Best Tourist Places to Visit in Iraq, Asia

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Iraq, Asia

Iraq authoritatively called as Republic of Iraq is one of the countries in Asia located between 33°20′ N latitude and 44°26′ E longitude. Iraq is spread over an area of 438,317 sq. km. and Baghdad is the capital city of Iraq. Tigris and Euphrates are the main rivers flowing through Iraq. Iraqi Dinar is the official currency of Iraq and the most of the regions of Iraq experiences hot arid climate.

Iraq is surrounded by Turkey in the north, Jordan on the west, Syria towards northwest, Iran in the east, Kuwait to the south and Saudi Arabia in the south and southwest.

Iraq is the 58^th largest country in the world in the field area and ranks second in oil reserves in the globe after Saudi Arabia. Ashur and Hatra are the important UNESCO World Heritage sites of Iraq.

Prominent cities of Iraq include:

Baghdad
Ar Rutba
Basra
Arbil
Dahuk
Fallujah
Karbala
Kirkuk
Sulaimaniyah
Mosul

Etymology and History of Iraq:

It is believed that Iraq derives its name from Sumerian city of Uruk. Iraq was in the hand of British until 1932 and after Iraq was restricted by the Ba’ath Party from 1968 to 2003.

Cuisine, Shopping and Culture of Iraq:

More than 95% of the Iraq population is filled with Muslim citizens and the remaining population includes Christians and other communities. In 95% of the Muslim population, 65% are Shia and 35% are Sunni. Arabic is a widely spoken language in Iraq and other languages include Kurdish, Turkmen, Neo Aramaic, Mandaic Shabaki, Armenian and Persian.

Republic Day on July 14 and the National Day on October 3 are the national events celebrated by Iraqis all over the country. Maqam is a famous singing style and Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra is the prime cultural centre of Iraq.

Iraqi Cuisine is blend of Turkey, Iran and the Greater Syria. Tabbouleh, Fattoush, Kebab, Gauss, Bamieh, Quzi, Falafel, Kubbah, Masguf, Maqluba, Dolma and Mahshi are the popular dish of Iraq.

Shopping in Iraq is very easy for foreign tourists, because Euros and US Dollars work almost everywhere of Iraq along with national currency Iraqi Dinar. Iraq houses numerous international hotels, star hotels and huge shopping malls.

Connectivity to Iraq:

Iraq is home to more than 5 international airports namely Baghdad International Airport, Basra International Airport, Erbil International Airport, Najaf International Airport, Sulaimaniyah International Airport and Mosul International Airport.

Baghdad International Airport is situated about 16 kms from the heart of Baghdad City. Iraq has well maintained road infrastructure all over the country and to local travel, Taxis and Buses are best options.

Tourist places in Iraq:

Imam Ali Mosque:

Imam Ali Mosque also called as Masjid Ali is situated in Najaf. It is believed that, the Iranian ruler Daylamite Fannakhosraw Azod ad Dowleh constructed this Mosque in the year 977. Imam Ali Mosque was reconstructed in the year 1086 by Seljuk Malik Shah after being damaged by fire and again reconstructed in the year 1500 by Safavid.

The Great Mosque of Samarra:

The Great Mosque of Samarra was constructed during the 9^th century by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mutawakkil between 848 and 851 AD and is situated in Samarra.

Ziggurat of Ur:

Ziggurat of Ur is the major identity of Iraq located in Tell el-Muqayyar of Dhi Qar Province, constructed by King Ur-Nammu.

The list of other tourist attractions in Iraq is as follows: