Babylon
The ancient walled city of Babylon rose to prominence during the reign of Hammurabi, the Mesopotamian king renowned for the world's first written law. From Babylon, which means Gate of the Gods, he ruled an empire that stretched across most of Mesopotamia. But it was under Nebuchadnezzar II, the second and greatest king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, that Babylon reached glory.
Aššur
Aššur was a deified form of the city of Assur, which dates from the mid-3rd millennium BC and was the capital of the Old Assyrian kingdom. As such, Ashur did not originally have a family, but as the cult came under southern Mesopotamian influence, he later came to be regarded as the Assyrian equivalent of Enlil, the chief god of Nippur. Enlil was the most important god of the southern pantheon from the early 3rd millennium BC until Hammurabi founded an empire based in Babylon in the mid-18th century BC, after which Marduk replaced Enlil as the chief god in the south.
Historic City of Mosul
According to the Iraq Tourism and Antiquities Ministry, Mosul is one of the most visited cities in Iraq, with over 1.2 million visitors in 2019. The city is also home to a number of important archaeological sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of Nineveh and the Great Mosque of al-Nuri. Additionally, there are a variety of cultural attractions in Mosul, such as traditional markets and monuments. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Mosul is a popular tourist destination for foreigners.
Ancient City of Samarra
According to the Iraq Tourism and Antiquities Ministry, the al-Askari Mosque in Samarra attracts over five million visitors each year. Samarra is also home to a number of historical sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of Samarra, which dates back to the ninth century. Additionally, the city is home to a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
Wonder of Nimrud
Nimrud is an important archaeological site in Iraq and is home to the ruins of the ancient city of Kalhu. The site is home to a number of ancient monuments, such as the Northwest Palace and the Central Ziggurat. Nimrud also features a number of artifacts from the Assyrian period, including sculptures, reliefs, and inscriptions. Additionally, the site is home to a number of ancient cuneiform tablets, providing insight into the culture of the Assyrian Empire.
Historic City of Hatra
Hatra is an important archaeological site in Iraq and is home to the ruins of the ancient city of Hatra. The site is home to a number of ancient monuments, including the Temple of the Sun God Shamash and the Temple of Allat. Hatra also features a number of artifacts from the ancient city, including pottery, jewelry, and sculptures. Additionally, the site is home to a number of ancient cuneiform tablets, providing insight into the culture of the Hatran people. According to the Iraq Tourism and Antiquities Ministry, over 250,000 visitors visited Hatra in 2019.
Ancient Mesopotamian Marshlands
Iraq's Mesopotamian Marshlands are a popular destination for foreign tourists, as it is home to a variety of wildlife, archaeological remains, and cultural attractions. Tourists can explore the marshlands by boat, and there are also a number of guided tours available that provide insight into the history and culture of the area. The marshlands are also home to a variety of bird species, including the endangered Basra Reed Warbler, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
Citadel of Erbil
The Erbil Citadel is an important archaeological site in Iraq, and it is home to one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, dating back to at least 6,000 BCE. The site is home to a number of ancient monuments, including the ancient palace of Shar-Kali-Sharri. The Erbil Citadel also features a number of artifacts from the ancient city, including pottery, jewelry, and sculptures. Additionally, the site is home to a number of ancient cuneiform tablets, providing insight into the culture of the Erbil people.
Land of Ruins Urbuk
The ancient city of Uruk, located in Iraq, is an important archaeological site that is home to a variety of ancient monuments and artifacts. Among the monuments found at the site are the White Temple and the Anu Ziggurat, while artifacts from the ancient city include pottery, jewelry, and sculptures. Additionally, Uruk is home to a number of ancient cuneiform tablets, which provide valuable insight into the culture of the Uruk people.