It may sound surprising, but Iraq wasn't always a war-zone.
Before the anti-monarchical revolution and the war with Iran, it was a country praised on the world stage.
The nation was a hub for science, mathematics, culture, religion, and progress in women's rights.
These images will make those who knew Iraq at the time feel nostalgic and crush the stereotypes of those unfamiliar with it.
1. Basra was known as the 'Venice of the Middle East'
Many referred to Basra as the Middle Eastern Venice for its rivers, winding canals, and decorative gondola-shaped boats that bared exported goods and newlyweds.
2. Iraq had the highest literacy rate in the region
Education was taken very seriously in Iraq, particularly under the Comprehensive National Literacy Campaign, which provided for near universal primary enrollment.
The government heavily invested in the education system. As of 1989, the education budget accounted for 6% of the country's GDP, making Iraq's education system one of the best in the Middle East back then.
The country's workforce> within higher education was of a high quality and international standard.
3. There were no incidents of suicide bombings
Unfortunately, in today's Iraq, suicide bombings have become prevalent throughout the country.
Prior to the wars and conflicts, there were no reported suicide attacks.
People of different religions and cultures simply lived peacefully with each other.
4. Beauty pageants were held
Female beauty was celebrated through competitions such as 'Miss Iraq'.
The title was divided into three prizes; Miss Iraq, Iraq's Maiden of Beauty, and Mesopotamian Princess.
Renée Dangoor, an Iraqi-Jew, was the first to be crowned Miss Iraq in 1947.
Many were glad when the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities announced Miss Iraq would return in 2015 after a 43-year absence, as it restored 'a sense of normalcy.'
The pageants' license to Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss Earth were also reinstated in 2016 and 2017.
In the most recent contest, Vian Amer Noori was crowned Miss Iraq 2017.
5. Large infrastructure categorized a modernizing city
Prior to the First Gulf War (1990-1991,) Iraq wasn't only seen as a cosmopolitan state, but as a model for modern infrastructure.
6. Girls were encouraged to go to school
Throughout the 1950s to the 1970s, Iraq tailored its education system to encourage women to attend school and participate in activities.
In addition to initiatives concentrating on the building of schools and universities across the country, scholarships were made accessible to women, allowing them to study abroad to attain MAs and PhD's.
Iraq's education system did not fail to account for working mothers. Free childcare, as well as transportation to work and school, motivated women with children to participate in society.
Unfortunately, as in many war-torn countries, state-funding in Iraq became heavily targeted towards military efforts as opposed to education, healthcare, and childcare.
7. The social clubs were the place to be on the weekends
If you ask anyone who lived in Baghdad during the 1950's, they will tell you stories about the famous nawadi (clubs), particularly Nadi Al-A'alawiya and Nadi Al Mansour.
These recreational clubs included swimming pools, tennis courts, cinemas, restaurants, and ballrooms for weddings and parties.
8. All religions were accepted and embraced
Although the country is often associated with religious conflict, Iraq is actually home to multiple faiths, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Yazidism, and Mandaeism.
Cities such as Baghdad are a bittersweet reminder of Iraq's cosmopolitan approach to religion.
In just one district, Karrada for example, >a Syrian Catholic church, Armenian Orthodox church, synagogue, and mosque share the same community.