Ar Ramādī, Iraq
Region: Al Anbar
Geographic Coordinates: 33.425800, 43.299200
Temperature Range: 30.0°C to 50.0°C (86°F to 122°F)
Climate: Hot and dry summers, mild winters with occasional rainfall.
Population: 874543
Language: Arabic
Ar Ramādī is a city located in the western part of Iraq, Situated on the Euphrates River. It is the capital of Al Anbar Governorate and has a population of approximately 350, 000 people. The city has a rich history dating back to ancient times, With evidence suggesting that it was inhabited as early as the 3rd millennium BCE. During the Islamic Golden Age, Ar Ramādī was an important center for Islamic scholarship and culture. It was home to several prominent scholars and intellectuals who played a significant role in shaping Islamic philosophy and theology.
The city also served as an important hub for trade and commerce due to its strategic location on major trade routes. However, In recent years, Ar Ramādī has been plagued by conflict and instability due to its proximity to areas controlled by ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). The city witnessed intense fighting between Iraqi forces and ISIS militants during their occupation of large parts of Iraq from 2014-2017. As a result, Much of the city’s infrastructure was destroyed or damaged during this period.
Despite these challenges, Ar Ramādī has shown resilience in rebuilding itself since ISIS was driven out of the area. Efforts have been made to restore basic services such as electricity, Water supply, Healthcare facilities, Education institutions etc., Which were severely impacted during the conflict period. The local government is also working towards improving security measures within the city by collaborating with various law enforcement agencies at national level. There are plans underway for further development projects aimed at revitalizing economic growth within Ar Ramādī through investment in industries such as agriculture & tourism.
Ar Ramadi’s cultural heritage remains intact despite all odds – there are several historic sites that still exist today including mosques from medieval times like Great Mosque (Jami’a al-Kabir) which dates back over 1 thousand years ago! Other notable landmarks include: Al-Anbar University, Ar Ramādī Castle and the Euphrates River Bridge. Ar Ramādī is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage that has been impacted by conflict in recent years. Despite these challenges, The city is working towards rebuilding itself and improving the lives of its residents.
It remains an important center for trade and commerce in western Iraq while also serving as a hub for Islamic scholarship & culture. With continued efforts to restore basic services and promote economic growth, There is hope that Ar Ramādī will once again thrive as it did in ancient times.
- Agriculture: Ar Ramadi has fertile land suitable for agriculture, with main crops being wheat, barley, dates, and vegetables.
- Construction: Due to ongoing reconstruction efforts in Iraq after years of conflict, construction is a major industry in Ar Ramadi.
- Retail: There are many small retail businesses selling goods such as clothing, electronics, and household items.
- Services: Other service-based industries include healthcare facilities, hotels and restaurants catering to tourists or business travelers.
- Oil Refineries: The city also has several oil refineries that produce petroleum products for both domestic consumption and export.
- Military Bases: Several military bases located near Ar Ramadi due to its strategic location on the Euphrates River valley between Baghdad and Syria.
- Education Sector: The education sector is also emerging with schools offering primary education up to university level courses available within the city limits or nearby areas.
Overall these industries have been impacted by instability caused by conflicts which have affected economic growth over time with some recovery seen recently as security improves but still faces challenges due to political instability within Iraq itself causing fluctuations in local markets that affect business operations from time-to-time.
- The Battle of Ramadi (2006) was a major conflict between the United States and Iraqi insurgents during the Iraq War. It resulted in hundreds of casualties on both sides.
- The Siege of Ramadi (2015-2016) lasted for several months as ISIS attempted to take control of the city. Iraqi forces eventually liberated it in 2016.
- Sheikh Sattar Abu Risha played a crucial role in fighting against Al-Qaeda in Iraq during the mid-2000s.
- Ahmed Abu Risha, brother of Sheikh Sattar Abu Risha, also played an important part in fighting against Al-Qaeda in Iraq.
- Saad al-Faqih al-Obeidi served as governor of Anbar province from 2009 to 2013 and is an Iraqi politician.
- Abdul Sattar Buzaigh al-Rishawi was an influential Sunni cleric who lived in Ramadi and promoted reconciliation between Sunnis and Shias after Saddam Hussein’s regime fell.
- Ali Hatem al-Suleiman is a prominent Sunni politician from Anbar province who has been involved with politics since before Saddam Hussein’s regime fell.
- Hikmat Mizban Ibrahim al-Azzawi is an Iraqi journalist who has reported on events from Anbar province since before Saddam Hussein’s regime fell, including both sieges on Ramadi by ISIS.
- Faisal I of Iraq was King from 1921 until his death in 1933, overseeing significant political developments such as establishing diplomatic relations with countries like Britain and France during his reign.
- Tariq Aziz served as Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister under Saddam Hussein’s regime but was captured by US forces in 2003 and died while imprisoned in 2015.
- Anbar Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the Anbar province.
- Al-Anbar University: The university has a beautiful campus with modern architecture and landscaped gardens.
- Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University: Another popular university in Ar Ramādī that offers technical education.
- Haditha Dam: This dam is located on the Euphrates River and provides electricity to many cities in Iraq.
- Fallujah War Memorial: A monument dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Fallujah during the Iraq War.
- Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Ar Ramādī with beautiful Islamic architecture.
- Anbar Martyrs’ Monument: A monument dedicated to those who lost their lives during conflicts in Anbar province.
- Al-Ramadi Grand Mosque: A mosque located at the heart of Ar Ramādī city with beautiful minarets and domes.
- Waleed Border Crossing Point: A border crossing point between Iraq and Syria that is important for trade and travel between both countries.
- Ramadi Mall: One of biggest shopping malls in Ramadi city which has multiple international brands stores as well as food courts for visitors enjoyment.
- Eid al-Fitr: A three-day festival marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
- Ashura: A 10-day mourning period commemorating the death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
- Baghdad International Film Festival: An annual film festival held in Baghdad showcasing films from around the world.
- Babylon International Festival: A cultural festival held in Babylon featuring music, dance, theater performances and art exhibitions.
- Mesopotamian Marshes Festival: A celebration of the unique culture and traditions of marshland communities in southern Iraq.
- Arbaeen Pilgrimage: One of the world’s largest religious gatherings where millions gather to walk from Najaf to Karbala to commemorate Imam Hussein’s martyrdom during Ashura.
- National Day celebrations: Celebrated on October 3rd each year commemorating Iraq’s independence from British colonial rule in 1932.
It is important to note that due to security concerns and ongoing conflicts in certain parts of Iraq, some events may be cancelled or postponed at short notice.
- Masgouf: A grilled fish dish seasoned with spices and served with rice.
- Kebab: Grilled meat skewers cooked over an open flame.
- Dolma: Stuffed vegetables like peppers or grape leaves filled with rice, meat, and spices.
- Al-Baghdadi Restaurant: A popular restaurant that serves traditional Iraqi dishes like kebabs and masgouf.
- Al-Ajami Restaurant: Known for its delicious lamb chops and mixed grill platters.
- Al-Najah Restaurant: Famous for its fresh seafood dishes like fried shrimp and grilled fish.
- Abu Ali al-Muhajir Restaurant: A great spot for shawarma wraps and sandwiches made with marinated chicken or beef.
- Baghdad House Restaurant: Offers a wide range of Iraqi cuisine such as dolma, kubba (a type of stuffed dumpling), kebabs, salads, soups etc.
Please note that the availability of these dishes/restaurants may vary depending on the season or current situations in the region; therefore it’s always best to check before visiting them personally or ordering food online/delivery apps if available in your area.
- Al-Anbar Sports City: A large sports complex with a stadium, basketball courts, soccer fields and other facilities.
- Al-Ramadi Zoo: A small zoo featuring local animals such as camels, gazelles and birds.
- Euphrates River: The river runs through the city and provides opportunities for fishing and boating.
- Al-Zahraa Park: A public park with playgrounds for children and walking trails for adults.
- Al-Anbar University Stadium: A stadium used for sports events such as soccer matches.
It’s important to note that due to security concerns in the region over the years there may be changes or closures of these places so it’s best to check current conditions before planning a visit or participating in any activities.
