This Is Why You Should Visit Iraq When You Can
By: Mohammed Abduljabbar / Arab America Contributing Writer
Quick Synopsis
If you were to search “tourism in Iraq” on the web, the number of websites of government agencies, especially of countries in the global north, that advise against traveling to Iraq will overwhelm you. While we recommend that you take those warnings seriously, we also want to present the bright side of the story. Many recent tourists have expressed how amazed they were by this lost gem. They have traveled to Iraq and back safely, gathering memories that will be engraved in their memory forever.
In 2021, Iraq opened back up for tourism. Since then, it has been significantly improving its security measures as well as infrastructure to revive tourism across the nation. These immense efforts have not gone unnoticed by tourists.
This article will include some comments made by tourists as well as a list of Iraq’s must-see sites.
Where to go in Iraq?
- Liberty Monument – Liberation Square
This beautifully designed monument tells the stories and hardships faced by different groups within the Iraqi fabric. Given its name, sentimental value, and location, this is where most people protest, revolt, and express their dissatisfaction. Design by the Iraqi sculptor Jawad Saleem and architect Rifat Chaderji, this monument was built in 1961.
- Al Shaheed Monument (The Martyr’s Monument)
Many people, including locals, think of this monument as one of the city’s most recognizable icons. Designed as what some think is a flower yet to bloom, and others think is a tear to resemble the sorrow the country feels for its fallen men, the iconic split dome is rounded by a sizeable artificial lake, and from its center, the flag of the country rises up. Underneath it, is a fountain that continuously flows over the names of the Iraqi soldiers that passed during the Iraq-Iran war. It also has a museum from wartime as well as restaurants and beverage stops.
- The National Museum of Iraq (A.K.A. The Iraq Museum)
As many know, Iraq was the host to the world’s earliest civilizations. Starting with Sumer in the south, Iraq hosted over a dozen of ancient civilizations that shaped the course of human progress. One can observe this rich, one-of-a-kind history not only in Iraq’s archeological sites but in its amazing museums as well. For example, the National Museum of Iraq is probably the most notable of all. However, if you find yourself wandering the streets of Baghdad, and are eager to learn more about the history, there are many other museums in the city that are worth your while. Second to the Iraq Museum, the most notable of which is the Baghdadi Museum.
- Ancient Baghdad – House of Wisdom
Being the most significant city in the world for more than 500 years, Baghdad has a rich history of culture and knowledge to share with its visitors. The remanence of this history fills the streets of the ancient city of Baghdad. Perhaps the most notable historical place to visit is the ancient part of the city. Starting from Mutanabi St. walking through the House of Wisdom and Mustansiriya School, tourists will dive deep into the history of the city and the region. At one point, these streets hosted the world’s most influential philosophers, inventors, writers, artists, and leaders. When walking in ancient Baghdad, one must try authentic Iraqi tea and Kubbah Sarray. This journey will take you to the corners in which many people’s least favorite subject was developed, Algebra. Don’t forget that optics were first studied to pursue the creation of the camera during the Islamic Golden Age.
- Al Zawraa Park
When it’s time to have fun, Zawraa Park is the place to go. It’s the largest amusement park in the country. Hosting Baghdad Zoo, and the Baghdad Eye (the second largest Ferris wheel in the region), Zawraa park is the most well-known place to take some time off and enjoy many fun activities with family. Interestingly enough, it hosts an Aladdin-Style tower. The designer had a much larger structure in mind, but due to its closeness to some Presidential Palaces, the previous regime ordered to shrink the landmark. It offers a beautiful view of the capital.
- Choman City
Iraq is well-known for its vast desert and its ancient history. This fact can often undermine what else the country offer. The photo below depicts the city of Choman in Northern Iraq (A.K.A. Kurdistan Region of Iraq). It’s a fantastic camping location where you can connect with nature and sip some Iraqi tea.
- Erbil Citadel
While in the north, you must check out one of the world’s first continuously inhabited cities. Centering the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the citadel’s location is a great place to start touring the city and exploring Erbil. Given how old the citadel is, sometimes it closes for maintenance and reconstruction. What’s interesting about the citadel is that it hosts one family that is responsible for its maintenance and cleaning. The reason behind that is to leave at least one family that continues to reside there to maintain the title of one of the longest inhabited cities in the world.
- Babylon
Of course, we weren’t going to forget about one of the most important locations to visit. Situated in the south of the country, much of the ancient city of Babylon still exists. Many enjoy visiting this archeological site to connect with the early stages of human civilization. While the original Ishtar Gate is not currently in Iraq, the country commissioned a replica as an entrance to the city of Babylon and the ancient maze.
- Uruk
While in the south, one must visit the exact location where they invented the first written words in human history. Don’t worry about being lost, the sign below will tell you exactly where you are. While you’re there, you should check out the ruins of the earliest Ziggurats in history.
- Great Ziggurat of Ur
Speaking of Ziggurats, make sure to include Nasiriyah as one of your destination cities. It hosts the world’s most preserved Ziggurat. These giant brick structures served as temples to commune with the gods in ancient civilizations. Remember, when visiting the Great Ziggurat of Ur, it is right next to Abraham’s home. Pope Francis recently visited this ancient holy location and encouraged others to do the same.
- Marshes of Iraq
The marshes of Iraq are one of the most unique ecological systems on the globe. It’s an interesting hybrid between bodies of water and land. Indigenous groups of Iraq live in the marshes and care for themselves as well as their land. They look after this natural inheritance after having been neglected by authorities. Visiting it is an absolutely riveting experience of connecting with nature.
Iraq has much more to offer. Modern experiences, buildings, shopping malls, car shows, concerts, art galleries, exhibits, etc. This list is composed of Iraq’s most notable attractions. Soon enough, Baghdad will open its new central bank designed by the world-class architect Zaha Hadid, an outstanding architect that will finally have her signature on the skyline of her country. This attraction will offer a beautiful and revolutionary modern view of the capital but will also contain a museum for those interested in currencies and architecture.
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