Baghdad was once a city bustling and full of life. About 98% of its population was literate, and 99% had access to safe drinking water. But all that is history. Baghdad is little more than a wasteland now. It is certainly not a tourist spot; even more so if you happen to be from the USA or any other western country. Baghdad is now a hostile place for its own citizens and foreigners. Most monuments that were worth travelling miles for and libraries that have housed thousands of years of knowledge were reduced to less than ashes by the US bombings and invasion. What remains of these historical objects are being defiled by the native people, in search of petty benefits.
Before one begins to advice on the places to visit in Baghdad, one must warn every person that aims to visit this city that it is akin to walking to your own deathtrap. You cannot be warned enough, and the risk you take is not of your belongings but of your life itself. Simply put, you may be killed; how horribly is a matter of speculation. If fate is kind, you will be killed quickly and painlessly, but worse has happened. So be warned that every visitor to Iraq now bears the responsibility for traveling on his own shoulders. You are strongly advised not to travel to Baghdad unless for official purposes only.
First and foremost, you need LOADS of paperwork and your place of stay and transport must be arranged for, usually through the government of your own country, then you will be warned about traveling to Baghdad. Few countries have their international flights connect them to Baghdad, but there is sufficient communication with the neighboring countries. Air travel seems to be the safest way, but you could also travel by a train that runs from Basra to Baghdad. You can also travel by road. But all of these ways are subject to delay due to either sandstorms that are very common in this desert region or insurgent attacks. Travel by road must be strongly discouraged.
Once there, you have a lot to see in this city of ancient heritage. Moving around the International Zone itself is not much of a bother, as it is a relatively small area. One could use a bicycle, or even walk if wanted. Outside the ‘Green Zone’ however, one must travel either in helicopters or rhinos, a variety of armored cars.
Inside the Zone, one may appreciate the Swords of Qadisiyah, a monument built to the supposed victory over Iran. Outside the Zone, one may look at the Monument of the Unknown Soldiers, also a remembrance of the Iran-Iraq War. The Al-Shaheed monument is yet another monument built to the Iraqi soldiers. Umm al-Qura mosque is a monument built to the Gulf War for a change. The Al-Faw palace was once a brilliant palace located on the banks of the Tigris river. The place that was a sacred ground to thank the ones who freed the Al-Faw peninsula, there now resides a US military base. Last, but not the least, the Al Khadhimain Shrine is the most important Shi’a Muslim worship sites.
One day, perhaps, Baghdad will be restored to all its former glory. Till then, you are advised not to travel to this mystic land.
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