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[[File:Babylon Walls.jpg|thumb|[[Babylon]] was inscribed by [[UNESCO]] as a World Heritage site and receives thousands of visitors each year.]]
[[File:Hawler Castle.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Aerial view of [[Erbil Citadel]]]]
{{Short description|none}}
'''Tourism in Iraq''' refers to tourism in the [[Western Asia]]n country [[Iraq]]. The capital city [[Baghdad]] is the second largest city in the [[Arab world]] after [[Cairo]]. Iraq has several Islamic pilgrimage sites related to [[Shia Islam]]. Iraq is considered to be a potential location for [[ecotourism]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/10000817/Iraq-the-worlds-next-big-eco-tourism-destination.html |title=Iraq: the world's next big eco-tourism destination? |publisher=Telegraph |date= |accessdate=2015-11-18}}</ref> [[Erbil]] was chosen as "Arab Tourism Capital" in 2014 by the Arab Tourism Committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euromonitor.com/travel-and-tourism-in-iraq/report |title=Travel and Tourism in Iraq |publisher=Euromonitor.com |date= |accessdate=2015-11-18}}</ref> Yet, the cities of Karbala and Najaf are the most popular tourist destinations in Iraq due to the location of religious sites in the country.
[[File:Hawler Castle.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of [[Erbil Citadel]]|alt=]]
'''Tourism in Iraq''' refers to tourism in the [[Western Asia]]n country of [[Iraq]]. Iraq was one of the main destinations for many years, however this changed dramatically due to conflicts. Tourism in Iraq has faced many challenges, however, in recent years there have been improvements. The capital city [[Baghdad]] is the second largest city in the [[Arab world]] and the 4th largest in the Middle East. Iraq has [[List of World Heritage Sites in Iraq|several World Heritage Sites]], dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, most notably [[Babylon]] Iraq. Iraq is considered to be a potential location for [[ecotourism]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/10000817/Iraq-the-worlds-next-big-eco-tourism-destination.html |title=Iraq: the world's next big eco-tourism destination? |newspaper=Telegraph |access-date=2015-11-18}}</ref> [[Erbil]] was chosen as "Arab Tourism Capital" in 2014 by the Arab Tourism Committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euromonitor.com/travel-and-tourism-in-iraq/report |title=Travel and Tourism in Iraq |publisher=Euromonitor.com |access-date=2015-11-18}}</ref>


== World Heritage Sites ==
==Religious Tourism==
{{Legend|#FFE6BD|† In danger|outline=silver}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! scope="col" style="width:15%;" |Site
! class="unsortable" scope="col" style="width:150px;" |Image
! scope="col" style="width:12.5%;" |Location
! scope="row" style="width:5%;" |[[World Heritage Site#Selection criteria|Criteria]]
! scope="col" style="width:5%;" |Area
[[Hectare|ha]] ([[acre]])
! scope="col" style="width:5%;" |Year
! class="unsortable" scope="col" |Description
|- style="background-color:#FFE6BD"
! scope="row" style="background-color: #FFE6BD" |[[Assur|Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)]]
|[[File:Flickr_-_The_U.S._Army_-_www.Army.mil_(218).jpg|150x150px]]
|<span style="display: none;">Irq</span>[[Saladin Governorate]]<small>{{coord|35|27|32|N|43|15|35|E}}</small>
|Cultural:<span style="display:none;">IrqAsh</span>
(iii)(iv)
|{{convert|70|ha|abbr=values|sortable=on}}
| align="center" |2003
|Located on the [[Tigris]] and dating from the 3rd millennium BCE, Ashur was the first capital of the [[Assyria|Assyrian Empire]] and the religious centre of the Assyrians. Following its destruction by the [[Babylonia|Babylonians]], the city was briefly revived during the [[Parthia|Parthian]] period.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1130|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|accessdate=17 August 2011}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Citadel of Arbil|Erbil Citadel]]
|[[File:Hawler_Castle.jpg|150x150px]]
|<span style="display: none;">Irq</span>[[Erbil Governorate]]<small>{{coord|36|11|28|N|44|00|33|E}}</small>
|Cultural:<span style="display:none;">IrqErb</span>
(iv)
|{{convert|16|ha|abbr=values|sortable=on}}
| align="center" |2014
|Situated on the top of a tell in Iraqi Kurdistan and overlooking the city of [[Erbil]], the Erbil Citadel constitutes a typical example of Ottoman-era urban-planning. In addition to its 19th century fortifications, the site also contains remains dating back to the [[Assyria|Assyrian]] period.<ref>{{cite web|title=Erbil Citadel|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1437|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|accessdate=2 January 2015}}</ref>
|- style="background-color:#FFE6BD"
! scope="row" style="background-color: #FFE6BD" |[[Hatra]]
|[[File:اثار_الحضر.jpg|150x150px]]
|<span style="display: none;">Irq</span>[[Nineveh Governorate]]<small>{{coord|35|35|17|N|42|43|06|E}}</small>
|Cultural:<span style="display:none;">IrqHat</span>
(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)
|{{convert|324|ha|abbr=values|sortable=on}}
| align="center" |1985
|The fortified [[Parthia|Parthian]] city of Hatra withstood repeated attacks by the [[Roman Empire]] in the 2nd century. Its architecture reflects both Hellenistic and Roman influences.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hatra|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/277|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|accessdate=17 August 2011}}</ref>
|- style="background-color:#FFE6BD"
! scope="row" style="background-color: #FFE6BD" |[[Samarra|Samarra Archaeological City]]
|[[File:صوره_في_اجواء_مطريه_للمأذنه_الملويه_في_سامراء_العراق.jpg|150x150px]]
|<span style="display: none;">Irq</span>[[Saladin Governorate]]<small>{{coord|34|20|28|N|43|49|25|E}}</small>
|Cultural:<span style="display:none;">IrqSam</span>
(ii)(iii)(iv)
|{{convert|15058|ha|abbr=values|sortable=on}}
| align="center" |2007
|Located on the [[Tigris]], the Islamic city of Samarra was the capital of the [[Abbasid Caliphate]]. It contains two of the largest mosques and several of the largest palaces in the Islamic world, in addition to being among the finest example of Abbasid-era town-planning.<ref>{{cite web|title=Samarra Archaeological City|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/276|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|accessdate=17 August 2011}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Ahwar of Southern Iraq|The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities]]
|[[File:اهوار_العراق_ليلا.jpg|150x150px]]
|<span style="display: none;">Irq</span><small>{{coord|31|33|44|N|47|39|28|E}}</small>
|Mixed:<span style="display:none;">IrqAhw</span>
(iii)(v)(ix)(x)
|{{convert|211544|ha|abbr=values|sortable=on}}
| align="center" |2016
|Located in southern Iraq, the site contains three cities of [[Sumer|Sumerian]] origin, namely [[Uruk]], [[Ur]] and [[Eridu]], in addition to four wetland areas in the [[Mesopotamian Marshes|Iraqi Marshlands]].<ref name="Ahwar2">{{cite web|title=The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1481|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|accessdate=6 August 2016}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Babylon]]
|[[File:Street in Babylon.jpg|150x150px]]
|[[Babylon Governorate]]
<span style="display: none;">Irq</span><small>{{coord|32|32|11|N|44|25|15|E}}</small>
|Cultural:<span style="display:none;">IrqBab</span>
(iii)(vi)
|{{convert|1054.3|ha|abbr=values|sortable=on}}
| align="center" |2019
|A former capital of [[Hammurabi]], Babylon grew to become the largest settlement in ancient [[Mesopotamia]] during the reign of [[Nebuchadnezzar II]].<ref name="Babylon2">{{cite web|title=Babylon|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/278|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|accessdate=5 July 2019}}</ref>
|}


Additionally, Iraq has sites on the tentative list of UNESCO. The tentative list includes [[Ur]], [[Nimrud]], [[The Ancient City of Nineveh]], [[The Fortress of Al-Ukhaidar]], [[Wasit]], [[The Marshlands of Mesopotamia]], [[The Site of Thilkifl]], [[Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery in Najaf]], [[Amedy city]], Historical Features of the [[Tigris River]] in [[Baghdad Rusafa]]. In addition to these sites, there are must-see places to visit in person in Iraq, like the Iraqi Plastic Society which houses numerous art work demonstrating traditional as well as innovative styles of design.<ref>{{cite web|author=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|title=Iraq - UNESCO World Heritage Centre|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/iq|access-date=2015-11-18|publisher=Whc.unesco.org}}</ref>

== Baghdad ==
[[File:صورة لمدينة بغداد.jpg|thumb|[[Baghdad]]|270x270px]]
Baghdad is the capital of [[Iraq]] and the [[List of largest cities in the Arab world|second-largest city]] in the [[Arab world]]. It is located along the [[Tigris]] near the ruins of the ancient [[Akkadians|Akkadian]] city of [[Babylon]] and the [[Sassanid Empire|Sassanid Persian]] capital of [[Ctesiphon]]. In the eighth century, Baghdad was chosen as the capital of the [[Abbasid Caliphate]], and became its most notable major development project

==Religious tourism==
[[File:Kadhimiya, Baghdad, Iraq - panoramio (10).jpg|thumb|[[Kadhimiya|Al-Kadhimiya Mosque]]]]
[[File:The Monastery of Saint Matthew and its environs 08.jpg|thumb|[[Mor Mattai Monastery]] in [[Nineveh Governorate]]]]
[[File:001123-ImamAliShrine-Najaf-IMG 7707-2.jpg|thumb|[[Imam Ali Shrine]] in Najaf]]
Religious tourism is the most popular type of tourism in Iraq, with tens of millions of tourists from several countries visiting Holy cities and places in Iraq every year. These include:
Religious tourism is the most popular type of tourism in Iraq, with tens of millions of tourists from several countries visiting Holy cities and places in Iraq every year. These include:
* [[Imam Ali Mosque]] in [[Najaf]], with remains of [[Adam]] and [[Noah]] According to Shi'a belief.
* [[Imam Ali Shrine]] in [[Najaf]], with remains of [[Adam]] and [[Noah]] According to Shi'a belief.
* [[Imam Husayn Shrine]] and his brother [[Abbas ibn Ali]] in [[Abbas ibn Ali Shrine]] in [[Karbala]].
* [[Imam Husayn Shrine]] and his brother [[Abbas ibn Ali]] in [[Abbas ibn Ali Shrine]] in [[Karbala]].
* [[Al-Kadhimiya Mosque]] in [[Kadhimiya]] in [[Baghdad]].
* [[Al-Kadhimiya Mosque]] in [[Kadhimiya]] in [[Baghdad]].
* [[Al-Askari Shrine]] in [[Samarra]].
* [[Al-Askari Shrine]] in [[Samarra]].
*[[Imam Dur Mausoleum]], which is the tomb of [[Sharaf al-Dawla Muslim|Sharaf Ad-Dawla]] the [[Uqaylid dynasty|Uqaylid Amir]] in [[Samarra]]
*[[Imam Dur Mausoleum]], which is the tomb of [[Sharaf al-Dawla Muslim|Sharaf Ad-Dawla]] the [[Uqaylid dynasty|Uqaylid Amir]] in [[Samarra]]
*[[Abu Hanifa]]'s Shrine in [[Abu Hanifa Mosque|Abu Hanifa Mosque]], [[Baghdad]].
*[[Abu Hanifa]]'s Shrine in [[Abu Hanifa Mosque]], [[Baghdad]].
* [[Abdul-Qadir Gilani]]'s Shrine in [[Baghdad]].
* [[Abdul-Qadir Gilani]]'s Shrine in [[Baghdad]].
*Shrine of [[Joshua|Al Nabi Yusha (Joshua)]] shrine in Baghdad.
*Shrine of [[Joshua|Al Nabi Yusha (Joshua)]] shrine in [[Baghdad]].
*[[Maruf Karkhi]] Shrine in [[Baghdad]].
*Shrine of [[Junayd of Baghdad|Junaid Baghdadi]] and [[Sirri Saqti]] in [[Baghdad]].
*Shrine of [[Junayd of Baghdad|Junaid Baghdadi]] and [[Sirri Saqti]] in [[Baghdad]].
* [[Salman the Persian]]'s Shrine and Mosque in [[Al-Mada'in]] near [[Baghdad]], which also contains tombs of [[Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman|Hudhaifah Ibn Yaman]], [[Jabir ibn Abd Allah|Jabir Ibn Abd Allah]] and [[Muhammad Ibn Tahir Al Baqir]].
*[[Salman Al-Farsi Mosque]] in [[Al-Mada'in]] near Baghdad, containing tombs of three [[Sahabah]] and a descendant of [[Muhammad]].
*
*[[Kumayl ibn Ziyad]]'s Shrine between [[Najaf]] and [[Kufa]].
*[[Kumayl ibn Ziyad]]'s Shrine between [[Najaf]] and [[Kufa]].
* [[Hani ibn Urwa]], [[Muslim ibn Aqeel]] & [[Mukhtar al-Thaqafi]] Shrines in [[Great Mosque of Kufa]] in [[Kufa]].
* [[Hani ibn Urwa]], [[Muslim ibn Aqeel]] & [[Mukhtar al-Thaqafi]] Shrines in [[Great Mosque of Kufa]] in [[Kufa]]
* [[Al-Sahlah Mosque]] in [[Kufa]].
* [[Al-Sahlah Mosque]] in [[Kufa]].
* [[Talhah]] shrine in [[Basra]].
* [[Talhah]] shrine in [[Basra]].
*[[Zubayr Central Mosque]], contains tombs of [[Zubayr ibn al-Awam|Zubayr Ibn Al Awam]] and [[Utbah ibn Ghazwan]].
* [[Zayd ibn Ali]] Shrine in [[Babil Governorate|Babel]].
* [[Zayd ibn Ali]] Shrine in [[Babil Governorate|Babel]].
* [[Hud (prophet)]] & [[Saleh]] in [[Wadi-us-Salaam]] Cemetery in [[Najaf]].
* [[Hud (prophet)]] & [[Salih]] in [[Wadi-us-Salaam]] Cemetery in [[Najaf]].
* [[Dhul-Kifl]] sanctuary in [[Hilla]].
* [[Dhul-Kifl]] sanctuary in [[Hilla]].
* [[Jonah]], [[Seth]], [[Saint George]] and [[Daniel (biblical figure)|Daniel]] sanctuary in [[Mousel|Mosul]].
* [[Jonah]], [[Seth]], [[Saint George]] and [[Daniel (biblical figure)|Daniel]] sanctuary in [[Mosul]].
* [[Uzair]] sanctuary in [[Amarah]].
* [[Uzair]] sanctuary in [[Amarah]].
*[[Saad Ibn Aqeel Shrine]] in [[Tal Afar]].
*[[Saad Ibn Aqeel Shrine]] in [[Tal Afar]].
*[[Mosque of Arnā’ūt]] in [[Tal Afar]].
*[[Mosque of Arnā’ūt]] in [[Tal Afar]].
*[[Sheikh Jawad Al-Sadiq Mosque]] in [[Tal Afar]].
*[[Sheikh Jawad Al-Sadiq Mosque]] in [[Tal Afar]].
*Shrine and Mosque of [[Daniel (biblical figure)|Daniel]] in Kirkuk
*Shrine and Mosque of [[Daniel (biblical figure)|Daniel]] in Kirkuk.
*[[Mosques and shrines of Mosul|Hamu Al-Qadu mosque]] at [[Mosul]].
*
*[[Mausoleum of Yahya Abu al-Qasim|Mashhad Yahya Abul Kassem]] at [[Mosul]].

*[[Al-Imam Muhsin Mosque|Shrine of Al Muhsin]] at [[Mosul]].
== Well-known cities in religious tourism ==
=== [[Najaf]] ===
Amiralmomenin library established by [[Abdul Hosein Amini]] and tens of personal and public libraries. Traditional mosques which were teaching centers along the history like Al-Hindi mosque, Al-Tusi mosque. [[Great Mosque of Kufa]] where [[Noah's Ark]] stopped.

=== [[Karbala]] ===
Karbala is considered one of the holiest cities in Islam according to Shia Muslims and some Sunni scholars due to the [[Ahl al-Bayt|family members of the Islamic prophet]] that are buried there. It is considered one of the most influential cities in Islam internationally.

=== [[Baghdad]] ===
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq. Gravesites of family members of the prophet Muhammad are also found in Baghdad. In addition, there are many places to visit which will provoke a deep understanding of how Iraq had, and has influenced the rest of the world. Baghdad is a city of continuous growth and rapid changes, yet holds onto its history at the same time.


==Industry==
==Industry==
[[File:Erbil City Tour Bus.jpg|thumb|Erbil City Tour Bus.]]
The number of tourist arrivals in Iraq in 2013 was 892,000. In the last two decades the highest number of tourists came in 2010 with 1,518,000 tourists. In 2012, the value of international tourism receipt was $1.64 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indexmundi.com/facts/iraq/international-tourism |title=Iraq - International tourism |publisher=Indexmundi.com |date= |accessdate=2015-11-18}}</ref> [[Iraqi Kurdistan]], an autonomous region of Iraq, was a hotspot for tourism. It was considered to be a safe and stable region and least affected by terrorism. In 2012, Kurdistan recorded a 70% rise in tourist arrivals. In 2007 Kurdistan had 106 hotels which increased to 405 in 2012 in addition to 214 motels and 50 tourist villages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/business/sectors/tourism/iraqi-kurdistan-records-70-rise-in-tourism-arrivals-1.1066958 |title=Iraqi Kurdistan records 70% rise in tourism arrivals |publisher=GulfNews.com |date=2012-08-28 |accessdate=2015-11-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Newton |first=Jay |url=http://world.time.com/2012/12/31/destination-kurdistan-is-this-autonomous-iraqi-region-a-budding-tourist-hotspot/ |title=Is Iraqi Kurdistan Emerging as a Tourist Hot Spot? &#124; TIME.com |publisher=World.time.com |date=2012-12-31 |accessdate=2015-11-18}}</ref> [[Erbil]] city in Kurdistan which was declared as "Arab Tourism Capital" in 2014. However, as of 2015, activities of the militant group ISIS have affected tourism in Kurdistan. According to the association of hotels, tourism in Kurdistan is going through a crisis. The Governor of Erbil said that the financial crisis of Iraq and the war against ISIS have affected all sectors of the economy including tourism.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/iraqi-kurdistan-tourism-in-tatters-as-is-war-drags-on/news-story/e44ae04a333ba7986d8e2572eb9a58e5 |title=Kurdistan tourism devastated by ISIS Iraq chaos |publisher=News.com.au |date=2015-02-02 |accessdate=2015-11-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://ekurd.net/iraqi-kurdistan-tourism-sector-is-undergoing-its-worst-stages-2015-06-15 |title=Iraqi Kurdistan's tourism sector is undergoing its worst stages: association |publisher=Ekurd.net |date=2015-06-15 |accessdate=2015-11-18}}</ref>
The number of tourist arrivals in Iraq in 2013 was 892,000. In the last two decades the highest number of tourists came in 2010 with 1,518,000 tourists. In 2012, the value of international tourism receipt was $1.64 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indexmundi.com/facts/iraq/international-tourism |title=Iraq - International tourism |publisher=Indexmundi.com |access-date=2015-11-18}}</ref> [[Iraqi Kurdistan]], an autonomous region of Iraq, was a hotspot for tourism. It was considered to be a safe and stable region and least affected by terrorism. In 2012, Kurdistan recorded a 70% rise in tourist arrivals. In 2007 Kurdistan had 106 hotels which increased to 405 in 2012 in addition to 214 motels and 50 tourist villages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/business/sectors/tourism/iraqi-kurdistan-records-70-rise-in-tourism-arrivals-1.1066958 |title=Iraqi Kurdistan records 70% rise in tourism arrivals |publisher=GulfNews.com |date=2012-08-28 |access-date=2015-11-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Newton |first=Jay |url=https://world.time.com/2012/12/31/destination-kurdistan-is-this-autonomous-iraqi-region-a-budding-tourist-hotspot/ |title=Is Iraqi Kurdistan Emerging as a Tourist Hot Spot? |publisher=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=2012-12-31 |access-date=2015-11-18}}</ref> [[Erbil]] city in Kurdistan which was declared as "Arab Tourism Capital" in 2014. However, as of 2015, activities of the militant group ISIS have affected tourism in Kurdistan. According to the association of hotels, tourism in Kurdistan is going through a crisis. The Governor of Erbil said that the financial crisis of Iraq and the war against ISIS have affected all sectors of the economy including tourism.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/iraqi-kurdistan-tourism-in-tatters-as-is-war-drags-on/news-story/e44ae04a333ba7986d8e2572eb9a58e5 |title=Kurdistan tourism devastated by ISIS Iraq chaos |work=News.com.au |date=2015-02-02 |access-date=2015-11-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ekurd.net/iraqi-kurdistan-tourism-sector-is-undergoing-its-worst-stages-2015-06-15 |title=Iraqi Kurdistan's tourism sector is undergoing its worst stages: association |publisher=Ekurd.net |date=2015-06-15 |access-date=2015-11-18}}</ref>

Najaf and Karbala are considered a thriving tourist destination for Shia Muslims and the tourism industry in the city boomed after the end of Saddam Hussein's rule.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/life-style/art-and-culture/2013/04/04/Iraq-s-holy-cities-enjoy-boom-in-religious-tourism.html|title=Iraq’s holy cities enjoy boom in religious tourism|publisher=Al Arabiya|date=4 April 2013}}</ref> However, due to the [[United States sanctions against Iran|US sanctions]] on [[Iran]], the number of Iranian tourists dropped significantly.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/iraq-s-city-of-najaf-suffers-as-iranian-tourist-numbers-drop-1.828312|title=Iraq's city of Najaf suffers as Iranian tourist numbers drop|publisher=The National|date=20 February 2019}}</ref>


==Attractions==
Iraq has four [[World Heritage Site]]s recognised by the [[UNESCO]] as well as eleven additional sites on the tentative list of UNESCO. All of the World Heritage Sites are cultural, which include [[Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)]], [[Erbil Citadel]], [[Hatra]], and [[Samarra Archaeological City]]. The tentative list includes [[Ur]], [[Nimrud]], [[The Ancient City of Nineveh]], [[The Fortress of Al-Ukhaidar]], [[Wasit]], [[Babylon]], [[The Marshlands of Mesopotamia]], [[The Site of Thilkifl]], [[Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery in Najaf]], [[Amedy city]], Historical Features of the [[Tigris River]] in [[Baghdad Rusafa]]. In addition to these sites, there are must-see places to visit in person in Iraq, like the Iraqi Plastic Society which houses numerous art work demonstrating traditional as well as innovative styles of design.<ref>{{cite web|author=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/iq |title=Iraq - UNESCO World Heritage Centre |publisher=Whc.unesco.org |date= |accessdate=2015-11-18}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 55: Line 127:
{{Tourism in Asia}}
{{Tourism in Asia}}


[[Category:Tourism in Iraq]]
[[Category:Tourism in Iraq| ]]
[[Category:Tourism in Asia|Iraq]]

Latest revision as of 08:14, 22 November 2024

Babylon was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and receives thousands of visitors each year.

Aerial view of Erbil Citadel

Tourism in Iraq refers to tourism in the Western Asian country of Iraq. Iraq was one of the main destinations for many years, however this changed dramatically due to conflicts. Tourism in Iraq has faced many challenges, however, in recent years there have been improvements. The capital city Baghdad is the second largest city in the Arab world and the 4th largest in the Middle East. Iraq has several World Heritage Sites, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, most notably Babylon Iraq. Iraq is considered to be a potential location for ecotourism.[1] Erbil was chosen as "Arab Tourism Capital" in 2014 by the Arab Tourism Committee.[2]

World Heritage Sites

[edit]
  † In danger
Site Image Location Criteria Area

ha (acre)

Year Description
Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) IrqSaladin Governorate35°27′32″N 43°15′35″E / 35.45889°N 43.25972°E / 35.45889; 43.25972 Cultural:IrqAsh

(iii)(iv)

70 (170) 2003 Located on the Tigris and dating from the 3rd millennium BCE, Ashur was the first capital of the Assyrian Empire and the religious centre of the Assyrians. Following its destruction by the Babylonians, the city was briefly revived during the Parthian period.[3]
Erbil Citadel IrqErbil Governorate36°11′28″N 44°00′33″E / 36.19111°N 44.00917°E / 36.19111; 44.00917 Cultural:IrqErb

(iv)

16 (40) 2014 Situated on the top of a tell in Iraqi Kurdistan and overlooking the city of Erbil, the Erbil Citadel constitutes a typical example of Ottoman-era urban-planning. In addition to its 19th century fortifications, the site also contains remains dating back to the Assyrian period.[4]
Hatra IrqNineveh Governorate35°35′17″N 42°43′06″E / 35.58806°N 42.71833°E / 35.58806; 42.71833 Cultural:IrqHat

(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)

324 (800) 1985 The fortified Parthian city of Hatra withstood repeated attacks by the Roman Empire in the 2nd century. Its architecture reflects both Hellenistic and Roman influences.[5]
Samarra Archaeological City IrqSaladin Governorate34°20′28″N 43°49′25″E / 34.34111°N 43.82361°E / 34.34111; 43.82361 Cultural:IrqSam

(ii)(iii)(iv)

15,058 (37,210) 2007 Located on the Tigris, the Islamic city of Samarra was the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. It contains two of the largest mosques and several of the largest palaces in the Islamic world, in addition to being among the finest example of Abbasid-era town-planning.[6]
The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities Irq31°33′44″N 47°39′28″E / 31.56222°N 47.65778°E / 31.56222; 47.65778 Mixed:IrqAhw

(iii)(v)(ix)(x)

211,544 (522,740) 2016 Located in southern Iraq, the site contains three cities of Sumerian origin, namely Uruk, Ur and Eridu, in addition to four wetland areas in the Iraqi Marshlands.[7]
Babylon Babylon Governorate

Irq32°32′11″N 44°25′15″E / 32.53639°N 44.42083°E / 32.53639; 44.42083

Cultural:IrqBab

(iii)(vi)

1,054.3 (2,605) 2019 A former capital of Hammurabi, Babylon grew to become the largest settlement in ancient Mesopotamia during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II.[8]


Additionally, Iraq has sites on the tentative list of UNESCO. The tentative list includes Ur, Nimrud, The Ancient City of Nineveh, The Fortress of Al-Ukhaidar, Wasit, The Marshlands of Mesopotamia, The Site of Thilkifl, Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery in Najaf, Amedy city, Historical Features of the Tigris River in Baghdad Rusafa. In addition to these sites, there are must-see places to visit in person in Iraq, like the Iraqi Plastic Society which houses numerous art work demonstrating traditional as well as innovative styles of design.[9]

Baghdad

[edit]
Baghdad

Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and the second-largest city in the Arab world. It is located along the Tigris near the ruins of the ancient Akkadian city of Babylon and the Sassanid Persian capital of Ctesiphon. In the eighth century, Baghdad was chosen as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, and became its most notable major development project

Religious tourism

[edit]
Al-Kadhimiya Mosque
Mor Mattai Monastery in Nineveh Governorate
Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf

Religious tourism is the most popular type of tourism in Iraq, with tens of millions of tourists from several countries visiting Holy cities and places in Iraq every year. These include:

Industry

[edit]
Erbil City Tour Bus.

The number of tourist arrivals in Iraq in 2013 was 892,000. In the last two decades the highest number of tourists came in 2010 with 1,518,000 tourists. In 2012, the value of international tourism receipt was $1.64 billion.[10] Iraqi Kurdistan, an autonomous region of Iraq, was a hotspot for tourism. It was considered to be a safe and stable region and least affected by terrorism. In 2012, Kurdistan recorded a 70% rise in tourist arrivals. In 2007 Kurdistan had 106 hotels which increased to 405 in 2012 in addition to 214 motels and 50 tourist villages.[11][12] Erbil city in Kurdistan which was declared as "Arab Tourism Capital" in 2014. However, as of 2015, activities of the militant group ISIS have affected tourism in Kurdistan. According to the association of hotels, tourism in Kurdistan is going through a crisis. The Governor of Erbil said that the financial crisis of Iraq and the war against ISIS have affected all sectors of the economy including tourism.[13][14]

Najaf and Karbala are considered a thriving tourist destination for Shia Muslims and the tourism industry in the city boomed after the end of Saddam Hussein's rule.[15] However, due to the US sanctions on Iran, the number of Iranian tourists dropped significantly.[16]


See also

[edit]
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Iraq.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Iraq: the world's next big eco-tourism destination?". Telegraph. Retrieved 2015-11-18.
  2. ^ "Travel and Tourism in Iraq". Euromonitor.com. Retrieved 2015-11-18.
  3. ^ "Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat)". UNESCO. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  4. ^ "Erbil Citadel". UNESCO. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
  5. ^ "Hatra". UNESCO. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  6. ^ "Samarra Archaeological City". UNESCO. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  7. ^ "The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities". UNESCO. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  8. ^ "Babylon". UNESCO. Retrieved 5 July 2019.
  9. ^ UNESCO World Heritage Centre. "Iraq - UNESCO World Heritage Centre". Whc.unesco.org. Retrieved 2015-11-18.
  10. ^ "Iraq - International tourism". Indexmundi.com. Retrieved 2015-11-18.
  11. ^ "Iraqi Kurdistan records 70% rise in tourism arrivals". GulfNews.com. 2012-08-28. Retrieved 2015-11-18.
  12. ^ Newton, Jay (2012-12-31). "Is Iraqi Kurdistan Emerging as a Tourist Hot Spot?". Time. Retrieved 2015-11-18.
  13. ^ "Kurdistan tourism devastated by ISIS Iraq chaos". News.com.au. 2015-02-02. Retrieved 2015-11-18.
  14. ^ "Iraqi Kurdistan's tourism sector is undergoing its worst stages: association". Ekurd.net. 2015-06-15. Retrieved 2015-11-18.
  15. ^ "Iraq's holy cities enjoy boom in religious tourism". Al Arabiya. 4 April 2013.
  16. ^ "Iraq's city of Najaf suffers as Iranian tourist numbers drop". The National. 20 February 2019.
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