The palm and its Fruits in the Light of the Cuneiform Inscriptions

Abstract

The date palm is one of the most important agricultural crops in Mesopotamia, which in turn was considered the leader in its cultivation. It was known in the Sumerian language by the term GIŠIMMAR, which corresponds to the Akkadian gišimmaru. The first roots of palm cultivation date back to about 4000 BC especially in the southern region of Mesopotamia, it was also planted in the northern parts of it and produced 150 types of dates. The cuneiform texts referred to its name, its qualities, its parts and its association with omen, religion, supplications, prayers and analogy. It also played an important and direct role in the economic aspect represented in the abundance of its cultivation depending on the appropriate environment. The environment of Iraq helped the cultivation of many types of palm tree, and its entry into many industries at the time.