The Republic of Iraq is a country in the Middle East, with many world-famous ancient wonders built during the Babylonian period. It is a country located in one of the major cradles of human civilization. With AsiaNewsDaily Explore the list of famous places when traveling to Iraq .
Erbil
The 7,000-year-old citadel of Erbil has an illustrious history and can be compared to other greats such as Cadiz and Byblos. The massive castle in the city center is a great highlight here, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other must-sees include the Erbil Museum of Civilization and the Kurdish Textile Center which is a great way to learn all about the history and culture of this wonderful region of the world.
Ziggurat of Ur Ur
The Ziggurat of Ur Ur is known for its biblical stories of epic floods and fearsome Babylonian kings, and is also known for some of the most beautiful ancient ruins in the area. Located in the southern Iraqi desert, Ur is home to the Ziggurat, a tall structure with high walls and steep stairs that would have been used in ancient times to worship the Akkadian moon gods. This is certainly one of the strangest and most mysterious sights in Iraq.
Baghdad
It goes without saying that the city of Baghdad has suffered in recent times from incessant bombings and attacks by insurgent groups. To enter the city’s Green Zone, you will need a special permit, but hopefully one day people will be able to visit this city again. When they do, they’ll find copper markets, Assyrian treasures in the National Museum, and relics like the Unknown Soldier.
Basra
Many people know the name Basra because it was the location for one of the most important battles that occurred during the Iraq War. However, if you scratch below the surface of this city. And you’ll find one of the most attractive destinations in the nation. The area is covered in palm forests and the city is located on the Shatt al-Arab River. Lined by the sunny Corniche al-Basra. Where you can walk along and enjoy the cool evening breeze.
Karbala
This town doesn’t sound like much but is actually home to 30 million pilgrims. And make their way every year. This area is sacred to Shiite Muslims. Because Imam Husayn Shrine is the final resting place of martyr Husayn ibn Ali. Who died in 680 AD at the Battle of Karbala. It is also said to be the place where the archangel Gabriel rules. It is one of the holiest places on earth. Thus, every year this town witnesses thousands of devotees for the Ashura of Atonement Day.
Hatra
Sitting in the dusty deserts of western Iraq are towering columns. And the ornate temples of Hatra. Therefore, this place is one of the most amazing archaeological sites in the country. Here, you’ll see the wonders of the Parthian era at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although in recent years, some of these areas have been destroyed. And it remains to be seen how much Hatra remains intact.
Dur-Kurigalzu
The ancient abandoned ruins of Dur-Kurigalzu date back 3,500 years. And this part of Iraq was once the center of the Cradle of Civilization of southern Mesopotamia. Close to the mighty Euphrates and Tigris rivers. This was the home of the Kassite kings of the Elders who built the Ziggurat in the 14th century. This can still be found here in the form of stone stelae and mud-brick walls rising above tall minarets in the desert. And it would also be used as a marker for caravans on their way to Baghdad.
Sulaymaniyah
This is one of the friendliest and most comfortable cities in Iraq. And considered safe by some foreign governments. Sulaymaniyah is located in the rugged mountains of northern Iraq. And has a cool climate compared to many other cities in the country. It also has a thriving and famous arts scene. With countless delicious eateries where you can enjoy delicious spiced kofta. As well as biryani and a host of other delicacies. If you want to take in the oasis towns and valleys of the Goyija and Azmer ranges. This is also a great place to base yourself before venturing further afield.
Babylon
The name Babylon evokes images of ancient empires. The Hanging Gardens and epic battles between the great kings of Alexander and Persia. It’s fair to say that restoration and conservation have taken the place here in recent times. But you can still go into some majestic castles here. As well as the vast ruins of Homera. When exploring Babylon, know that you are following in the footsteps of the great emperors of this part of the world. And you can marvel at artifacts like graceful crumbling lion statues and imagine what the Hanging Gardens of Babylon would have looked like.
Ctesiphon
In the mid-4th century BC, Ctesiphon was a small Persian settlement on the banks of the Tigris River. In the 1st century AD, it became the capital of Parthia. And developed into the city of Seleucia. This meant that Ctesiphon became one of the largest cities in the region in the 7th century. And this is where the Arch of Ctesiphon was built. Also known as Taq Kasra, this is a Sassanid dome. It is one of the largest domes in the world. And is one of the most important archaeological sites in the region
Through the list of famous places when traveling to Iraq, Asia News Daily hopes you will have an enjoyable trip to this country.