Baghdad

WARNING: Many governments strongly dissuade any travels to Baghdad because of the extremely dangerous security situation, very high threat of terrorist attack and very high threat of kidnapping. Since 2012 insurgent activity has increased considerably with a number of large-scale coordinated attacks against the Government of Iraq and civilians killing and injuring thousands of people in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq. [4], [5].

Baghdad (Arabic: بـغداد Baġdād) is the capital of Iraq and has about 6.000.000 inhabitants.

Understand

Baghdad has a long and illustrious history. Once it was a prestigious learning and cultural center. Since the coalition invasion in 2003, Baghdad has become one of the most dangerous cities on Earth. Marketplaces are some of the most dangerous places in Baghdad.

Get in

Baghdad is still facing some instabilities but the security circumstances are much better now. There are growing amounts of business attractions although touristic activities are still facing some problems.

By plane

There are flights from Istanbul to Baghdad International Airport [6] every day at 03.15. From Munich there are four flights every week, you may also fly from Vienna. Cities in the Middle East such as Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Dubai, Cairo, Manama and Tehran all have good flight connections with Baghdad. Gryphon Air has flights from Kuwait; however, there are strict regulations on who may use the service since they arrive and depart from the military sector of the airport. Of course, for military personnel and others traveling on official business sanctioned by the United States, the US Air Force offers flights from neighboring countries. All flights are subject to suspension for reasons ranging from insurgent attacks on the airport to sandstorms.

By train

A nightly train service is available from Basra departing at 7PM, arrival time is 6:40AM the next morning. Delays are however very common. Prices range between 10,000 IQD for a couchette to 25,000 IQD for first class. There is also an irregular service from Fallujah.

By car

Overland travel is possible from all neighboring countries but strongly discouraged due to violence.

Get around

The preferred method of transportation is helicopter. If helicopter transport is not available, use of a fully armoured car or Rhino (armoured bus) is recommended. Within the International Zone (formerly known as the Green Zone) there is a free shuttle bus service by KBR. You can also walk to many destinations in the International Zone or use a bicycle.

A commuter service connects the city with the southern suburb of Doura.

See

Monument to the Unknown Soldier.

The Assyrian Hall at the National Museum of Iraq.

• Al-Faw Palace (قصر الفاو). Also known as the Water Palace for it's locatation besides the Tigris river. Used as a military base for US troops.  edit
• Baghdad Zoo (حديقة حيوانات بغداد). The largest zoo in the country, opened in 1971. It was destroyed in the 2003 war but has quickly recovered. There are, however, few larger mammals to see. (l33.314845,44.376417) edit

• Swords of Qādisīyah (قوس النصر), (Inside the Green Zone). A huge pair of triumphal arches celebrating the alleged victory over Iran. Also known as the Hands of Victory. It marks the entrances to a former parade ground.  edit

• Monument to the Unknown Soldier (صرح الجندي المجهول). Inspired by the glorification of a martyr from the Iran–Iraq War. The Monument represents a traditional shield (dira¹a) dropping from the dying grasp of an Iraqi warrior. The monument used to house a museum which is now mostly empty. Ask the Iraqi soldiers who guard the monument for permission.  edit

• Al-Shaheed Monument (نُصب الشهيد‎), (East side of the Tigris river, near the Army Canal). Another monument dedicated to the Iraqi soldiers who died in the Iran-Iraq war. The monument consists of a circular platform 190 meters in diameter in the center of an artificial lake. A museum, library, cafeteria, lecture hall, and exhibition gallery are located in two levels underneath the domes.  edit

• National Museum of Iraq (المتحف العراقي). Covering the history of Mesopotamian culture, this museum housed a huge collection before the Iraq War. Today, many pieces have been looted and the museum is only open on special occasions.  edit
• Umm al-Qura Mosque (جامع أم القرى). A mosque built to commemorate the 'victory' in the 1991 Gulf War, the minarets are shaped like barrels of guns and SCUD missils.  edit
• The Al Kadhimain Shrine in the northwest of Baghdad is one of the most important Shi'ite religious sites in Iraq. It was finished in 1515 and the 7th Musa ibn Jafar al-Kathim and the 9th Imams Mohammed Al-Jawad were buried there.
• One of the oldest buildings is the 12th century or 13th century Abbasid Palace. The palace is part of the central historical area of the city

Part of the US Embassy in Baghdad.

• The world's largest and most expensive embassy ever built is in Baghdad, officially called the Embassy of the United States, Baghdad. In terms of size, it is almost larger than the Vatican City.

Work

	WARNING: Employment arrangements are always made in your home country. Do not come to Iraq on your own to look for work. People have been killed by ISIS and Al-Qaeda attempting this!

There are several ways to work in Iraq as a foreigner. For U.S citizens the most obvious is the United States Military [7] which still maintains personnel here. Next are the government contractors, such as the construction company KBR [8]. Many contractors hire personnel with prior military experience to return to Iraq, persons with military experience or fluent in Arabic are especially sought after. Lastly, there are civilian government agencies in Iraq. USAID [9] and the United States Department of State [10] send their own personnel as well as contractors to Iraq.

The agencies above are all relevant for U.S citizens; citizens of other countries with a presence in Iraq can apply for work through the respective agencies in their home country.

Buy

Souqs and Bazaars are mostly located downtown, off the iconic but now tired Rashid street between Martyrs (Shuhada) Bridge and Ahrar Bridge.

• Coppersmith Souq, where copper is still beaten in the old traditional way into pots and pitchers of all shapes and sizes. Shops spill over with copperware for household or decorative uses, to suit all tastes. Primitive, austere, elaborate, highly ornate - take your pick.
• Shorjah market place, one of the most important trade centers of the city. Chock-full of household wares, the place is aromatic with the smell of coffee, tea, spices and traditional soap, and bustles with movement and noise.
• Mutanabbi Street (Arabic: شارع المتنبي) is the historic center of Baghdad bookselling, a street filled with bookstores and outdoor book stalls. It was named after the 10th century classical Iraqi poet Al-Mutanabbi. This street is well established for bookselling and has often been referred to as the heart and soul of the Baghdad literacy and intellectual community. Was closed after a carbomb in 2007 but been open again since 2008. There is a big statue of Mutanabbi at the end of the street closest to the Tigris shore.

Rugs and DVDs are available to buy. Inspect the quality of rugs carefully: Some are cheap Chinese made rugs, and many are extremely overpriced. Also, many DVDs - especially from street vendors - are bootlegs of varying quality.

Eat

The best places to eat are in many of Baghdad’s malls since there is more security than eating in the market or independent restaurants . However, safety is much better among the restaurants inside the Green Zone. The Zone is also the place for finding American fast-food in the Middle East: Here, you may feast at Burger King, McDonald's, and Subway.

Budget

• Bob Hope Burger Bar, (At Baghdad International Airport), ☎ +964-(0) -7903852457. One of the few American-style restaurants outside the Green Zone.  edit

Mid-range

• Marsa Al-Zawariq, On Abu Nuwas Street, ☎ +964-(0)-5373228. A place famous for its kebab grills.  edit

Drink

Yes, there is drinking during down times. The International Zone is truly international. Many organizations have their own bars, some open to all.

Sleep

Most organizations arrange their own accommodation inside the Green Zone. Sleeping in hotels in the proper city is always a risk due to bombings.

Mid-range

• Baghdad International Airport Hotel (فندق مطار بغداد الدولي), [1]. Just a three star hotel, but with quite a hefty price. Located on secure grounds at the airport and often used by people visiting on business. $225 for a standard room, lower rates when staying longer.  edit
• Hotel Ishtar, Saadoun Street, ☎ +964-(1)-8889500. A hotel in central Baghdad. From $50.  edit

Splurge

• Masbah Plaza Hotel, (At Masbah Crossing in Karada district), ☎ +964-(1)-7193865 ([email protected]). Four star rated hotel, resturant on site. Offers free WiFi.  edit

Stay safe

See also War zone safety

Movement within Baghdad is difficult and extremely hazardous and entry into the International Zone, a.k.a. Green Zone, requires a pass or that you be accompanied by authorized officials. Iraq is a war zone and even if you're from a country which is part of the coalition, you will not be granted entry into the IZ without authorization. Most ex-pats and business travelers to Iraq hire a security detail which constantly monitors the security situation within Iraq and around Baghdad. Travel outside the IZ is extremely fatal. Roadside and car bombs are detonated every day in Baghdad. Many Iraqis are armed. Markets and popular gathering places are frequent targets of bombers. As a foreigner you are more likely to be targeted for kidnapping and murder. Kidnappings and murders are often financially motivated. These threats are not restricted to Americans or women. If you want to travel to a safe place around Iraq, go to the Iraqi Kurdistan. [11]

Cope

Embassies

• Egypt, ☎ +9647 809448722 ([email protected]), [2]. 9:00 AM - 16:00 PM.  edit

• Greece, Hay Babil, AL-Jadriyah Sector 913, Rd. 31/ Built 63, ☎ +9641 778 2273, Emergencies:+964 790 364 2046 ([email protected], fax: +870-763262272).  edit

• Republic of Korea, Villa W5, Dijla Diplomatic Compound Green Zone, ☎ +964 77 0725, Emergencies:+964 770 725 2006 ([email protected]).  edit

• Serbia, Jadriya Babil District Mahala 923, ZUKAK 35, Bldg 16, ☎ +9641 / 778-78-87 (fax: +9641 / 778-04-89).  edit

• United States of America, Al-Kindi St, International Zone, ([email protected]; [email protected]), [3]. Su-Th 8AM-4:30PM.  edit

Get out

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