Iraqi Jews are considered one of the oldest religious communities in Iraq and the world. Their existence goes back more than 26 centuries and they have been able, despite the climate of Iraq, the invasions and wars, to cling to its land. Even in the middle of the nineteenth century, they made up half of the population of Baghdad, and at the beginning of the twentieth century, a quarter or a third of it. They always enjoyed a high social status and embody the spirit of Baghdad's artistic and aesthetic taste. History books during the Ottoman era mentioned that the Jews of Iraq enjoyed a privileged position. Their economic practices are also ancient, laying the foundation for capitalism which were adopted by Iraqi civilizations since Sumer. During the Ottoman era when Baghdad was a stop for pilgrims and passing caravans along the Silk Road, Iraqi Jews worked in banking and trade.