📖 About Baghdad

Baghdad has been named the Arab Capital of Tourism for 2025 by the Arab Tourism Organization—a historic recognition announced December 10, 2024 at the 27th Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism in Cairo. This designation comes as Iraq benefits from improved security and stability, opening new opportunities for international tourists to explore the country's cultural landmarks and 10,000+ archaeological sites.

The Baghdad Downtown Initiative is transforming the city's historic core. Phase Three focuses on Al-Rasheed Street, targeting 72 buildings for restoration, infrastructure improvements, and heritage preservation. Phase One restored Al-Mutanabbi Street, Baghdad's cultural and literary hub, while Phase Two rehabilitated Sarray Street with its historical landmarks. The revival preserves Baghdad's architectural identity while enhancing visitor experience.

The Baghdad Metro project represents a transportation revolution, featuring seven lines and 64 stations connecting all parts of the city. The system will link major cultural sites, markets, and residential areas, positioning Iraq as a newly accessible tourism destination. Airport modernization partnerships aim to upgrade Baghdad International Airport as a contemporary international gateway.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Iraq aims for tourism to potentially contribute up to a third of the national budget, diversifying beyond oil dependence. The Baghdad Downtown Initiative and metro project signal major infrastructure investment. Cultural tourism, Islamic heritage sites, and archaeological discoveries attract growing international interest. Prime Minister Al-Sudani's economic vision positions Baghdad as a regional hub.

Baghdad's culture carries the legacy of the Abbasid Caliphate's Golden Age, when the city was the world's center of learning, science, and literature. The House of Wisdom once gathered scholars of all faiths. Today's cultural scene blends traditional arts, music, and cuisine with contemporary expression. Iraqi hospitality, coffee culture, and literary traditions endure. The ArTourBagh project with Italian universities promotes archaeological heritage and sustainable tourism.

📜 History

Baghdad was founded in 762 AD by Caliph al-Mansur as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. The "Round City" became the world's largest metropolis, a center of trade, learning, and culture during Islam's Golden Age. The House of Wisdom translated Greek, Persian, and Indian texts, preserving and advancing human knowledge. Baghdad remained a seat of power until the Mongol destruction of 1258.

Ottoman rule, British mandate, and modern Iraqi statehood followed. The city endured the Iran-Iraq War, 2003 invasion, and sectarian violence. Today's stability enables Baghdad's renaissance as Arab Tourism Capital 2025. The restoration of Al-Rasheed Street and Al-Mutanabbi's bookshops symbolizes resilience and cultural revival. Over 10,000 archaeological sites—many unexplored—await discovery in this land where civilization began.