224 CE – 750 CE)
   The Sassanid Persians took control of Iraq in 224 CE, and it remained a key part of their empire until the 7th century.
   Islamic Conquest (633 CE): Following the death of the Prophet Muhammad, the Rashidun Caliphate expanded into Mesopotamia, defeating the Sassanids at the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah (636 CE). Iraq became part of the Islamic caliphate, and over time, the region embraced Islam, with Baghdad emerging as a major center of learning and culture under the Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258 CE).
4. Medieval Period (1258 CE – 1500s)
   Mongol Invasion: In 1258, the Mongols sacked Baghdad, ending the Abbasid Caliphate in Iraq. The region was ruled by various smaller states and empires, including the Seljuks and the Ilkhanids.
   Ottoman Empire (1534 CE – 1917 CE): By the 16th century, Iraq came under Ottoman control, and it remained a part of the empire until World War I. The Ottomans divided the region into provinces and ruled it for about 400 years.
5. Modern History (20th Century – Present)
   British Mandate (1917-1932): Following World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq came under British control as a League of Nations mandate. The British established a monarchy under King Faisal I, but nationalist movements were growing.
   Independence (1932): Iraq gained full independence from Britain in 1932, though it remained closely linked to the British through treaties.
   Ba’athist Iraq and Saddam Hussein (1968–2003): The Ba’ath Party, under Saddam Hussein, took power in 1968. Hussein became president in 1979 and ruled with an authoritarian regime. His rule saw several significant events, including the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), the invasion of Kuwait in 1990 (leading to the Gulf War of 1991), and internal uprisings (such as the Kurdish and Shiite uprisings in the early 1990s). Economic sanctions were imposed on Iraq throughout the 1990s.
   2003 Iraq War and Aftermath: In 2003, the United States, along with a coalition of countries, invaded Iraq, overthrowing Saddam Hussein’s regime. The invasion was based on the belief that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), though no such weapons were found. The country fell into a period of instability and sectarian violence, and insurgencies emerged, including the rise of ISIS (Islamic State) in 2014.
   Post-Saddam Iraq (2003-present): Since Saddam’s removal, Iraq has undergone political upheaval, with efforts to establish democracy, though the country continues to struggle with violence, political corruption, and economic challenges. Iraq also faced significant challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure and governance. The rise of ISIS led to a brutal war against the group, which was largely defeated by 2017, though remnants of ISIS and sectarian violence continue to affect the country.
6. Recent Developments
   Protests and Political Instability (2019-present): Iraq has seen significant protests against government corruption, poor public services, and political interference by foreign powers. These protests have been met with violent repression by the security forces. Political instability continues, with ongoing challenges in rebuilding the economy and maintaining peace.
   Summary:
   Iraq’s history is one of rich cultural and historical significance, from ancient Mesopotamian civilizations to modern struggles for stability and governance. The region has been shaped by multiple empires and conflicts, with both profound cultural achievements and devastating wars marking its path.