Must See

At present, travellers are not advised to visit Iraq due to its highly dangerous security situation. However, in this section you'll find a list of the attractions that may be visited in the future, when the country becomes safe to travel. It should be noted though that in the aftermath of the 2003 war, there may be damage to any of the following buildings and sites. Many of the archaeological treasures and manuscripts were also looted from Iraq's museums.

Ancient Sites

Iraq has a wealth of heritage sites and is a land steeped in history. Home to the ancient cities of Ur and Nineveh, it is also the land where writing began and where the tales of the One Thousand and One Nights were told. Iraq was the home of the mythical Tower of Babel, and Qurnah is reputed to be the site of the biblical Garden of Eden.

The ancient Sumerian city of Ur is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Iraq, and its earliest buildings date back to 4000 BC. Also worth a visit is the Ctesiphon, located 20 km southeast of Baghdad. This was one of the great cities of ancient Mesopotamia and the capital of the Parthian Empire and its successor, the Sassanid Empire, for more than 800 years. It is believed to be the basis for the city of Isbanir in the "Thousand and One Nights". However, all that remains of the city is the arch of Ctesiphon, or Taq-i-Kisra.

Babylon

The legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and part of a great city ruled over by the Semitic King Hammirabi. Sadly, in recent times the area has been subsumed into a military base. However, tourism officials have expressed a desire to restore both the city and the ruined Gardens to some of their former glory.

Baghdad

Straddling the River Tigris, Iraq's capital (like the country as a whole) has had its fair share of difficulties over the past few decades. Shabby back streets contrast with new buildings, while historic places such as the 13th century Abbasid Palace have stood firm amid the violent turmoil. The Museum of Pioneer Arts (which displays pre-1950s works by Iraqi artists in a traditional house), Baghdad Museum (depicting traditional Baghdadi life) and Iraqi Museum (housing some impressive ancient artefacts) are all worth a visit.

Basra

Basra, founded in 636 as an encampment and garrison for Arab tribesmen, is now known as the Venice of the East, due to its canals lined with elegant 19th-century houses.

Kurdish Autonomous Region

Winding mountain roads through dramatic scenery, this autonomous region is characterised by pleasant towns, orchards and waterfalls, together with a proud local people.

Kerbala

Located 100 km southwest of Baghdad, Kerbala is considered to be one of Shi'ite Islam's holiest sites. At the centre of the old city is the Masjid Al-Husayn, the tomb of Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Husayn's tomb is a place of pilgrimage for many Shia Muslims, especially on the anniversary of the battle, the Day of Ashura.