9 Best Places To Visit in Iraq Before You Die

What are some of the best places to visit in Iraq Before you die? I’m sure many would like to know what might be here hidden in this Middle Eastern country. Many might be thinking that going to Iraq isn’t a possibility, it’s not safe, or there’s nothing to see. However this is not really true, and you will see why.

You may see more people flocking to the best places to visit in Thailand before you die , but there are many less traveled places that are equally as nice. In terms of safety for Iraq, there might need to be some precaution taken in certain areas, and situations. Try to stay on a path that’s more traveled rather than wandering off too far. Always check the international relations and current events happening in a country before visiting. Take your regular safety precautions, and when you’re all set, get ready to see the mysterious and ancient sites waiting for you here.

Rawpixel/Shutterstock.com

Rawpixel/Shutterstock.com

There are quite a few notable places to visit in Iraq before you die. Many are ancient sites and ruins, some even hold the burial sight of very important and prominent figures in history. There are museums of interest for their incredibly unique displays, and natural wonders aplenty. It’s time to see Iraq and see what magic you can uncover here…

 

9. National Museum of Iraq

The collection that is on display is perhaps some of the most important of the world. The Mesopotamian riches stored here date back to over 5,000 years ago and are beautifully displayed in over 20 galleries. There are stone carving dating to 3500 BCE, and Nirum gold adorned with the most ancient precious stones.

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8. Baghdadi Museum

This interesting museum isn’t like others you have been to. They use life-size models of local people to depict around 70 different scenes in Iraqi history, of their customs, and local trades and crafts.


7. Wadi-us-Salaam

You might not guess it from far away, but as you approach it closer, you might get a bit more creeped out. Here lies one of the largest cemeteries in the world, and the largest Islamic one. Great profits were lied to rest here and the cemetery is located alongside the Holy Tomb of Hazrat Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib.

thomas koch / Shutterstock.com

thomas koch / Shutterstock.com

 

6. Zawa Mountain

To get some great views of the neighboring towns and villages, clammer your way up Zawa Mountain and get some nice panoramas.


5. Great Mosque Samarra

This is the former largest mosque on earth. The spiral design is quite mesmerizing and is its only remains. You can imagine this marvelous structure being the center of the grand mosque. Around the 11th century the mosque was destroyed and abandoned. Today it lives through the people that wander its once former glorious site.

 wong yu liang/Shutterstock.com

wong yu liang/Shutterstock.com

 

4. Masjid Ali

Also known as Imam Ali Mosque, the Shia followers, adding up to millions, revere this site. It’s their third holiest and is said to boast the remains of the first Imam.


3. Hatra

A fortified city once under the Parthian Empire is located here in the middle of the desert, and has stood against time dating back to 100s AD. This was the capital of the national Arab Kingdom,  and The Romans tried to bring it down, but the structure was much too strong. The architecture is certainly something to admire.

 

2. Grand Bazaar

Sulaymaniyah’s massive bazaar will take you a half a day and that’s if you don’t get lost, which you totally will. Getting lost has never been so fun though. Random trinkets to bring home to sweets to fresh produce can be found here. Take in the aroma of the spices, watch out for the chickens, and grab a bite to eat on Mawlawi St. To get your dose of solitude and get away from the craziness, make an escape for the nearby Goyke Mountains.


And, the best place to visit in Iraq before you die is: The Great Ziggurat of Ur

The ancient Sumerian city dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, had this magnificent building in it, and now it’s all that is left. The exact height of this grand structure is unknown since only its base is what you see. The deity of the city was said to be Nanna, the moon god, and this temple was made in her honor.

Everett Historical/Shutterstock.com

Everett Historical/Shutterstock.com

Here are some  places to visit in Iraq before you die,  but we know there are plenty of more secrets waiting to be uncovered.