Plizio Visual Lab
Mosul Woods
The Mosul Woods, known locally as Al-Ghabat, form a 400-hectare forested area on the eastern bank of the Tigris River in the city of Mosul. The afforestation project began in the 1950s, primarily involving the planting of eucalyptus and pine species to halt soil erosion and improve the microclimate. Prior to 2014, the area hosted numerous restaurants, swimming pools, and equestrian clubs. However, during the ISIS occupation between 2014 and 2017, an estimated 60 percent of the trees were destroyed by extensive logging and fires, and the infrastructure suffered massive damage. Beginning in 2018, city authorities launched a reconstruction program in cooperation with international NGOs, resulting in the planting of over 100,000 new saplings by 2021. The internal road network within the forest was resurfaced over an eight-kilometer stretch. Today, the area is once again highly popular, attracting large numbers of visitors, particularly on Fridays.
- Location: Iraq
- Top sights: Woods area · The crown hall of princesses · City Garden
- Nearby: Amadiya (71 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 8 | 13 | 18 | 25 | 31 | 35 | 35 | 30 | 23 | 14 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 47 | 42 | 54 | 47 | 19 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 21 | 32 | 47 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The afforestation project on the banks of the Tigris was initiated in the 1950s.
- The original extent of the forested area covered approximately 400 hectares.
- Between 2014 and 2017, around 60 percent of the former tree population was destroyed.
- Following 2018, over 100,000 new trees were planted during the reforestation efforts.
- The internal road and path network received new asphalt over a length of 8 kilometers.
- The plantations largely consist of heat-resistant eucalyptus and pine species.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Mosul Woods (12)
Mosul Heritage Foundation🏛 museum
The Mosul Heritage Foundation is a museum dedicated to preserving local culture in mosul-woods-life-v2.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the Mosul Woods?
Can you go out to eat there?
Is the area safe after the war?
What is the best season to visit?
Are there parking spaces there?
Mosul Woods: where is it located?
Mosul Woods: what is there to see?
Mosul Woods: when is the best time to visit?
Mosul Woods: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
