Wheat is one of the oldest known crops. Over 6,000 years ago wheat was first cultivated in Mesopotemia (present day Iraq) between the rivers Tigiris and Euphrates.

Many useful crop plants have their origin in the Middle East. Other examples are barely, oats, rye, peas, lentils, onions, olives, figs, apples and pears.

© 2007 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)