Iraq

The busy pilgrim towns of Najaf and Karbala in Southern Iraq are host to two of the holiest places in Shia Islam. Karbala is the city in which the Shia martyr, Imam Hussein, was killed during the battle of Kerbala. His death is commemorated every year by Shia Muslims on Ashura. Nearby is the Fortress of Al-Ukhaidir, famous for its unique rectangular defensive structure dating back to the 8th century. Further South is the other important Shia Islam pilgrimage site, Najaf. It is home to the shrine of the Imam Ali, found within the Najaf Mosque. The religious significance for Shia Muslims of being buried in Najaf has also led it to be home of the world’s biggest cemetery Wadi-us-Salaam, also known as the Valley of Peace. Al Khifal is situated between these two sites, with its ancient covered souk.

Saddam Hussein famously drained Iraq’s marshes in 1992, but a lot of hard work by the authorities and Marsh Arabs has slowly seen the UNESCO world heritage site being brought back to life. The unique culture found in the marshes was celebrated in Wilfred Thesiger’s book The Marsh Arabs. Home to a wide range of wildlife, the most imposing of which being the livestock of the tribes including the Water Buffalo. Best experienced on a small wooden canoe, it is possible to witness the mudhif the unique social and political house of the tribe, and taste the national dish of Iraqi carp fresh from the waters of the Euphrates and Tigris. South of the marshes where the two great rivers meet in Qurnah, the alleged site of the Garden of Eden begins the Shatt al-Arab waterway before it snakes its way into the Persian Gulf.

Ur and Uruk are two ancient Sumerian sites. Uruk, which is argued by many to be the world’s first major city, was continuously inhabited till 300CE when it’s importance started to dwindle. It wasn’t till 1823 when excavated that its historic importance was again acknowledged. Ur was a wealthy down due to its strategic position as a trading centre. The town used to be closer to the Persian Gulf, when water levels were higher. Both archaeological sites grant visitors an extensive glimpse into the history of Mesopotamia.

Babylon is one of the better-known cities of Mesopotamia, having forever been sought after as a prize for conquering empires. Famous for allegedly being the home of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the definite site of the Lion of Babylon and the azure Ishtar Gate. Much of the city has been heavily reconstructed with many of the bricks being engraved with Saddam Hussein’s name. Copying his ancient predecessors who adopted similar methods as a way to ensure they were written into the history of the city. It is also possible to visit Saddam Hussein’s palace he had built overlooking the archaeological site.

The Arch of Ctesiphon, the largest brick-made arch in the world and an iconic landmark of Iraq. Following from a huge scale heavy restoration project starting in 2013, the arch is an imposing structure. Ctesiphon was formerly the ancient capital of both the Parthian and Sasanian Empires, before being left to ruins when the capital moved to Baghdad.

Samarra is home to an 8th-century mosque, perhaps at some point the largest in the world, and an iconic spiral minaret. When first built, a bridge connected the two buildings. The spiral minaret is unique in its form. Walking up to the top grants spectacular views over Samarra. As a UNESCO world heritage site and former capital of Abbasid, it holds importance for Shia Muslims.

A semi-autonomous region in the north, Iraqi Kurdistan has largely escaped the violence that has plagued the rest of the country and is a great way to get a flavour of modern Iraq.

ERBIL

Capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan, Erbil is a city rapidly transitioning from a small town into a strong economic centre for the region. The highlight of the town is the 7000+ year old Citadel, the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Erbil is also host to the annual Erbil Marathon. You can also find more information on one of our guest’s blogs who we guided for a visit around Iraqi Kurdistan.

SULAYMANIYAH & HALABJEH

Considered to be the cultural capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, Sulaymaniyah has long been the center for pioneering creatives, politicians and scholars. In the city is the Sulaimani Museum, which is the second biggest museum after the national museum in Baghdad. Nearby, the town of Halabjeh can be found, made famous by the tragic Chemical Attack by Saddam Hussein’s forces in 1998.

LALISH

Lalish is the holiest temple of the Yazidis and dates back 4000 years. Built by the early civilisations of Mesopotamia, it is believed by the Yazidi people to be where Noah’s ark first encountered dry land. Pilgrims come to drink the holy spring water and are expected to make the journey at least once in their lifetime. The spiritual importance of Lalish also means that whilst visiting the holy town all must walk around barefoot.