At Tājī, Iraq
Region: Salah ad-Din Governorate
Geographic Coordinates: 33.509200, 44.234200
Temperature Range: 5.0°C to 45.0°C (41°F to 113°F)
Climate: Hot and dry summers, mild winters with occasional rainfall.
Population: 200000
Language: Arabic
At Tājī is a small city located in the Salah ad Din Governorate of Iraq, Approximately 20 miles north of Baghdad. It serves as an important military base for both the Iraqi Army and the United States Armed Forces, With a population of around 30, 000 people who are mostly Sunni Arabs. In the past, At Tājī was known for its fertile soil and access to water from the Tigris River which made it an important agricultural center. However, During the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, Many farms were destroyed or abandoned due to heavy fighting in the area.
Today, At Tājī’s economy relies heavily on military activity and government employment. The most notable feature of At Tājī is Camp Taji – a military base established by American forces after they invaded Iraq in 2003. The base has served as a training ground for both Iraqi soldiers and American troops throughout their involvement in Iraq’s conflicts over the past two decades. In recent years, It has also been used as a staging ground for operations against ISIS. Apart from its military significance, At-Taji also holds cultural importance due to several historical sites within or near its borders.
One such site is Al-Madain – an ancient Mesopotamian city that dates back over 2, 500 years but was largely destroyed by Mongol invasions during early thirteenth century. Another historical attraction near At-Taji is Al-Askari Mosque – one of Shia Islam’s holiest shrines that contains tombs for two Imams who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The mosque attracts millions of pilgrims each year. Despite its strategic importance and cultural significance; however; At-Taji has faced significant challenges over recent years due to ongoing conflict and instability in the region.
The city has been targeted by ISIS attacks with residents suffering from violence; displacement; and economic hardship. Nevertheless, Efforts are being made to rebuild the city’s infrastructure and support its residents as they work towards a more peaceful future.
Industries and Businesses in At Tājī, Iraq
- Agriculture
- Produces high-quality agricultural products such as wheat, barley, dates, and vegetables
- Products are sold locally and exported to other countries
- Oil and Gas
- Several oil fields contribute significantly to the country’s economy
- Many companies involved in exploration and production of oil operate within At Tājī
- Construction
- Several construction companies engaged in building residential and commercial properties across the city
- Retail
- Abundant retail shops selling various goods including clothing items and household products
- Caters to both local residents and tourists visiting from other parts of Iraq
- Transportation
- Well-developed transportation system with several taxi services available for hire
- Provides easy access to different parts of the city for residents and visitors alike
- Education
- Numerous schools providing education at all levels including primary, secondary, and tertiary levels
- Helps promote literacy rates within society while also providing young people with opportunities for personal development
- Healthcare
- Facilities are limited but still provide medical services to those who need them within At Tājī
- Few hospitals available where patients can receive treatment for various ailments or injuries they may have sustained over time
- Public Services
- Waste management systems ensure clean living environments
- Water supply infrastructure ensures clean water supply
- Electricity supply ensures uninterrupted power supply throughout the day ensuring comfortability for its citizens
- Battle of Tikrit (2003): During the Iraq War, US forces launched an attack on Saddam Hussein’s hometown of Tikrit, which is located near At Tājī.
- Saddam Hussein: The former Iraqi dictator was born in Al-Awja village near Tikrit, which is not far from At Tājī.
- Abbasid Caliphate: During the Islamic Golden Age (8th-13th centuries), At Tājī was part of the Abbasid Caliphate and served as a center for learning and culture.
- Ibn al-Haytham: This famous Muslim scientist and philosopher lived in At Tājī during the 10th century and made significant contributions to optics.
- Salahuddin Ayyubi: Also known as Saladin, this Muslim military leader was born near Tikrit in 1137 AD.
- Mongol Invasion: In 1258 AD, the Mongols invaded Baghdad and destroyed much of it, including many important cultural sites in At Tājī.
- Ottoman Empire: From the 16th to early 20th centuries, Iraq was part of the Ottoman Empire under Turkish rule.
- British Occupation: After World War I, Britain occupied Iraq until it gained independence in 1932.
- Baath Party: The political party that ruled Iraq under Saddam Hussein had its roots in Tikrit and other nearby towns like At Tājī.
- Sunni-Shia Conflict: Like much of Iraq today, there have been tensions between Sunni Muslims (who make up a majority in this region) and Shia Muslims in At Tājī.
- Al-Taji Military Base: A large military installation located in At Taji that was utilized by US forces during the Iraq War.
- Al-Taji Stadium: A sports stadium situated in At Taji that hosts various local sporting events.
- The National Museum of Iraq: Located in Baghdad and accessible from At Tājī via public transportation or car rental services. This museum houses a collection of ancient artifacts dating back to Mesopotamian times.
- The Iraqi Museum of Modern Art: Also located in Baghdad and accessible from At Tājī via public transportation or car rental services, this museum showcases contemporary Iraqi art.
- The Victory Arch Monument: Situated near the Green Zone in Baghdad and accessible from At Tājī through public transportation or car rental services, this monument commemorates Iraq’s triumph over Iran during the Iran-Iraq War.
- The Saddam Hussein Presidential Palace Complex: Located on the outskirts of Baghdad and accessible from At Tājī through public transportation or car rental services (although visitors should exercise caution due to ongoing security concerns), this complex was once home to Saddam Hussein and now serves as a government building.
- The Abu Hanifa Mosque: A historic mosque located centrally within Baghdad that dates back to the 8th century AD.
- The Zawra Park Zoo: A famous destination for families situated near central Baghdad featuring an array of animals including lions, tigers, bears and monkeys.
Note : Visitors are advised to check travel advisories before planning their trip due to ongoing security concerns in certain parts of Iraq.
- Eid al-Fitr: A three-day festival that marks the end of Ramadan.
- Ashura: A ten-day commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.
- Arbaeen: A forty-day mourning period following Ashura that culminates in a massive pilgrimage to Karbala.
- Newroz: The Kurdish New Year celebrated on March 21st with music, dancing, and feasting.
- Baghdad International Theatre Festival: An annual event held in Baghdad showcasing local and international theatre performances.
- Babylon International Festival: A cultural festival held annually at the ancient city of Babylon featuring music, dance, and theatre performances from around the world.
- Iraqi National Day: Celebrated on October 3rd to commemorate Iraq’s independence from British rule in 1932.
- Al-Mada’in Cultural Festival: Held annually near Baghdad celebrating Iraqi culture through art exhibitions, music concerts, and traditional food stalls.
Note that these are not specific to At Tājī but are celebrated throughout Iraq as a whole.
- Masgouf Al-Shaheed: This restaurant serves traditional Iraqi grilled fish known as Masgouf.
- Al-Khaimah Restaurant: Specializes in traditional Iraqi dishes like kebab and biryani.
- Abu Ali Restaurant: Serves a variety of Middle Eastern dishes including shawarma and falafel.
- Al-Sheikh Restaurant: Known for its delicious lamb dishes such as lamb chops and lamb kebabs.
- Abo Ahmad Restaurant: Offers a range of Iraqi dishes such as stuffed vegetables, kubba (meat-filled dumplings), and rice with meat.
- Al-Mansour Mall Food Court: This food court has multiple options serving fast food chains like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Burger King alongside local cuisine options.
- Shawarma al-Tayebat: Known for its mouth-watering shawarmas filled with chicken or beef along with fresh vegetables and sauces.
- Karak Tea Cafe: Serves hot karak tea (strong black tea flavored with spices) along with snacks like samosas and sandwiches.
Please note that due to COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control, the availability of these restaurants may vary; it is always best to check before visiting any place mentioned above to ensure they are open at the time you plan to visit them.
- According to available online resources, there are limited public parks and recreational activities in At Tājī, Iraq.
- One of the notable parks is the Al-Taji Park which offers a playground for children and picnic areas for families.
- The city also has a sports complex that includes a soccer field and basketball court.
- Additionally, locals enjoy swimming in the Tigris River during summer months as well as fishing and boating activities.
- It should be noted that due to security concerns in the region, some recreational activities may be restricted or limited at times.
