Baghdad

Introduction

an evening in Tigris.

© Mohd anuar

Baghdad (Arabic: بغداد‎) is the capital and largest city in Iraq with over 7 million people living in the city itself and over 9 million in the metropolitan area. It is one of the larger cities in the entire region of the Middle East and located along the Tigris River, people have been living here for at least 1,250 years. Unfortunately, the city is off limits for travellers since years as the war in Iraq continues. Thousands of people have been killed, both by foreign troops as well as (and mainly) bomb attacks by rival islamic groups like the Shi'ite and Sunni. A big wall has even been constructed around the Sunni district of Baghdad but so far this hasn't helped too much. That said, the city still has some sights to offer for the first adventurous travellers who will come here hopefully in the near future. The Hands of Victory and the National Museum are only a few sights and dozens of holy mosques complete it.

Neighbourhoods

The city is divided by the Tigris into two halves: Rusafa and Karkh that are connected by several modern bridges.
Rusafa is well-know for its Rashid Street, the city's main street, stretching from the North Gate to the South Gate. This street has been the commercial center of Baghdad for centuries. There are old souqs (bazaars) lined up on both sides of the street.

Caliphs Street and Saadoun Street are other famous streets in Baghdad. You can see some historical mosques and churches along with with some government offices in Caliphs Street. Saadoun Street stretching all the way from Liberation Square to Masbah is distinguished by its first-class hotels, cinemas, airline offices, travel agencies and some government departments. Abu Nuwas Street that is almost parallel with Saadoun Street represents a beautiful river drive that runs by the Tigris from Jumhouriya Bridge to the 14th July Suspended Bridge. Al-Jumhuriya Street and Harun Al-Rashid Street belong to other famous main streets.

Karkh, the western half of the city, is known for Damascus Street stretching from Damascus Square to the International Airport Road, where you will find the International Railway Station and Zawra Park.

Sights and Activities

Al-Takhrir Square: the city's main square, the center of the modern part of the city that connects four main streets: Al-Joumhouriya Street (Republic Street), Haaroun Al-Rashid Street, Saadoun Street, Abu-Nawas Street.
Saadoun Street: the Monument to the Unknown Soldier erected in 1959. The monument to Abdel Mohsen As-Saadoun, a great Iraqi national poet who fought against the British occupation.
Mansour Square: the Arab Horseman monument.
Abu Nawas Street: the monument to Shahrayar and Shahrazad; many traditional cafes and restaurants.
Sheikh Omar Street: Sheikh Omar Al-Sahrawardi Shrine near the Middle Gate (Al-Bab Al-Wastani).
Liberation Square: Liberty monument.
Eagles Square: Eagles monument dedicated to the present generation of people striving for the fulfilment of the aspirations of the Arab Revolution. .

Events and Festivals

Assyrian New Year

The Assyrian New Year takes place every year on April 1 in all countries where Assyrians reside. Marked by festivities, the day is celebrated with long parades in colorful outfits and ancient costumes. Students, dignitaries, men, and women alike join in the parties, dancing in the streets and parks for hours. Just like the rest of the world, Iraqis also celebrated the Georgian calendar New Year on January 1.

Iraq Short Film Festival

Established in 2005, the Iraq Short Film Festival celebrates movies made by and for Iraqis. A series of short films are shown in the Arabic or Kurdish language throughout Baghdad. The event is held August 1 through September 30.

Historical Holidays

Throughout the year, Iraqis celebrate historical milestones like Army Day (January 6), Baghdad Liberation Day (April 9), Republic Day (July 14), Ceasefire Day or End of Iran-Iraq War (August 8), and Iraqi Independence Day (October 3).

Weather

The weather in Baghdad is hot and dry during the summer, with temperatures often hitting 45 °C or more. In winter, frosts are possible and during the winter of 2007/2008 snow was recorded for the first time in tens of years.

Getting there

By Plane

Iraqi Airways is the national airline of Iraq. Based at Baghdad International Airport (SDA), offically it has several flights to countries in the region and to London and Frankfurt, but due to instability in the country schedules vary and may change often.

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls