15 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN IRAQ

Best Places to Visit in Iraq

Iraq is not exactly a tourist spot. Muslims go there for pilgrimage reasons but other than that, travelers stay away from the country. Let’s just say it as it is – people are afraid to go there because of misconceptions in the news – about how dangerous it is and how violent the streets of Iraq can be for foreigners. The truth is that it’s mostly bad publicity but if you do feel adventurous, then give it a try and be sure to use our Iraq travel guide as a starter.

1. National Museum of Iraq

National Museum of Iraq is the most famous landmark in all of Iraq. Baghdad Museum or Iraq Museum is home to ancient and significant relics from Mesopotamia. It has been robbed several times due to the Iraqi wars but at least some of the stolen artifacts have been returned thanks to the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and UNESCO. Due to this, the museum was not formally launched until February 2015 with 6,000 items on display as opposed to the original 15,000 artifacts. It is one of the best places to visit in Iraq.

2. Ziggurat of Ur

UNESCO included the Ziggurat of Ur in The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities. It is the second-most visited attraction in the country as it is very old – it is in Dhi Qar which used to be Mesopotamia. It has been said that the Great Ziggurat was established more than 4,000 years ago. It was built by King Ur-Nammu during the 3rd Ur Dynasty and it has been continually repaired over the centuries just to preserve its historic value.

3. Al-Shaheed Monument

The Al-Shaheed Monument in Baghdad is a reminder of the Iran-Iraq War. It was designed by Ismail Fatah Al Turk and Saman Kamal and it was founded in 1983. They also call it the Martyr’s Memorial since the whole structure was devoted to the Iraqi soldier that died during the conflict.

The memorial monument is the masterpiece of the artificial lake around it and once a year, every December 1st, people of Iraq remember the fallen by wearing a badge with the Al-Shaheed on it and a red rose at the middle. Words of Saddam Hussein were inscribed – “The Martyrs are better than all of us.”

4. Baghdadi Museum

The Baghdadi Museum is a history museum which displays the history of Iraq through life sized and human looking dolls. The place demonstrates 70 sections all in all where you will see the way of life in Iran – folk villages, trading activities, people with different lines of work, old traditions, and street living. This structure is near River Tigris which is a natural attraction in Iraq.

The museum had to be renovated and was opened again for public viewing in 2008 because it was gravely destroyed during the 2003 war. One of the places to visit in Iraq is this historic museum.

5. Baghdad Zoo

The Baghdad Zoo is a very popular tourist attraction in the country. It was even more famous back then, before the Iraqi war erupted. There were at least 650 animals in the zoo. They also suffered in the war and just 5% of the animals remained at the end.

But enough with the sad stories – the Baghdad Zoo, also known as Al-Zawraa Zoo, was renewed in 2003 and it now has 1,070 animals. Its most famous residents are Hope and Riley, Bengali tigers which were gifts from the US.

6. Hatra

Another place in Iraq that locals and foreigners frequent to is the Old City of Hatra. UNESCO inscribed it as Hatra in 1985 with level ii, ii, iv and vi. The ancient city is located at Al Jazira. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant showed a video in 2015 and they were destroying of what remained in Hatra because they believed that it was not an Islamic structure. UNESCO AND ISESCO referred to their action as vicious and contemptuous of Arabic culture and heritage.

7. Great Mosque of Samarra

The Great Mosque of Samarra was once the largest mosque in the whole world. There’s a mosque at the base of the structure with a spiral cone going up the minaret or tower and it is a sight to see. One of the places to visit in Iraq is this great mosque because the structure in itself is a work of art. It must be marveled upon. UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site in 2007. Actually, UNESCO included the whole site where the mosque is located and they inscribed it as Samarra Archaeological City.

8. Imam Hussain Shrine

The Shrine of Imam Hussain ibn Ali or the Imam Hussain Shrine is in Karbala. Hussain Ibn Ali is the son of Ali ibn Abi Talib so naturally, Hussain is the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. He is a Shia Islam believer and was the third Imam of Shia. The shrine symbolizes his final resting place and it is one of the most visited attractions in Iraq. It is also a part of the pilgrimage visits done by many Shia Muslims in the whole world.

9. Assur

Assur or as UNESCO inscribed it, Ashur (Qal’at Sherqat), is a World Heritage Site as of 2003 with level iii and iv criteria. It is a 70-hectare archaeological ruins which used to be an ancient Assyrian city 3,000 years ago. There were evidences retrieved from the site that Assur was the center of trade back then until the Babylonians devastated the whole area. It was restored and reused by the Parthian rules in the 1st and 2nd century.

10. Imam Ali Mosque

Imam Ali Mosque, Masjid Ali or Imam Ali Holy Shrine is a Shia-affiliated mosque located in Najaf. This is considered a sacred place for those who believe in Islam as many of their pilgrims visit the mosque for prayers. There is a shrine within the mosque as a tribute to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the son in law of Prophet Muhammad. It was created by ‘Adud al-Dawla in 977 AD and over the years, restored and renovated by Kings of Iran like Seljuk Malik Shah I and Safavid Shah Ismail I, after him.

11. Erbil Citadel

The Erbil Citadel in Kurdistan is a partially ruined site which is still being utilized to this day. It is like a fort and is believed to have been erected some 8,000 years ago. UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site last 2014 with a level iv criteria. Not many people live in the area today since most everyone has fled to better residential sites and it is in the process of being restored. You can tour the citadel though and there is a display there called the Kurdish Textile Museum – it is one of the best places to visit in Iraq.

12. Hanging Gardens of Babylon

If this still existed today and was well-preserved, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon would have been one of the greatest structures in the history of the world. But sadly, all that’s left of it is the ruins – an earthquake destroyed this once beautiful structure. UNESCO is still verifying facts about Babylon through the submission of the Ministry of Culture and today, it is in the tentative list. There is a site in Iraq to which many believe is where the hanging gardens used to be located.

13. The Site of Thilkifl

Like the Wadi Cemetery, the Site of Thilkifl is in the tentative list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Thilkifl or Prophet Isikel, for the Muslims, is also a Jewish prophet and the whole area is composed of Prophet Isikel’s Shrine, a mosque, minaret, markets from the Ottoman periods and Khans. Khans are lodging homes and within the site, the have the Khan Assayf (East part), the Khan Quraysh (North part which also has a courtyard), the Khan Attamr (West part) and the Khan Addibs (South part).

14. Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery in Najaf

The Permanent Delegation of Iraq to UNESCO submitted the Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery in Najaf as a potential World Heritage Site. As of today, it is in the tentative list and awaiting review. The delegation wanted it recognized as such for the very reason of its universal value and historic significance. This is the cemetery of millions of Muslims – the prophets of Allah have been buried here like Ali ibn Abi Talib, the husband of Fatimah Zahra, the dearest daughter of Prophet Muhammad. Prophets Salh and Hod rests here as well. This is one of the best places to visit in Iraq.

15. The Ahwar of Southern Iraq

The Ahwar of Southern Iraq is a World Heritage Site which is composed of many areas – UNESCO calls it Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities. The whole Ahwar is composed of three archaeological ruins and four wetlands. The ruins are called the Ur (which will be detailed later on as it is one of the most popular attractions in Iraq), the Uruk and the Tell Eridu. These sites were built more than 2016 years ago.

15 THINGS TO DO IN INDIA

Best Things to Do in India

It may be a third world country but India is indeed a tourist hub. The country is not about fancy beach resorts or nature reserves. What it offers to their visitors is a chance to witness the most breathtaking architectural sites ever built by man and these sites are hundreds of years old. One of the sites just celebrated it millennium birthday! It is truly amazing! Anyway, we have compiled an India travel guide so that you won’t miss the best spots to see in the country.

1. Taj Mahal

One of the things to do in India is to visit the Taj Mahal. It is not just a popular tourist site in the country. The whole world knows the name TAJ MAHAL but are you aware of what it really means and why it was built? Taj Mahal is in fact a mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the most favorite wife of Mughal leader Shah Jahan. When his wife passed away, he wanted her to have the most exquisite resting place in the world and this was the Taj Mahal. UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site.

2. Ganges

The Ganges River is a natural attraction and one of the most famous tourist spots in India. The locals also call it Ganga and it spreads along India and Bangladesh. The river is 2,525 kilometers or 1,569 miles long.

It is a blessing to the residents along the banks of the river because most of them are poverty-stricken and depend on the river for their daily needs. They bathe there, do their laundry there and even get their food in the river. Now, isn’t Ganges truly a gift for the people of India?

3. Amer Palace

The Amer Palace is also referred to as the Amer Fort or Amber Fort. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is included in the Hill Forts of Rajasthan inscription at Level ii and iii criteria. The fort and the palace were built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century and the raw materials used were red sandstone and white marble. It has four courtyards with different gates. You have to spare one day to look around and explore Amer Palace.

4. Humayun’s Tomb

The top four tourist attraction in India is Humayun’s Tomb. Humayun is a Mughal ruler back in 1530 and to honor his life, he was built a tomb upon his death by Architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyath through the wishes of Akbar, another Mughal King and the son of Humayun. The place is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the monument was heavily restored since 1993. As of this moment, the tomb is completely reestablished and it is open for public visits.

5. Harmandir Sahib

You may marvel at modern structures in first world countries and find it as excellent architectural designs. But there is nothing like Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple of Panjab, India. It is in the UNESCO tentative list of sites and is one of the most visited attractions in the country.

People from all over the world are invited to pray and worship inside the Harmandir Sahib because it is the ultimate reason for its establishment – no matter what religion you are, you can pray to the one and only God of your faith in this non-sectarian and universal place of worship. It was reported that at least 100,000 people visit the place every single day. Go inside the building and pray in Harmandir Sahib – this is one of the best things to do in India.

6. Qutb Minar

Qutb Minar is a minaret – a minaret is a slender and really tall tower with a small terrace at the top which is usually used by Muslims who call the Azan or prayer. It is the highest minaret in the whole world at 72.5 meters. UNESCO recognized it as a Level iv criterion cultural site and it was built in 1200 by Qutb al-Din Aibak. After 20 years, Iltutmish, his son in law and inheritor added more floors to the tower using red sandstone. But in 1369, the top of the tower was devastated by lightning. This prompted Firoz Shah Tughlaq to repair the damaged minaret.

7. Akshardham

Akshardham is located at New Delhi and it is comprised of a complex with a temple therein. Within the complex, there is a performance of the Abhisheka – it is a Sanskrit word which means a ritual for religious reasons. There is also a water show called the Sahaj Anand and some exhibitions too. The exhibitions included an IMAX film about the life of Swaminarayan. There is also a culture-filled boat trip and a Hall of Values display known as the Sahajanand Darshan.

8. The Red Fort

The Red Fort was also mentioned in the UNESCO World Heritage Site website and they called it a “new level of refinement”. The walls of the fort were made of red sandstone and it was really massive. The architect behind it was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri and the Red Fort was constructed in 1648. Inside the fort you will find the Chawari Bazar, the Lahori Gate, the Delhi Gate, the Water Gate, the Chhatta Chowk (imperial jewelry were displayed here), Moti Masjid and a lot more buildings. You have to visit the fort because it is one of the great things to do in India.

9. Agra Fort

The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the cultural list which can be found in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The Mughal Empire had it “built” in the 11th century because they claimed it to be their achievement. But there were stories regarding the construction of this World Heritage Site. It is believed that the Lodi Dynasty rulers were the ones responsible for the establishment of the fort and that the Mughal rulers seized it and made it as their own.

10. City Palace, Jaipur

One of the things to do in India is to go to the city palace. The City Palace of Jaipur is part of the UNESCO tentative list. Being part of the tentative list means that the property is not yet a World Heritage site but it is up for nomination once it passes the standards of UNESCO.

The Jaipur City Palace is a tourist spot. It is not just one palace but a collection of palaces and buildings in one big complex. The Chandra Mahal and the Mubarak Mahal are located in the City Palace, among other structures. It was constructed in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and the architectural style was adapted through a mix of European Mughal and Indian Shilpa Shastra.

11. Chittor Fort

Chittor Fort is the just one of the six forts in India which is a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The forts were inscribed in 2013 as Hill Forts of Rajasthan and it included Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, Jaipur, and Jaisalmer. It’s been there since the 7th century and was managed by the Mewar Empire, at that time. Today, writers and poets visit the forts and find inspiration in the ancient walls for their creative writing.

12. Brihadisvara Temple

India is full of structures which are not just scenic; some are so important to culture and history that UNESCO has seen its value. Brihadisvara Temple is one of those buildings and it is now a World Heritage Site. UNESCO included it under the inscription Great Living Chola Temples. There were three temples in the list and all were built during the Chola dynasty in the 11th century. The Brihadisvara Temple is the biggest place of worship in India and is currently 1,006 years old.

13. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

If you want to visit another landmark in India, the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a worthy addition to your bucket list. The attraction is a Sikh-type of architectural building – yes, it is a place of worship associated with Sikhism. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion and they believe that there is only one creator which believers have to be faithful to. Anyway, it existed since 1664 and has undergone various repairs and renovations just to preserve its value.

14. India Gate

The India Gate is another monument in the country. They used to call it the All India War Memorial to honor the fallen soldiers who died in the First World War. About 82,000 Indian Army soldiers died during the war and 13,300 names were remembered and engraved on the gate.

The structure was revealed to the public in 1931 but it was slowly constructed ten years prior to the inauguration. It was styled according to the Arc de Triomphe monument in France.

15. Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal, in English means Palace of the Breeze. The palace was constructed through the initiative of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 so that the members of the royal household can take a peek during festival season and see what happens on the streets. The structure is grand and beautiful which is why it is a tourist attraction in the country. You have to visit the place since it is one of the things to do in India.

15 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN QATAR

Great Things to Do in Qatar

It may not appeal to you in an instant but Qatar is one of the countries in Middle East which deserves to be visited at least once in your lifetime. Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is one of the richest cities in the whole world. It also has the most beautiful skyscrapers which look so unique and different – but a good different. There are so many great things to do in Qatar if you’re a tourist and this Qatar travel guide will help you plan your itinerary.

1. Museum of Islamic Art, Doha

Museum of Islamic Art, Doha is the first museum featuring historical and cultural Islamic art in the whole Persian region. The main museum is five storeys tall which safeguard ancient scripts, fabrics, woodworks, jewelry, old money and more. These ancient collections have come from the 7th century until the 19th century. If you want to join the free tours, you can walk in on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2pm. Dress decently, just a reminder, especially for those who are not familiar with Islamic beliefs.

2. Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Qatar. The term tourist doesn’t necessarily mean that the visitors are from other nations. Qatari residents from other cities are also taking a break during holidays and they often head to Souq Waqif.

What is in Souq Waqif that everybody loves so much? For one, there are many Shisha lounges in the area. Two, the shops there sell original Qatari garments, herbs and spices and a lot more. Lastly, the spring festival (April 10-17) is so much fun!

3. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

The Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is the only museum in the whole world which showcases works of art with a modern Arab twist. The word mathaf means museum and right now, The Mathaf contains at least 6,300 words of art as collected since the 19th century up to the present. The museum was opened in 2010 through the initiative of Emir Mohamed bin Ali Al Thani, a patron and an artist himself. His passion and main goal was to establish Arab art in the modern times through education.

4. The Pearl-Qatar

The Pearl-Qatar is a little city with at least 12,000 residents in Doha, Qatar. The island is man-made and several foreigners live within the area. The goal of the developers is to create thirteen islands with residential buildings good for at least 45,000 people by 2018. Of course, it won’t be a tourist spot without the commercial establishments. As for now, it serves as a tourist attraction and it is one of the most visited places in the country by both locals and travelers.

5. Doha Corniche

Doha Corniche is like a boulevard which is shaped like a horseshoe on Doha Bay. You will find the best-looking building structures in all of Qatar right here. It’s like a city by the bay. One of the things to do in Qatar is to jog in Doha Corniche. Some love to do some leisure walks or they just marvel at the beautiful bay while sitting down on the ledge during sunset. It is so peaceful there in Doha Corniche – leave your bag and people will call the police so that it will be returned to you without a scratch!

6. Khor Al Udaid

Khor Al Udaid is a two in one tourist attraction – it is a beach with sand dunes ready for bashing. The tallest sand dune in Khor Al Udaid is 40 meters and that’s enormous. How thrilling it would be to strap in a jeep or a truck and trek the roller coaster type of sand dune ride.

After the exciting ride, you and your travel companions can go to the white sand beach and just relax. If you love to take hikes, the area is full of unique flora and fauna.

7. Aspire Park

Aspire Park is one of the premier parks in Qatar and a famous tourist attraction, as well. One you get there, what you will see is all green. Green grass, green trees, and green plants and no, not green people. It’s just a nature park where families can go for a picnic and relax. Qatar is a desert region and “green” parks are not common in these parts but it is very refreshing indeed to be in one!

8. Al Koot Fort

Al Koot Fort or Doha Fort used to be a military fortification in Doha. The structure was founded in 19th century and before it became a fort, the area was a police station. Today, Al Koot Fort also functions as a museum. Be sure to visit the fort from Sundays to Thursday at these times, 9am to 12nn and 4pm to 7pm. There’s no need to bring cash as entrance fee because it is free of charge for everyone, resident, citizen or tourist. There are other attractions near the fort which you may want to visit too.

9. Aqua Park Qatar

The Aqua Park Qatar is Qatar’s very own water amusement park. It is located in Abu Nakhla and can accommodate at most three thousand guests in a day. Of course, like any modern day aqua themed park, it has a huge wave pool and an activity pool too. It also has an interesting village waiting to be explored plus a massive shopping arcade for your retail needs. Spending a day in this park is one of the things to do in Qatar.

10. Katara Cultural Village

The Katara Cultural Village is also referred to as the Valley of Cultures and if you are a traveler who loves to explore history, culture, tradition, art and architectural designs of other countries, then, this is the place for you. There are many structures within the village which include the Qatar Fine Arts Society, Qatar Music Academy and Theatre Society and the Childhood Cultural Centre, among others. They also have international restaurants within the complex which serve Armenian food, Egyptian delicacies, Turkish dishes and Indian menu.

11. Al Wakrah Heritage Village

Since its soft opening last February 16, 2016, Al Wakrah Heritage Village has become one of the most visited places in Al Wakrah. The area is actually a complex with various shops, cafés, restaurants, and more. But the unique thing about Al Wakrah Heritage Village is that every store and shop in the complex is like something out of a historical museum – the structure is old and traditional Qatari providing modern goods and services. It’s a breath of fresh air, actually.

12. Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack

The Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack is not just a tourist spot. Many of the locals in Qatar spend their leisure time in Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack because camel racing is considered a sport. In fact, they term camel racing as the Sport of the Sheik’s and now, even if you’re not a Sheik, you can enjoy being part of the race!

From the city center, you have to travel for sixty minutes just to get to the track. Be ready to splurge some cash here if you are participating. It is after all an elite type of sport.

13. Doha Film City

Do you want to see how an ancient Arabic village looks like? Well, you can always check out Doha Film City in RasAbrouq. It displays a recreation of how an old city village during the Islamic days looks like. The area has no inhabitants at all and it is purely for tourist attraction purposes only. Actually, there were gossips that the Film City will be used for a Hollywood movie, an Arabic film or the 2022 World Cup advertisement. Whatever the real reason is for making this replica city, to visit the attraction is one of the things to do in Qatar.

14. Sealine Beach, a Murwab Resort

Sealine Beach is a family friendly resort located at Mesaieed, Qatar. It is an all-around resort which many amenities and facilities. You can also choose which rooms you can stay at according to you budget. The great thing about Sealine Beach Resort is that it is in front of the beach. Guests can always swim there and bask under the sun or choose to do the many activities available. You can ask for Jet Ski rentals, banana boat and fly board too. If you want sand activities, you can explore the dunes; try to ride a camel or a horse.

15. Doha Zoo

The Doha Zoo used to be one of the most famous attractions in Qatar. At this time, it is temporarily closed for public visits but it is expected to open in 2017 and it will be bigger and better. Reports say that the new Doha Zoo will be seven times larger than the old zoo and that it will be made into a Safari Park. It is also expected for the park to shelter at least 3,000 animals and currently, animals in the old zoo are giving birth which will add to the numbers. The reopening of this zoo in 2017 is definitely something which must not be missed.