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Iraq

Iraq

Iraq, located in Western Asia, is a country of ancient history, rich culture, and stunning natural beauty. Explore the ancient city of Babylon, the Ziggurat of Ur, or the minaret of the Great Mosque of Samarra. The country`s natural landscapes, including the Mesopotamian Marshes, the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and the Zagros Mountains, offer opportunities for adventure and exploration. The country`s cuisine, with dishes like kebab, biryani, and dolma, is a delicious mix of Middle Eastern and Central Asian influences. The country`s music and dance traditions, including the Iraqi maqam and the Chobi dance, are an essential part of its cultural heritage. Despite its political tensions and occasional safety concerns, Iraq offers a travel experience that is both enriching and rewarding for adventurous travelers.

Travel Time

January
Okay
February
Okay
March
Okay
April
Great
May
Great
June
Great
July
Great
August
Great
September
Great
October
Okay
November
Okay
December
Okay

Highlights, Sights & Attractions

Al-Kadhimiya Mosque

Al-Kadhimiya Mosque, located in the Kadhimiya district of Baghdad, is one of the most important sites of worship for Shia Muslims. It houses the tombs of the seventh Imam, Musa al-Kadhim, and the ninth Imam, Muhammad at-Taqi. The mosque, with its gol... more

Al-Kadhimiya Mosque, located in the Kadhimiya district of Baghdad, is one of the most important sites of worship for Shia Muslims. It houses the tombs of the seventh Imam, Musa al-Kadhim, and the ninth Imam, Muhammad at-Taqi. The mosque, with its golden dome, minarets, and ornate interiors, is a fine example of Islamic architecture. Thousands of pilgrims visit the mosque every year, particularly during the commemoration of Muharram and other religious observances.

Al-Mutanabbi Street

Al-Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad is the historic center of the city`s intellectual and literary community. Named after the 10th-century poet Al-Mutanabbi, this street is lined with bookshops selling everything from new and used books to rare manuscript... more

Al-Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad is the historic center of the city`s intellectual and literary community. Named after the 10th-century poet Al-Mutanabbi, this street is lined with bookshops selling everything from new and used books to rare manuscripts and periodicals. It`s a vibrant and bustling street, filled with the energy of people engaged in animated discussions, debates, and readings. Every Friday, a street market adds to the lively atmosphere. Despite a bombing in 2007, Al-Mutanabbi Street has retained its cultural significance and continues to be a symbol of Iraq`s rich literary tradition.

Al-Shaheed Monument

Al-Shaheed Monument, also known as the Martyr`s Memorial, is a stunning modernist monument in the capital city of Baghdad. It was built in the 1980s to commemorate the Iraqi soldiers who died in the Iran-Iraq War. Designed by renowned Iraqi architect... more

Al-Shaheed Monument, also known as the Martyr`s Memorial, is a stunning modernist monument in the capital city of Baghdad. It was built in the 1980s to commemorate the Iraqi soldiers who died in the Iran-Iraq War. Designed by renowned Iraqi architect Saman Kamal, the monument is an enormous split turquoise dome, symbolizing the ancient Mesopotamian sun disc, located in a peaceful park with a museum, library, and exhibition halls. It`s a thought-provoking site of memory and reflection.

Al-Ukhaidir Fortress

The Al-Ukhaidir Fortress is an impressive 8th-century Islamic castle located in the desert about 50 kilometers south of Karbala. Built by the Abbasid caliph As-Saffah, the fortress is a fine example of early Islamic architecture, with its large court... more

The Al-Ukhaidir Fortress is an impressive 8th-century Islamic castle located in the desert about 50 kilometers south of Karbala. Built by the Abbasid caliph As-Saffah, the fortress is a fine example of early Islamic architecture, with its large courtyard, a four-iwan mosque, and residential quarters. The fortress, made from baked brick, has remarkable heat and cooling systems suited to the desert climate. The well-preserved ruins make the Al-Ukhaidir Fortress a captivating visit.

Babylon

The ancient city of Babylon was one of the most influential civilizations in world history. Located near the modern city of Hilla, it was the cultural and political center of the Babylonian empire, known for its wealth, its great walls, and the legen... more

The ancient city of Babylon was one of the most influential civilizations in world history. Located near the modern city of Hilla, it was the cultural and political center of the Babylonian empire, known for its wealth, its great walls, and the legendary Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While much of the ancient city has been lost, the site still holds the ruins of notable landmarks such as the Ishtar Gate and the Lion of Babylon. A visit to Babylon offers a trip back in time to the era of one of the world`s earliest and most influential civilizations.

Basra Museum

The Basra Museum is one of Iraq`s most important cultural institutions. Housed in a former palace of Saddam Hussein, this museum displays a vast collection of artifacts that offer a glimpse into the rich history of the region, from the Sumerian perio... more

The Basra Museum is one of Iraq`s most important cultural institutions. Housed in a former palace of Saddam Hussein, this museum displays a vast collection of artifacts that offer a glimpse into the rich history of the region, from the Sumerian period to modern times. Visitors can see ancient tablets, statues, coins, and other archaeological treasures that tell the story of the civilizations that once thrived in this region.

Ctesiphon Arch

Ctesiphon Arch, or the Archway of Ctesiphon, is the remnants of the ancient city of Ctesiphon, once the capital of the Parthian Empire. The main attraction is the Taq Kasra, the largest single-span vault of unreinforced brickwork in the world. Built... more

Ctesiphon Arch, or the Archway of Ctesiphon, is the remnants of the ancient city of Ctesiphon, once the capital of the Parthian Empire. The main attraction is the Taq Kasra, the largest single-span vault of unreinforced brickwork in the world. Built in the 3rd century AD, this arch is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Parthians and an iconic symbol of Iraq`s rich history.

Erbil Citadel

Dominating the city of Erbil, the Erbil Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world. This imposing mound, with its labyrinth of winding streets and alleyways, houses several historical build... more

Dominating the city of Erbil, the Erbil Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world. This imposing mound, with its labyrinth of winding streets and alleyways, houses several historical buildings, including the Mulla Afandi Mosque and the Qalat, or the keep. The citadel is a testament to the city`s long and rich history, with archaeological evidence of occupation dating back to at least the 5th millennium BCE.

Climate

Month Temperature Sunshine hours Raindays
January 15 °C 8 2
February 18 °C 9 2
March 23 °C 10 4
April 29 °C 11 2
May 35 °C 12 0
June 40 °C 13 0
July 43 °C 12 0
August 43 °C 12 0
September 39 °C 11 0
October 32 °C 10 0
November 22 °C 8 1
December 17 °C 8 2

Facts

Language
  • Arabic
  • Kurdish
Currency Iraqi Dinar
Population 41467488
Foundation 1932

Ratings

Popularity
60.00%
Safety
59.51%
Cost of living
27.69%
Parental Leave
0.00%
Beach vacation
0.00%
Backpacking
0.00%
Hiking
30.00%
Diving
20.00%
Cycling
20.00%
Skiing
0.00%
Roadtrip
0.00%

Hotel

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