Iraq – The Centre of the Ancient World

Do you know where the great ancient civilizations came into origin and flourished? Can you recollect the historic Mesopotamia meaning between the two rivers and the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers? Have any idea about where the first cultivation began and where writing was discovered? Well, all this seems to be of listened somewhere. If you recall, the answer to all these questions is one – Iraq of the Middle East that was once the glorious centre in history – all thanks to Assyrians, Sumerians, and Babylonians, Abbasid caliphs; which was later retained by Islam.

This rich importance of the past is now somewhat spoiled with the present of the country. The bad name is due to Saddam Hussein’s political repression and emerging terrorism. With the future being uncertain, this has become a risky place to visit. But, I am sure, that all problems will be solved soon and it will come back as a grand holiday destination.

Iraq Tourist Attractions

• Kadhimimain Mosque:
  Located in Baghdad, this is the most important ancient structure in the country. Built in 1515 A.D., it is stunning due to its four gilded minarets and two domes.
• Abbasid Palace:
  This is a worth visiting palace in Baghdad that you will marvel at. It is a superb remainder of 13th century that looks over the Tigris River. Like the mosque, even this is among the most ancient buildings in the capital city. This palace still tells one about that time in history when Baghdad was once a hub of learning along with the business operations.
• Arch of Ctesiphon:
  This is located along the Tigris River towards the east of Baghdad. Made out of mud brick and a noteworthy achievement in the field of engineering in those golden days, this arch is a worth visiting and magnificent remainder of Baghdad that was ruled by the different rulers – Romans, Byzantine Empire, Parthians, and Sassanians throughout the century.
• Ur:
  This is a wonderful ancient Sumerian city that is now one of the most stunning archaeological locations in the country. It is so ancient that its initial structures belong as back as to 4000 B.C. The relics of well maintained Great Ziggurat were excavated from here.
• Ninevah:
  Formerly, the third capital of Assyria that flourished somewhere around 700 B.C. and situated on the Tigris River in the suburbs of modern Mosul, this region offers the beautiful Assyrian bas reliefs. Nineveh was also of religious significance due to it been the centre of reverence of the goddess Ishtar.
• The Green Zone:
  This is the 10 acre fortified section located in the heart of Baghdad. Visit the Iraqi government ministries, Western Embassies, and many flashy palaces including the most remarkable Republican Palace erected by Saddam and his family.
• Babylon:
  We reached after an hour located in south from Baghdad. We all have heard about this place in history. So, it is obvious that this city is the historical site whose origin is far back to 2300 B.C. that gradually became the political and religious centre of the many dynasties. We solely came here to explore its famous Hanging Gardens.
• Samarra:
  Holding the stories of the powerful and huge Abbasid Empire in its well maintained relics, this city is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2007. Among the ruins, do visit the 9th century Great Mosque and minaret that form the most imposing Islamic remnants early in the country.
• Hatra:
  This is among the remaining stone ruins in the country. This well conserved city is simply wonderful and the most stunning archaeological spot in the country. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it was once the capital of the first Arab Empire in Mesopatamia.
• Iraqi National Museum:
  This is one of the best attractions that was again opened in 2009 at Baghdad. Here, explore the ancient Babylon through the collection of the archaeological artifacts.
• Baghdad Bazaars:
  Once banned for some time in Baghdad, now these famous markets are lively and must to visit places. Among them, do take a tour of the colorful bird market Souk al-Ghazal where pigeon fanciers purchase birds, provide tips, and have coffee as the cafes. This is a famous hobby in the city.
• Kerbala:
  Located 100 km south of Baghdad, this is the spiritual site of Shi’ia Muslims who come here to worship the imposing mosque holding the shrine of Hussein.
• Najaf:
  Situated 160 km south of Baghdad, this is probably another Shi’ia holy city popular for the mosque of Al-Haidariya. Its most striking feature is its golden dome created out of gold tiles and minarets each holding 40,000 gold tiles.
• The Marshes:
  Giving a feel of an oasis in a desert, these are along the Shatt El-Arab channel. Catch a boat to discover them along with their locals dwelling on man-made islands in wonderful homes of lattice-work from reeds.
• Basra:
  Formerly known as the Venice of the East, visit its canals dotted with graceful 19th century dwellings. Take a walk on the verdant island that is a good picnic site located across from the Shatt Al-Arab Hotel.
• Mosul:
  This is the location that holds the ruins of the Nineveh city and the Mosul museum holding several pre-Islamic artifacts. Here, we visited mosques, churches, and castles along with its magnificent 19th century homes on its narrow streets.
• Erbil:
  This is the capital and base of the Kurdistan Regional Government in the north region of the country. Stroll near to the stretching fortress that once witnessed the footsteps of Alexander the Great who overcame Darius III here in the battle of Gaugamela. Next, we visited the Erbil Museum that has some proofs of this battle along with the Sumerian and Abbasid artifacts on display.

Best Time to Visit

October to April – In general, the north is cooler, while south is warmer.

Accommodations

• Al Rasheed Hotel
• Al Mansour Hotel
• Ishtar Hotel Iraq