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The historical development of modern sports and physical education in Iraq

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to detail and examine the historical development of modern sports and physical education in Iraq and to review their present condition. In order to achieve this, the historical perspectives of sports and physical education have been traced and the effects of socio-cultural, economic and political factors assessed. The characteristics
of sports as they appear in the social pattern were investigated.
The historical development of modern sports and physical education is reviewed in the following two major periods:
First: the ancient period (5,000 B.C. to 1914 A.D.)
Second: the modern period (1914-1978) Both periods are sub-divided into several stages.
The thesis has been divided into seven parts which consists of sixteen chapters:
Part i presents the nature and scope of the study, the definition of terms, the approach to sports history with special reference to Iraq and a brief review of the main features which have shaped the country.
Part ii is devoted to an examination of folk games and modern sports. The history of sports and games are analysed during the ancient period and an attempt is made to trace the historical development of modern sports and physical education since the beginning of this century.
Part iii introduces the topic of modern sports and shows their relations with society. The notion of innovation diffusion is applied to the introduction and development of sport in Iraq. The important and relationship between the growth of modern sports and changes in society is also described.
Part iv attempts an in-depth study of the agents of change in the development of modern sports and physical education, i.e. the Army, the oil companies, general education, in addition to the role of Major Bowman in the development of physical education, sports and scouting movement, and finally examines female physical education and sports. The Olympic Movement is also considered as an important agent of change.
Part v includes three case studies, the ancient and now
defunct sport of Zorkhana, wrestling and the most popular
of modern sports, football.
Part vi attempts an in-depth study of the contemporary perspective of modern sports and physical education. Thus
the regional distribution of sports has been described.
Part vii is concerned with conclusions and implications.


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