Baghdad the capital of Iraq , with population of more than 8 million and area of 673 km is one of the largest cities in the Arab world. It is located on a vast plain bisected by the Tigris river. Baghdad is located near the ruins of the ancient Akkadian city of Babylon and the ancient Iranian capital of Ctesiphon. Baghdad was founded in the 8th century by Al-Mansur and became the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate.Since then it is a significant cultural, commercial, and intellectual center of the Arab world.
The land on which the city is built is almost entirely flat and low-lying.Baghdad has a hot desert climate, featuring extremely hot, prolonged, dry summers and mild to cool, slightly wet, short winters.During the summer dust storms from the deserts to the west are a normal occurrence. Winter temperatures are typical of the desert climates.Below freezing occur a couple of times per year on average.In 2008 and 2020 light snow fell across Baghdad.
More than 95 percent of the population are Sunni Shia or mixed. Rest of the population consists of Kurds ,Assyrian and Armenians.The most widely spoken language in Baghdad is the Arabic language.
Al-Rusafa is the eastern side of the River Tigris, Al-Karkh is the western half of Baghdad. These are the old quarters and central commercial area of Baghdad, situated in the heart of the city. 14 Bridges links the Eastern and Western parts of Baghdad.
"Souk al-Shorja is Baghdad's oldest market. It was established in the late Abbasid period about A.D. 750 .It is part of the historic area that includes the Abbasid palace on the Tigris River and the Khulafa mosque on al-Jumhuriya Street.
Mutanabbi Street is located near the old quarter of Baghdad; at Al Rasheed Street. It is the historic center of Baghdad bookselling, a long street filled with bookstores and outdoor book stalls.
The Safafeer copper market is also one of the most popular markets, which is famous for producing various copper collectables and artifacts.
Grand Festivities square is the main square for public celebrations in Baghdad.The square is home to three important public monuments
It includes the biggest and one of the most visited landmark in Baghdad Al-Shaheed Monument.Al-Shaheed was built as part of a broader Ba'athist government program to erect a number of public works intended to beautify Baghdad. The other 2 monuments are the Victory Arch and the monument of the unknown soldier.
Firdos Square is an other importan square. It is named after the Persian word Firdows, which means "paradise". The 14 Ramadan Mosque and two of the best-known hotels in Baghdad, the Palestine Hotel and the Sheraton Ishtar hotel, are located on the Firdos Square.
Al Mustansiriya School is located in the middle of Baghdad.
Abu Hanifa Mosque is one of the most prominent Sunni mosques in northern Baghdad.
Al-Kadhimiya Mosque which contains the tombs of the seventh and ninth Shia Imams, is also located in Northern Baghdad.
Baghdad is the birthplace of the famous folklore of Arabian nights.The statues of famous characters of Arabian nights are located on important city points.
Baghdad Central Station is the main train station in Baghdad. It links the rail network to the south and the north of Iraq.
Baghdad International Airport, previously Saddam International Airport is Iraq's largest international airport.
Samoon is a type of yeast bread that is consumed mainly in Iraq.These breads are usually served with a variety of foods such as hummus, kebab, and shawarma.
Baghdad prides itself of making the best masgouf consisting of seasoned, grilled river fish;,and is considered the national dish of Iraq.
Kleicha is a traditional dates filled cookie that's prepared for Eid, weddings, or birthdays.
Football is the most popular sport and hobby .Al Shaab and Al shohada are the main Stadiums in Baghdad.
Although Baghdad is the second largest city in the Arab world after Cairo.But religious tourism is the most popular type of tourism.
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