Wetin make you visit Iraq
Iraq na di cradle of civilisation, home of ancient Mesopotamia, and one of di most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations wey dey earth. Travel dey mainly for south and centre (federal Iraq) and di autonomous Kurdistan Region for north, wey calm and easy to explore. Na dis be di highlights wey worth make you plan your trip around dem.
1. Di Citadel of Erbil
One of di oldest place wey people don dey live inside non-stop for dis planet, di UNESCO-listed Erbil Citadel dey rise above di modern city. Waka enter im lanes, visit di Textile Museum, then descend go di buzzing Qaysari Bazaar for tea and spices.
2. Babylon
Near Hillah, di reconstructed ruins of Babylon go let you waka di processional way of Nebuchadnezzar and see di famous glazed Ishtar Gate lions. Di site na one of Iraq proudest landmarks.
3. Di Ziggurat of Ur
South of Nasiriyah stand di great Ziggurat of Ur, one 4,000-year-old Sumerian temple-mountain, dem restore am well well. Nearby dey di reputed house of Abraham.
4. Di Mesopotamian Marshes
Di UNESCO-listed Ahwar wetlands dey shelter di Marsh Arabs (Ma'dan), wey dey live for reed houses and dey travel by canoe. Boat trip among di buffalo and birdlife go blow your mind.
5. Di shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala
Najaf and Karbala na among Shia Islam holiest cities. Dia golden-domed shrines dey draw millions of pilgrims; visitors suppose dress modestly and follow local etiquette.
6. Baghdad
Di capital go reward di curious person: stroll Mutanabbi Street, di historic book market, visit Iraq Museum Mesopotamian treasures, and try masgouf grilled fish for Tigris.
7. Hatra
Dis remarkable desert city, one UNESCO site, dey blend Greek, Roman and Eastern styles for im temples and na highlight for history lovers.
8. Lalish and mountains of Kurdistan
Lalish na di holiest temple of Yazidis. Combine am with green valleys around Amadiya, Rawanduz Gorge and Gali Ali Beg waterfall.
Practical tips
- Kurdistan dey offer visas on arrival for plenty nationalities; federal Iraq now dey also issue visas on arrival for plenty travellers
- Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) na di best seasons
- Carry cash (Iraqi dinar); cards no too dey accepted
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