Deep in the Middle East, there lies Iraq, at the northern border of the Persian Gulf. Being a country, Iraq has one tiny coastline of 58 kilometres in the southeast direction. Iraq is bounded by the Iran towards the eastern direction, Kuwait towards the southern direction, Saudi Arabia towards the southwest, Jordan towards the west, Syria towards the northwest, and Turkey towards the northern direction.
Though, Iraq is a well-known tourist destination, one can experience the ancient wonders, or the ancient world as a whole. This country is the birthplace of several oldest civilizations of the Earth, which comprises Babylonians and the Assyrians. Earlier, Iraq was conquered by the British in the year 1918 and later, in the year 1932, the country gained independence. The country was in the hands of terrible politics that led to long wars even with the neighboring country – Iran. Twenty Five years, Iraq suffered heavily with loss of thousands of lives and billions of dollars.
Even today, the country is facing wars and violence all around. Iraq remains engaged by the 140,000 US and UK soldiers. The country may have increased its cities, but the peace is yet to come. With hot and arid climate, Iraq boasts a number of sites and attractions that lures tourists to the fullest. Those who love to explore and experience the ancient world can get what they want only in Iraq, as the country is rich in historical aspects. The environment is something very different and may make you feel like standing on another planet, but it is highly recommended that not to visit Iraq at present, as the country is a war zone. If visiting is necessary, then do consult your embassy before leaving and stay cautious every time.
Iraq has some iconic destinations that cover the great sites to explore like the Ashur, Babylon, Ctesiphon, Hatra, Nineveh, and Ur. Ashur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is among the few great archaeological sites in the country. Babylon has been damaged by useless reconstruction, looting, and military negligence, but still it has managed to survive through its ancient ruins that are the most inspiring. Ctesiphon is the ancient capital of Parthian and Sassanid Empires that boasts
towering ruins out of which the most remarkable is the spectacular Arch of Ctesiphon. The archaeological site of Seleucia, an ancient Hellenistic city in Ctesiphon is also fantastic to explore.
While exploring the country, wandering around the desert of Iraq is a must see attraction. Visit Hatra, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a fantastically preserved Parthian city located off the desert. Here you will experience the most magnificent ruins of Iraq. Nineveh is a 3,000 year old city, so there is no exception of becoming the best. Well, this city has amazing ruins that are reconstructed and also archaeological sites could be found. Ur is the ruins of ancient city of Sumerian and is well known for its massive step pyramid called the Great Ziggurat of Ur.
Well, visit the country through Baghdad International Airport and remember you need a visa to enter its provinces. If you do not have visa then purchase it from the border crossings by paying US$80. The country is flourishing with amazing and interesting history of 4,000 years old, medieval Islamic, and Ottoman. In fact, Iraq also offers you the early 21st century modern history to explore. You can see big modernist sculptures and palaces that come under modern attractions and for ancient attractions, the sites of Shia Islam located outside Saudi Arabia, Imam Ali Mosque, Kadhimain Mosque, Abbasid Palace, Iraqi National Museum, Arch of Ctesiphon, Baghdad Bazaars, The Green Zone, Kerbala, Babylon, Samarra, The Marshes, Hatra, Basra, Mosul, Erbil, and many others.
Iraq is a world of ancient history that is still alive with its reconstructed ruins. It is superb to explore something that cannot be seen in any other country or place. If you are visiting Iraq then be safe, as it is dangerous. Tourism to this country is limited due to the active war and violence around.
The Islamic conquest in the 7th century CE established Islam in Iraq.
This was the beginning of Islamic Golden Age.
The Abbasid Caliphate built the city of Baghdad in the 8th century as their capital, and it became the leading metropolis of the Arab and Muslim world for five centuries.
Baghdad was the largest multicultural city of the Middle Ages, peaking at a population of more than a million, and was the centre of learning during the Islamic Golden Age.