Baghdad

Baghdad, the capital of Iraq and one of the world's most storied cities, is situated on the Tigris River in the nation's heartland. Founded in 762 AD by Caliph al-Mansur of the Abbasid Dynasty, it was originally designed as a circular city ('The Round City') and served as the premier center of the Islamic Golden Age. During this era, Baghdad was the global hub for science, philosophy, and trade, anchored by the legendary House of Wisdom. Today, it is a sprawling metropolis of over 7 million people, acting as the political, financial, and cultural nerve center of modern Iraq. The city's layout is split by the Tigris into the western Karkh and eastern Rusafa districts, connected by several strategic bridges. Economically, Baghdad is the cornerstone of the Iraqi economy, hosting major industries, the national stock exchange, and the headquarters of international organizations. Culturally, it remains a beacon of the Arab world; Mutanabbi Street serves as the historic center of the book trade and intellectual discourse. The National Museum of Iraq houses one of the world's most significant collections of Mesopotamian antiquities, showcasing the legacy of the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. Architectural landmarks include the golden-domed Al-Kadhimiya Mosque and the historic Al-Mustansiriyya Madrasa, one of the oldest degree-granting institutions in the world. Despite decades of conflict, the city is undergoing a period of revitalization, with significant investments in infrastructure, public parks, and commercial districts. Education is central to the city's identity, led by the University of Baghdad and Mustansiriyah University. The demographic makeup of Baghdad is a mosaic of Iraq's diverse ethnic and religious groups, contributing to a rich social fabric. As the seat of the Iraqi government, Baghdad continues to play a pivotal role in regional diplomacy and the global oil market. The city's enduring spirit is reflected in its bustling markets, riverside cafes, and the continuous effort to preserve its magnificent history while building a functional 21st-century capital.

Nearby cities

Abu Ghraib

A suburb west of Baghdad, located in the Baghdad Governorate.

History & landmarks

Baghdad Tower

A prominent television tower in Baghdad originally built in the 1990s, featuring an observation deck.

Abu Hanifa Mosque

A major Sunni mosque in Baghdad, built around the tomb of the prominent Islamic legal scholar Abu Hanifa.

Al-Kadhimiya Mosque

An important Islamic shrine in Baghdad containing the tombs of the seventh and ninth Twelver Shia Imams.

Nature

Tigris

The Tigris is one of the two great rivers of Mesopotamia, flowing through the center of Iraq.

More places

Baghdad Zoo

The largest zoo in Iraq, located in Al-Zawraa Park, offering families a variety of native and exotic animals.

Al-Zawraa Park

A spacious public park in Baghdad featuring green areas, an amusement park, and a stadium.

Monument to the Unknown Soldier

A monumental structure in Baghdad representing a traditional shield, dedicated to the soldiers who died in war.

Victory Arch

A pair of massive triumphal arches shaped like crossed swords in Baghdad, commemorating the Iran-Iraq War.

Al-Mustansiriya University

One of the oldest university buildings in the world, serving as an intellectual center during Baghdad prime.

Al-Qishla

A historic Ottoman building in Baghdad featuring a characteristic clock tower erected in the 19th century.

Al-Mutanabbi Street

A historic street in Baghdad known for its many bookstores and as a cultural center of Iraq.

Abbasid Palace

One of the few remaining historic buildings in Baghdad from the Abbasid era, featuring impressive brickwork architecture.