Baghdad, Iraq

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Baghdad, Iraq

Region: Baghdad, Iraq is located in Baghdad Governorate

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Geographic Coordinates: 33.315300, 44.366100

Climate: Hot and dry summers, mild winters with occasional rainfall.

Population: 6183000

Language: Arabic

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Baghdad, The capital city of Iraq, Is a vibrant and bustling metropolis located on the banks of the Tigris River. Known as the City of Peace for centuries, Baghdad has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The city was founded in 762 AD by Caliph Al-Mansur and quickly became one of the most important cultural and intellectual centers in the world. One of Baghdad’s most notable landmarks is the Al-Mustansiriya University, Which was established in 1227 AD. This prestigious institution has produced some of Iraq’s most famous scholars and intellectuals over the centuries.

The university’s stunning architecture features intricate carvings and mosaics that reflect Baghdad’s long-standing tradition of artistic excellence. Another iconic feature of Baghdad is its sprawling marketplaces or bazaars. The city is home to several famous markets such as Souq al-Safafeer (Coppersmiths’ Market), Souq al-Khalil (Jewelers’ Market), And Souq al-Ghazel (Silk Market). These bazaars are filled with colorful stalls selling everything from spices to jewelry to traditional clothing. Baghdad also boasts several impressive museums that showcase its rich cultural heritage. One such museum is the National Museum of Iraq which houses an extensive collection dating back to ancient Mesopotamia.

Visitors can view artifacts such as cuneiform tablets, Pottery vessels adorned with intricate designs, Statues depicting gods and goddesses from Sumerian mythology. Despite being ravaged by war over recent years since Saddam Hussein’s regime fell in 2003; there are still many historical sites worth visiting around Baghdad today including Abbasid Palace ruins near Zawra Park where visitors can take a stroll through beautiful gardens while admiring ancient structures like archways built during early Islamic period under Abbasid Caliphate. Baghdad is also home to several beautiful mosques, Including the Al-Kadhimiya Mosque and the Abu Hanifa Mosque.

The former is one of the most important Shi’a Muslim shrines in Iraq and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. The latter is named after Abu Hanifa, A renowned Sunni jurist who lived in Baghdad during the 8th century AD. Baghdad is a city with a rich cultural heritage that has been shaped by centuries of history. From its ancient ruins to its bustling bazaars, This vibrant metropolis offers visitors an unforgettable experience that reflects both its past and present.

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1. Al-Mustansiriya School
2. Baghdad Tower
3. Al-Shaheed Monument
4. Al-Zawra Park
5. Abbasid Palace
6. Iraqi Museum
7. Saddam Hussein’s Presidential Palace
8. Abu Hanifa Mosque
9. Martyr’s Memorial
10. The Great Mosque of al-Nuri

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1. Oil and gas: Iraq is one of the world’s largest producers of oil, and Baghdad is home to several major oil companies.
2. Construction: With ongoing reconstruction efforts following years of conflict, construction has become a major industry in Baghdad.
3. Banking and finance: Several international banks have branches in Baghdad, including Citibank and HSBC.
4. Retail: The city has a thriving retail sector with numerous shopping malls, supermarkets, and local markets.
5. Agriculture: Despite being a largely urban area, agriculture still plays an important role in the economy of Baghdad with crops like wheat, barley, dates, citrus fruits being grown.
6. Manufacturing: There are several manufacturing industries present such as food processing plants that produce dairy products or canned goods; textile factories producing clothing items; pharmaceutical companies producing medications for various illnesses or diseases.
7. Tourism & Hospitality: The city is home to many historical sites such as the ancient city walls, Al-Mustansiriya University, National Museum of Iraq etc which makes it an attractive tourist destination.

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1. The founding of Baghdad in 762 by Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur.
2. The House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikmah), a major intellectual center during the Islamic Golden Age, established in Baghdad in the 9th century.
3. The reign of Harun al-Rashid (786-809), one of the most famous Abbasid caliphs who ruled from his palace in Baghdad and is known for his patronage of the arts and sciences.
4. The Mongol invasion and destruction of Baghdad in 1258, which marked the end of the Abbasid Caliphate.
5. Ibn Battuta, a famous Moroccan explorer who visited Baghdad during his travels in the 14th century.
6. The Ottoman Empire’s conquest of Iraq and establishment of their rule over Baghdad from 1534 to 1917.
7. British occupation and colonial rule over Iraq after World War I until Iraqi independence was granted on October 3rd, 1932.
8. Saddam Hussein’s rise to power as President following a coup d’état against President Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr on July 16th ,1979
9. The Gulf War between Iraq and Kuwait that began on August 2nd ,1990 leading to US-led coalition forces invading Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein from power on March20th ,2003

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1. National Museum of Iraq
2. Baghdad Museum of Modern Art
3. Al-Shaheed Monument
4. Al-Mutanabbi Street
5. Saddam Hussein’s former palace complex (now known as Victory Over America Palace)
6. The Great Mosque of al-Mutawakkil
7. Abu Hanifa Mosque
8. Zawra Park and Amusement City
9. Baghdad Clock Tower
10. The Abbasid Palace and the Round City (Medieval city ruins)

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1. Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya – a football club founded in 1931 and based in Baghdad that has won several domestic and international titles including the AFC Cup.
2. Al-Zawraa – a football club founded in 1947 that has also won numerous domestic titles.
3. Al-Shurta – a multi-sport club established by police officers in 1936 that has teams for football, basketball, handball, volleyball and other sports.
4. Al-Talaba – a football club founded by university students from Baghdad University.
5. Al-Karkh SC – a football club founded on the Karkh side of Baghdad.

Due to war and conflict over recent decades many sports clubs have struggled to maintain continuity or have been forced to relocate or disband altogether as a result of violence or persecution targeting athletes or fans associated with certain clubs or ethnic groups within Iraq’s diverse population.

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1. Baghdad International Film Festival is held annually in October, showcasing films from Iraq and around the world.
2. Baghdad Fashion Week is held twice a year in April and November, featuring local and international designers showcasing their latest collections.
3. Baghdad Book Fair is held in February, bringing together publishers, authors, and book lovers from all over Iraq to celebrate literature.
4. Eid al-Fitr is a major religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide at the end of Ramadan.
5. Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and is an important religious event for Shia Muslims.
6. National Day of Iraq is celebrated on October 3rd every year to commemorate the country’s independence from British occupation in 1932.
7. Baghdad International Theatre Festival is a biennial festival held in March that features performances by theatre groups from around the world.
8. Newroz (Kurdish New Year) marks the beginning of spring and is an important cultural event for Kurds living in Iraq; it’s celebrated on March 21st each year.
9. Al-Mada’in Cultural Festival celebrates Iraqi culture through music, dance, art exhibitions, and traditional cuisine; it’s an annual festival held in April.
10. Babylon International Music Festival features local and international musicians performing various genres including jazz, rock, and classical music; it’s a three-day music festival held annually in September.

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• Masgouf – a grilled fish dish seasoned with tamarind and served with rice.
• Kebab – grilled meat skewers, usually made with lamb or chicken.
• Dolma – stuffed vegetables such as grape leaves or bell peppers filled with rice and meat.
• Samak Tikka – marinated fish skewers cooked over an open flame.
• Kubba – a deep-fried ball of minced meat and spices wrapped in bulgur wheat or rice dough.

Popular restaurants in Baghdad, Iraq include:

1. Al-Mansour Hotel Restaurant – known for their traditional Iraqi dishes and live music performances.
2. Beit Al Baghdadi Restaurant – serves authentic Iraqi cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
3. Abu Nawas Street Restaurants – a popular street lined with various restaurants serving local delicacies like kebabs and masgouf.
4. Shawarma Falafel Abu Afifah – famous for their shawarma wraps and falafel sandwiches made fresh to order.
5. La Piazza Restaurant & Cafe- offers international dishes alongside traditional Iraqi food, located inside the Babylon Hotel in Baghdad’s Green Zone area.

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