Sights of Iraq: a review, history and interesting facts

This land, imbued with legends, is the birthplace of ancient civilizations. The eventful history of the country, an incredible number of architectural, religious and archaeological sites make Iraq one of the most interesting places on our planet. And even the tragic events of recent decades have not been able to hinder the development of tourism, although now it is not in the best condition.

To get to the colorful country, whose whole history is numerous wars, it is very difficult, but memories of an extreme journey will last a lifetime.

Iraq: attractions and general information

The Iraqi Republic, which is divided into 16 provinces, is headed by the president. The country's area is more than 441 thousand km ² , its capital is in Baghdad. Lying in the valley between the rivers Tigris and Euphrates, the Islamic state ranks second in terms of oil reserves and the tenth for large deposits of natural coal. Its most part is in a zone of a subtropical climate of continental type with a hot summer and a warm winter. Life in a country where about 31 million people live is subject to the laws of the Sharia, and when it is visited, Muslim standards of conduct should be taken into account.

The state, which can tell about highly developed civilizations and their rich history, today has turned into a hot spot of the planet. In Iraq, whose sights the war has not spared, and to this day there remains an unstable political situation. Unfortunately, not all historical and architectural monuments can now be seen, since many were destroyed as a result of hostilities. We will focus on the most interesting and popular objects for tourists:

• The Al-Askari Mosque.
• Ziggurat of the moon god Nanna.
• The Shrine of Prophet Muhammad's son-in-law.
• Ruins of Babylon.
• Archaeological Museum.
• The Golden Mosque.

The long-suffering mosque of Al-Askari in Samarra

When it comes to the main attractions of Iraq, it is impossible not to mention the Al-Askari mosque, which suffered after the terrorist attack. The main Shiite temple of the country, erected in the IX century in the city of Samarra, is one of the most popular objects among tourists. The largest mosque, several times reconstructed, is protected by UNESCO and recognized as a national treasure of the Iraqis. The burial vault, in which two imams rest, was famous for its golden dome about 68 meters high. Unfortunately, as a result of the terrorist attack in 2006, he and two minarets were badly damaged, and the restoration work was carried out for several years.

Now the dome does not shine with luxury, but still decorates the city landscape. Despite the fact that the most beautiful mosque has become the epicenter of military operations, it continues to attract pilgrims hurrying to bow to the holy place.

Ziggurat of the moon god Nanna in Ur

For four thousand years BC in the territory of the ancient state life was boiling. The pagan place of priests who conducted here magical rituals and astronomical observations, attests to the Sumerian culture - a highly developed civilization, the secrets of which are not open to this day. In the ziggurat, imitating the mountain, the moon god Nunn descended, making his travels through the night sky, where he was presented with various gifts.

A large tower with multi-tier ledges-terraces, painted in different colors, a bit like the Egyptian pyramid, on top of which was the sanctuary of the deity. Researchers are amazed by the fact that the unique landmark of Iraq, built from ordinary bricks, could stand such a huge period of time.

Mosque of Imam Ali in Najaf

One of the most important shrines of the Muslim world is the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad's son-in-law, Ali ibn Abu Talib. Initially, she appeared over his grave in the 10th century, but soon the mosque was destroyed by a terrible fire, and it was restored for a long time. Located on the main square of the city, it is an important landmark of Iraq, which is visited by thousands of pilgrims to honor the memory of the imam. Here is the famous university, which gave the world a lot of preachers and scientists who made a huge contribution to the development of Islam.

In 2004, fierce battles between the Shiites threatening to blow up the temple and the coalition troops were going on in the city for three weeks, but the shrine with the golden gate and the gilded dome did not suffer much, and traces of skirmishes are visible only on the facade of the religious monument.

The Ruins of Babylon

Perhaps there is not a single person who has not heard of Babylon and his unfinished tower. The ruins of an ancient city, figured in historical and religious books, can be seen a hundred kilometers from Baghdad - the capital of Iraq. Sights (monuments of archeology), reminiscent of the former greatness of the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, attract tourists who dream to get acquainted with the oldest city in the world, where the Hanging Gardens of Semiramis, the palaces of Nebuchadnezzar and other wonders of the world.

The majestic and influential center of the ancient civilization, lying on the bank of the Euphrates, existed until the moment when the Persian king Cyrus captured him. Babylon has long been gone, but the picturesque ruins silently tell of the might of the city of Babylon (that's what the Iraqis call it). Historical ruins with the remains of the residence of Nebuchadnezzar, the asphalt road, the royal ziggurat, the gate of Ishtar attract the attention of archaeologists from all over the world, who found out that there were more than 50 temples and 300 sanctuaries where they worshiped local gods.

Today, this legendary place, considered a great archeological monument of all times and peoples, can be visited by every daredevil who decides to travel to an indelible Iraq.

Treasury of the country

Ancient city, which was once the main in Mesopotamia, can rightfully be called a real treasure trove of the country. The giant metropolis stores a huge number of monuments, and among them one can not fail to mention the Archaeological Museum - a recognized landmark of Iraq. His collection, containing about 10 thousand invaluable exhibits of Sumerian, Babylonian and other cultures, will bring to the real delight of all history lovers. During the bombing, the museum was closed to visitors, but today it has again opened its doors to all comers.

On the orders of former President Hussein in 1983, a monument to Al-Shahid was erected, located in the middle of an artificial lake. Dedicated to the Iraqi soldiers, it consists of a high turquoise dome glistening in the sunlight. His two halves, between which the Eternal Flame is burning, are displaced relative to each other, and below them is an underground level with an exhibition complex, a museum and a library.

The Golden Mosque in Baghdad

Tourists who come to the country decide for themselves what to see in Iraq, but you can not pass by the Golden Mosque in Baghdad. The ancient city is full of amazing architectural pearls, but the historical structure, richly decorated, and attracts the eyes of holidaymakers.

The gilded domes of the magnificent building and the eight minarets of different heights delight with luxury and grandeur. The entrances of the mosque are lined with colored tiles and mirror stalactites, and the walls of the religious monument are decorated with calligraphic inscriptions made in fine Arabic script. The tourists can not see the interior and the tombs of the imams, because the entrance to the "infidels" is strictly forbidden, so they will have to admire the building, as if descended from the pages of the eastern fairy tale, from afar.

In our article, we tried to note the main and main attractions of Iraq, but it is impossible to tell about all the monuments with which the much seen country is famous. Most often come here the most desperate fans of adrenaline, however, tourists from different countries can already afford to visit a mysterious country and touch the mysteries of ancient civilizations.