Cheap Flights to Iraq
Iraq is a Middle Eastern country that shares its borders with Turkey in the north, Kuwait and the Persian Gulf in the southeast, Iran in the east, Saudi Arabia in the south, Syria in the west, and Jordan in the southwest. More often than not, the country is seen as a conflict zone. However, what people fail to appreciate is its intriguing birdlife, turquoise waters, shimmering oases, stunning cityscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and fertile valleys. The glorious past of the country has always witnessed a bunch of adventurous globetrotters catching flights to Iraq. Despite the continuous violence Iraq has gone through, tourism has gained momentum in the country intermittently.
Iraq enjoys a very eclectic climate where summers are very dry and hot but it’s relatively cold in the area of mountains in the east and north. When it comes to winters, they are mild with a bit of rain in southern and central Iraq but chilled in the north. It varies from individual to individual the time of the year they prefer depending on the weather they want to enjoy. Iraq offers plenty of things for tourists to indulge in. Whether you choose to appreciate the sumptuous Al-Kadhimiya Mosque, be awestruck by the impressive Islamic architecture of Karbala, go cruising through the Marshes, explore the attractive canals of Basra, or shop to your heart’s content in Baghdad Bazaars – you can rest assured to have a whale of a time in Iraq.
Best Places to Visit in Iraq
Citadel of Erbil
– Located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the Citadel of Erbil is one of the oldest urban centres that has been continuously inhabited since its existence. Locally referred to as Qelat, the history of the citadel dates back to more than 6,000 years. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that takes pride in featuring the striking combination of historical culture and marvellous architecture. Tourists take delight in exploring narrow streets, historic landmarks, and traditional houses settled within its walls. The Archaeological Museum is the major highlight of the site which exhibits artefacts from several eras. Also, the sweeping vistas of Erbil from the hilltop of the citadel are unmissable.
Holy Shrine of Imam Hossain
Located in Karbala, the Holy Shrine of Imam Hossain is one of the holiest places in Shia Islam. Honouring the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, Imam Hussein ibn Ali who was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, the shrine draws millions of devoted Shia Muslims. The complex of the shrine features an embellished old-domed mausoleum that’s enclosed by an expansive courtyard and several smaller shrines. The holy shrine is visited by pilgrims throughout the year, especially during the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage. The shrine is certainly a site of utmost religious significance, spiritual reflection, and cultural importance in Iraq.
Great Ziggurat of Ur
Settled in the proximity of Nasiriyah in southern Iraq, the Great Ziggurat of Ur is an ancient architectural wonder that dates back to the 21st century BC. It is indubitably one of the best-preserved ziggurats of Mesopotamia, a stepped pyramid-like structure constructed by the Sumerians. Standing tall at a height of approximately 64 feet and comprising three terraces, the Great Ziggurat of Ur was dedicated to the moon god Nanna. Visitors enjoy exploring this historical site and mounting its terraces for panoramic vistas of the neighbouring desert landscape. This revered spot is a testament to the state-of-the-art engineering and religious importance of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations, making it an enchanting attraction for many, especially history enthusiasts.