What to See in Iraq
This guide highlights the must-see attractions in Iraq and will help you uncover the best places to visit.
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This guide highlights the must-see attractions in Iraq and will help you uncover the best places to visit.
Iraq
Discover Iraq the Land of History, Culture, and Hospitality
Iraq is a vast and diverse country, rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Iraq is the cradle of civilizations, it is home to some of the world’s most ancient archaeological sites, dating back to the Sumerian era and beyond. From the ruins of Mesopotamian cities to remnants of the Ottoman Empire and the formation of the Iraqi Kingdom in the early 20th century, the country's historical timeline is fascinating and deeply significant. Modern Iraq has faced challenges, but it remains a land of resilience, stories, and unparalleled cultural depth. Iraq is a melting pot of ethnicities, religions, and traditions. While Arabs form the majority, the country is also home to Kurdish, Turkmen, Assyrian, Chaldean, and Armenian communities, each contributing to Iraq’s rich heritage. Religious diversity is equally prominent, with Sunni and Shia Muslims, Christians (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox), and the Yazidis, whose faith is believed to be one of the oldest in the world. Although Iraq’s history has seen conflicts among its diverse communities, there have also been eras of peaceful coexistence and cooperation. Today, efforts to embrace and celebrate this diversity are growing, paving the way for a more harmonious and inclusive future.
Iraqi people are known for their hospitality and warmth. Travelers often find themselves welcomed with open arms, invited to share a meal, and encouraged to capture the moment through photography. Whether wandering through ancient ruins, experiencing local traditions, or enjoying the warmth of Iraqi hospitality, visitors are sure to leave with unforgettable memories.
Baghdad is the capital city of Iraq with the population of nearly 8.5 Millions people, it is the Second biggest City in the Arabic countries after Cairo. One who visits Baghdad might best to See, This list of attractions Below.
It is the main museum of Iraq, showcasing artifacts from ancient times, including pre-Sumerian, Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian civilizations, as well as Islamic and Arabian heritage
Tahrir Square, also known as Liberation Square, That is where the liberation Monument located, it is the largest and most central Monument in Baghdad, located in the Rasafa area on the eastern bank of the Tigris River. The square features a the establishment of the Republic of Iraq in 1958, making it a must-see point of in the city.
Al-Rasheed Street in downtown Baghdad, named after Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid, is a key landmark with a rich history. Witness to a century of political events and protests, it holds cultural and spiritual significance. Despite recent neglect, efforts are underway to rehabilitate this important urban heritage site, it is now main street in Baghdad bazaar.
Al-Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad's Old Quarter is famous for its lively book market, named after poet Al-Mutanabbi. Despite its cultural importance, the street had suffered from past bomb explosions caused fewer visitors and closures while now is vital again. Mutanabbi remains a historic place for book trade, showing Baghdad's strong intellectual community and its will to succeed despite difficulties.
Shahbandar Café in Baghdad is a special place, one of the few traditional coffee houses left. Owned by Mr. Mohamad Al-Khashali, who lost his four sons in a 2007 bombing, the café survived and maintains its historical charm. It's a favorite spot for intellectuals, artists, teachers, philosophers, and politicians. Don't miss it when you're on Mutanabbi Street!
Tigris River plays a crucial role in the city's past and present, connecting communities, sustaining livelihoods, and contributing to the richness of its heritage, Baghdad city Built around it, you can walk by the River in Abu Nuwas street, and you can take a boat ride by end of Al-Mutanabi street which is located on the River. however Tigris passes through Several cities of Iraq, if you visit the other cities of Iraq it comes along with you to Several cities.
The Al-Shaheed Monument, designed by Iraqi sculptor Ismail Fatah al-Turk and its construction completed in1983, now stands as a memorial for all Iraqis who died in any war. while in the beginning only for the solders of Iraq-Iran war, Beneath the monument, there's a museum, library, gallery, lecture hall, and more. The surrounding area have parks, playgrounds, walkways, bridges, and a man-made lake. it stands out for it is big standing structure.
The Baghdadi Museum, situated on the Tigre River, This museum is dedicated to showcasing the local history and folklore of Baghdad, offering valuable insights into the daily life and history of the city's past residents of Baghdad.
The Souq Al-Safafeer as well known as copper market, an old market in near Baghdad's al-Rasheed street, it was once a place for skilled coppersmiths. while now much less remain who are crafting traditional items like Coffee pots and different containers, Despite its fading glory, the market still captivates with its intricate metalwork, reflecting hope for its restoration to historical prominence.
The square is famous for the Statue of former-Iraqi President Saddam Hussein being pulled down during the US-led invasion in 2003. This image became known worldwide.
Al-Mustansiriya Madrasa in Baghdad, constructed in 1227 CE and opened in 1233 CE, provided education in various subjects such as medicine, math, literature, grammar, philosophy, and Islamic studies, Pointing up Islamic law. The architectural design showing Islamic development in Baghdad. The madrasa faced many difficulties, specially during the Mongol Siege in 1258. but managed to stay open, until eventually closed its doors in 1638 and remained inactive until 1960, when the Iraqi government undertook restoration efforts, transforming it into a historical bridling for public visits and tourism.
Taq Kasra, also known as the Arch of Ctesiphon, is the only visible structurer remaining from Sasanian-era, Persian. it is located near Salman Pak, in Madain Town near Baghdad, Iraq. The exact construction time is uncertain it thought to be Built between the 3rd and 6th centuries, The arch was part of the imperial palace complex. The throne room presumably under or behind the arch.
Dur-Kurigalzu is a ziggurat dedicated to the chief Babylonian God Enlil, standing at about 52 meters tall located outside of Baghdad likely 30 Km from the Center, it was founded by the Kassite King Kurigalzu I in the 14th century BC. Beside the ziggurat used to be a city as well, The city served as the capital of Babylonia during Kurigalzu's time and was abandoned after the fall of the Kassite Dynasty in the 12th century BC. The word of "Dur" means "fortress of," and Kurigalzu refers to the Kassite king, translating to "shepherd of the Kassites."
Al-Kazimiyya Mosque is a Shia Islamic mosque and shrine in Baghdad, it housing the tombs of the seventh and ninth of the Twelver Shia Imams. Musa al-Kaẓim and Muhammad al-Jawad. the history of it dates back around 762 AD. Ongoing repairs and maintenance have kept the mosque in good condition. Recent updates include marble plating, cooling unit improvements carred out in 2008 and later. it is also known for it is Golden Dooms.
Samarra locates on the east bank of the Tigris River in the Saladin Governorate, 125 kilometers north of Baghdad. The modern city of Samarra was founded in 836 by the Abbasid caliph al-Mu'tasim as a new administrative capital and military base for the Abbasid Caliphate, back then the power of the caliphate was vast, Controlling from Tunisia all the way to Central Asia, Samarra remained the residence of the caliph until 892, when al-Mu'tadid returned the capital to Baghdad. now the city has an estimated population of 670,000. Samarra is rich for its archeoliocal sites of Abbasid time and as well excavation has been carried out in the town which witnesses of old civilization has been settled there too. when you Visit Samarra you must see these attractions listed below.
The Spiral minaret of Samarra 52 Meters High, located in Samarra, Iraq, it is a historic Islamic site built in 848-851 CE by Abbasid Caliph Al-Mutawakkil. Beside the Minaret there is ruin of a mosque which built with the minaret together, at the time it used to be the biggest mosque in the world, both the minaret and the ruin of the mosque are now UNESCO world Heritage.
The Abu Dulaf Mosque and Minaret , located 15 km north of Samarra, Iraq, was built by Caliph Al-Mutawakkil between 859 and 861 AD. This mosque showcases typical Abbasid architecture which is still accessible for climbing today. However, due to its narrow staircases and the risk of falling, climbing the minaret is not recommended.
located in Samarra city, Iraq, its a significant Shia Muslim holy site. It contains the tombs of the 10th and 11th Shia Imams, Ali al-Hadi and Hasan al-Askari. The site is an important pilgrimage destination for Shia Muslims. The shrine is also the location that it is believed that the 12th Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, went into occultation.
Located Several Kilometers from Samarra City, built in A,D 836, It was the Main residence of Abbasid caliph al-Mu’tasim and his successors. It was part of a grand palace complex that also included military barracks, administrative offices, and mosque. The palace, overlooking the Tigris River, spanning 125 hectares. The site was abandoned in A.D 892, when the caliphate moved back to Baghdad, and much of it remains unexcavated.
located 17 km west of modern Samarra, Iraq, it is an Abbasid-era palace built between A.D 877 and A.D 882 under Caliph Al-Muhtamid. The structure features a rectangular shape with two floors, It is surrounded by large yards and protective walls, Excavated in the 1960s and restored in the 1980s, the palace remains a significant example of Abbasid architecture.
Mosul is a city in northern Iraq and the capital of Nineveh Governorate. The city has expanded from its old western side on the Tigris River to both sides of the river. Mosul encompasses the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh. Mosul's population is ethnically and religiously diverse, primarily Arab, with a significant number of Kurdish, Assyrian, and Turkmen. Sunni Islam is the predominant religion, with substantial Christian, Yazidi, and other minority religious communities.
Mosul is the center and capital of Nineveh Province, which Nineveh Province includes many towns and historical sites within itself, below we include many of the sites with a brief history and description of it.
Mosul city and Big part of Nineveh province got controlled by ISIS in 2014 and after two years ruling it got liberated by Iraqi armed forces and its collations in 2017, many civilian died and a big part of the old town of Mosul got destroyed, the security in the city has never been good as now since 2003. The Best to See Historical Sites and Attractions in Mosul and Nineveh Province are listed Below.
Nineveh ancient site located in what is now the modern city of Mosul in northern Iraq. Situated on the eastern bank of the Tigris River, it was the capital and largest city of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, and the largest city in the world for several decades until its fall in 612 BC. After a civil war in Assyria, Nineveh was sacked by a coalition of Babylonians, Medes, Persians, Scythians and Cimmerians.
Today, Nineveh refers to the eastern half of Mosul, and the Nineveh Governorate of Iraq is named after it. The ruins of Nineveh, including the mounds of Tell Kuyunjiq and Tell Nabi Yunus (Site of a shrine to the prophet Jonah), lie across the river from Mosul's historical city center. as of now numerous Assyrian artifacts have been excavated from Nineveh ancient site and are now housed in museums worldwide. In this site you will see the long hill which used to be the old wall of the city of Nineveh and as you see two of its gates which are open to be seen. however Nineveh has five gates which are named Mashki Gate, Nergal Gate, Halzi Gate, Adad Gate and Shamash Gate. only the last two ones are open to be seen, the rest are badly ruined and lately with ISIS control it got badly destroyed.
Hatra located 110 km southwest of Mosul, Hatra is a large fortified city under the influence of the Parthian Empire and the capital of the first Arab Kingdom. Hatra protected itself from Roman invasions due to its high, thick walls reinforced by towers. The remains of the city, especially the temples where Hellenistic and Roman architecture blend with Eastern decorative features, attest to the greatness of its civilization. In 2014 Hatra was controlled by ISIS but survived with only minor damage. Hatra is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Iraq. it is number one highlighted site to see in Mosul/Nineveh province. if you drive from Baghdad to Mosul it is located close to the main highway but still you need to cross three checkpoints when take the direction towards the site.
Nimrud
Ancient Kalhu, southeast of Mosul 36 KM , was a crucial Assyrian Empire city from the 9th-7th centuries BCE, renowned for its royal palaces, monumental ziggurat, iconic winged bull Lamassu statues, and rich Assyrian art, including intricate reliefs and ivories; tragically, much of this heritage was destroyed by ISIS in 2015, although restoration efforts are ongoing, underscoring its enduring significance to Iraqi cultural heritage.
More sites and Attractions will be added.....