The Middle Eastern nation of Iraq is bordered by a number of nations, including Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Although it has a long history and a rich cultural heritage, it has recently experienced serious difficulties and conflicts. The Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Abbasids were just a few of the great civilisations that Iraq was once home to, making it a crucial area for historical and archaeological research. Numerous historic sites in the nation, including the ruins of Babylon, the city of Ur, and the archaeological site of Hatra, offer a glimpse into its illustrious past. Iraq is renowned for having a variety of landscapes, from vast desert plains to productive river valleys. The country’s two major rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, have been instrumental in forming the region’s civilisation and sustaining agricultural endeavours. Iraq is a nation with a resilient population and a rich cultural heritage, despite its difficulties. For those who are interested in history and culture, it is a place of great interest because of its ancient archaeological sites, historical landmarks, and the friendliness and hospitality of its people. Anyone travelling to Iraq must submit a visa application at an Iraqi Embassy or Consulate. Before packing your bags, make sure you have an Iraq tourist visa from UAE.
It makes sense that Iraq is not on many people’s travel wish lists. Although the war is officially over, this once-great nation has been in almost constant conflict for the past few decades, and although the situation is still unstable, casual travel is not currently safe. However, you will need to apply for an Iraq visa if you need to travel to Iraq for any reason. Iraqi Kurdistan, the autonomous region of Iraq that is largely unaffected by terrorist activity, is where most of the country’s religious tourism is concentrated. Different visa regulations apply to these two regions. At Al Najaf International Airport and Basra International Airport, UAE residents can obtain a visa upon arrival. Holders of diplomatic or service passports issued by the UAE are also exempt from the visa requirement.
The Birthplace of Civilization
Iraq is home to a large number of ancient Sumerian and Mesopotamian structures, some of which are over 4,000 years old (the same age as the Great Pyramids of Giza). Iraq has unparalleled historical significance because it was here that the first written laws, written languages, and written civilisations were recorded. Iraq has a rich heritage of historical and archaeological sites, but you don’t have to be a historian to appreciate them. The electric blue Ishtar gate welcomes guests to the historic city of Babylon. The still-standing home of biblical Abraham is situated next to the 4,200-year-old, flawlessly preserved Ziggurat of Ur, which is surrounded by arid desert. Hatra. Samarra, the Erbil Citadel, and other noteworthy locations in Iraq are worth visiting. Samarra, the Citadel of Erbil, and Shanidar Cave are just a few of the impressive locations in Iraq that are well worth a visit. There are currently only six structures and landscapes in Iraq that are protected by UNESCO, but this number is sure to increase.
Marshlands of Ancient Mesopotamia
A small, peaceful reservoir of water is guarded by a marsh reed forest not far from Iraq’s southern border. A canoe powered by an outboard motor will carry you through the marshlands of Iraq, which seem to go on forever. This landscape has been recognised as unique by UNESCO. The largest inland delta system in the world, the actual “Garden of Eden,” and a period of Mesopotamian history can all be found there. You can visit this amazing water city with the help of Bilweekend, a local tour operator that links visitors in Iraq with the Marsh Arabs, who still live on the water in reed huts. Float through the pastoral setting while you visit homes for fresh buffalo curd and get to know the locals. You can even arrange an overnight stay for a more complete experience.
The Most Scenic Road Trips in the World
Thanks to the region’s well-maintained roads, an abundance of breathtaking viewpoints, and an abundance of hotels located in charming mountain villages, a road trip through Iraqi Kurdistan are easier than you might anticipate (and astonishingly beautiful). From Erbil, the country’s capital, you can drive through northern Iraq’s farmland, dry desert, and snow-capped mountains to remote locations that are only accessible by car. You should put Amedi, Akre, Dore Canyon, Rawanduz, and Gomi Felaw on your itinerary, to name just a few stunning places.
Tahini, tea, and tannaur
Tannour bread, thick date syrup, silky fresh tahini, and tiny glasses of sweet black tea are some of the foods that best represent Iraqi culture (perhaps alongside a fresh cup of deep purple raisin juice). The praise that Middle Eastern cuisine deserves isn’t always given in the West. A clay Tannour oven is used for baking pita-like bread, which keeps its fluff and lightness while acquiring the perfect toasty crunch on the outside. This is how breakfast is typically served in Iraq, with tahini and date syrup. But every meal will be delicious in Iraq. With mountains of fragrantly spiced rice, the flame-cooked fish known as Masgouf, and shawarma and falafel on every corner, Iraqi cuisine is delectable.
Mosques
Unquestionably, Iraq is home to some of the world’s most intricate shrines, as well as a distinctive fusion of mosques constructed in both Sunni and Shia architectural styles. Solid gold tombs, jewelled ceilings, and painstakingly hand-carved or hand-painted details are among the features that are considered standard. With well-known tourist destinations like the Taj Mahal, these structures could coexist without any problems. They didn’t skimp on quality when building them. Whether or not you are a follower of their religion, Islamic architecture is worth seeing in person. With nearly 1,000 mosques in Baghdad alone, picking one to visit can be challenging. Al Yassin, Firdous Mosque in Baghdad, and Jalil Khayat Mosque in Erbil are a few of the most impressive and elaborate mosques.
Few societies can match Iraq’s sincere hospitality.
The Middle East is one of the friendliest and most welcoming regions in the world for tourists. It’s common to be invited to join an enjoyable family outing, stay the night, or receive a free meal. Every day, you’ll frequently have tea with new people. Iraqi citizens take this benevolent outlook towards foreigners to a new level thanks to a tradition called Taarof. Even though you shouldn’t always accept it, Iraqis frequently attempt to provide you with everything for free in an effort to make you feel at home. This custom is widespread in the country and was adopted by their Persian neighbours. Iraqis are among the friendliest and most hospitable locals you’ll meet, even without the customary Taarof gift. They welcome any visitors they encounter and are eager to share their traditions, histories, and culture.
Destination for adventure
Since real adventure is difficult to define and impossible to seek out, it can almost never be found. Away from guided tours and the careful transportation of tourists from one location to another, it typically occurs when plans go awry. However, there is an adventure in Iraq. There is little to no tourist infrastructure, so you’ll be mostly on your own to get around. You’ll visit cliffside caverns and mountain monasteries, stay in reed huts, and travel by car through the formidable mountains. One of the few places in the world where you can still enjoy the thrill of real exploration in Iraq.
Erbil
Ur
Baghdad
Basra
Karbala
Hatra
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