Top 10 Reasons to Visit Iraq in 2024

Iraq is a country in the Middle East with a long and interesting history. While you might not hear about it much in school, Iraq has a lot of amazing places to visit. In 2024, more people are discovering why it’s a great place to go on holiday. Let’s look at the top 10 reasons why you should visit Iraq in 2024!

1. The Amazing History of Iraq

Iraq is known as the “Cradle of Civilisation”. This means it’s one of the oldest places where people lived, farmed, and built cities. More than 5,000 years ago, Iraq was home to the Sumerians, one of the first civilisations. You can visit ancient cities like Babylon and Ur. These places are thousands of years old and show how people lived a very long time ago.

Fun Fact: Did you know the first writing system, called cuneiform, was invented in Iraq?

2. Beautiful Ancient Monuments

Iraq is full of historical buildings and monuments. One of the most famous is the Ziggurat of Ur. This is a huge pyramid-shaped building made out of mud bricks. It was built over 4,000 years ago! There’s also the Ishtar Gate in Babylon, which was once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Table: Top Historical Monuments in Iraq

Monument	Location	Age (Approx.)
Ziggurat of Ur	Nasiriyah	Over 4,000 years old
Ishtar Gate	Babylon	About 2,500 years old
Hatra Ruins	Nineveh	About 2,000 years old

3. Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers are two very important rivers that flow through Iraq. They helped ancient people farm and grow food, which is why Iraq became so important thousands of years ago. Today, you can take a boat trip along the rivers and see beautiful landscapes, green farms, and old towns.

4. Delicious Iraqi Food

One of the best parts of travelling is trying new food, and Iraq has some delicious dishes! Some of the most popular foods include kebab, dolma (vegetables stuffed with rice), and masgouf, which is a grilled fish. Iraqi food is full of flavour, using spices like cumin, cinnamon, and garlic.

Top Iraqi Dishes to Try

• Kebab: Grilled meat on a skewer.
• Dolma: Vegetables like tomatoes or peppers stuffed with rice.
• Masgouf: A special way of grilling fish, often served by the river.

5. Warm and Friendly People

One of the most surprising things about visiting Iraq is how kind and friendly the people are. Iraqi people are known for their hospitality, which means they love welcoming guests and making them feel at home. If you visit Iraq, you might be invited to drink tea or have a meal with a local family.

6. Unique Wildlife and Nature

Iraq is not just about cities and monuments. There are also beautiful natural places to visit. In southern Iraq, you’ll find the Mesopotamian Marshes, which are home to many different animals like water buffalo and many kinds of birds. This area is important because it has been a home to people for thousands of years.

Chart: Animals Found in Iraq’s Marshes

Animals	Description
Water Buffalo	Large animals that live near water.
Marsh Frogs	Small frogs that croak loudly.
Herons	Tall birds with long legs.
Kingfishers	Colourful birds that catch fish.

7. Religious and Spiritual Sites

Iraq is a special place for people who follow different religions. For example, the city of Najaf is very important for Muslims, especially for Shia Muslims. Another famous city is Karbala, where many pilgrims travel every year to visit the holy shrines. If you are interested in learning about different cultures and religions, Iraq is a great place to explore.

8. Cultural Festivals and Traditions

Throughout the year, Iraq has many festivals that celebrate its history, religion, and traditions. One of the biggest is Ashura, a religious festival in Karbala. During these festivals, you can see people wearing special clothes, taking part in parades, and eating special foods. It’s a great way to see Iraq’s rich culture.

9. Affordable Travel

Travelling to Iraq can be cheaper compared to other popular destinations. Hotels, food, and transportation in Iraq are affordable, meaning you can enjoy a fantastic trip without spending too much money. If you plan ahead, you can also find good deals on flights and tours.

10. Exciting New Adventures in 2024

Iraq is slowly becoming a more popular place for travellers in 2024. More tourists are discovering its beauty, history, and culture. This means that new hotels, restaurants, and tours are being built, giving you more options for where to stay and what to do. It’s an exciting time to visit and experience something unique.

Conclusion

In 2024, Iraq offers a mix of ancient history, beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and kind people. Whether you are interested in exploring historical sites like Babylon, sailing down the Tigris River, or enjoying Iraqi kebabs, there’s something for everyone in this amazing country. With so much to see and do, it’s clear why visiting Iraq is a great idea.

Category	Details
Visa Requirements	Tourist visa required; apply through embassy or consulate, some visas on arrival
Best Time to Visit	October to March (cooler months); avoid summer heat
Main Airports	Baghdad International, Erbil International, Basra International
Currency	Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
Popular Dishes	Kebab, Masgouf, Biryani, Dolma
Top Attractions	Babylon, Ziggurat of Ur, Erbil Citadel, Imam Ali Shrine, Baghdad
Safety Tips	Stay updated on travel advisories, avoid conflict zones, use reputable tour companies
Dress Code	Modest clothing required, especially for women in conservative areas
Languages Spoken	Arabic (official), Kurdish (in Kurdistan)
Cultural Etiquette	Greet elders with respect, bring gifts if invited to a home, ask before taking photos
Local Currency Exchange	US dollars and Euros are easiest to exchange, limited ATM availability
Best Travel Period	Spring and autumn for comfortable weather and outdoor activities

Quick Recap

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Iraq in 2024

1. Rich History
2. Beautiful Monuments
3. Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
4. Delicious Iraqi Food
5. Friendly People
6. Unique Wildlife and Nature
7. Religious Sites
8. Cultural Festivals
9. Affordable Travel
10. New Adventures in 2024