The Most Beautiful Place in Iraq, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the place you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on Apr 20, 2024 06:26
In the heart of the Middle East, Iraq's rich landscape tells a story of its own that is often overshadowed by its historical and political narratives. With this interactive list, we have the opportunity to shift focus and shine a light on the breathtaking beauty that this country has to offer. By participating, users contribute their perspectives, helping to paint a more vivid picture of Iraq's diverse and stunning environments.
This dynamic list not only serves as a guide for potential travelers but also as a form of recognition and appreciation for the natural and architectural splendor throughout Iraq. Each vote helps to curate a user-generated map of must-see destinations, encouraging exploration and understanding. Your participation is essential in crafting a list that truly reflects the best of what Iraq has to offer.
What Is the Most Beautiful Place in Iraq?
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186votesAlso known as the Citadel of Arbil, it is a fortified settlement in the city of Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. It is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The Erbil Citadel, also known as Qalat Erbil or Hawler Citadel, is a historic fortress located in the heart of Erbil, the capital city of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq. It is considered one of the most beautiful and renowned landmarks of Kurdistan. The citadel has a rich history that dates back over 6,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.
- Age: Over 6,000 years old
- Location: Central Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
- Size: Approximately 102,000 square meters
- Height: Approximately 25 meters
- Architectural Style: Mix of various architectural styles, including Assyrian, Persian, and Islamic
Erbil Citadel in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful part of Kurdistan
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224votes
Zirguezi · Public domainA stunningly beautiful lake located in the northern part of Iraq, surrounded by the Zagros Mountains. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with activities like boating and swimming available.Lake Dukan, also known as Dukan Reservoir, is a stunning man-made lake located in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Created by the construction of the Dukan Dam on the Lesser Zab River, the lake has become a popular tourist destination due to its breathtaking beauty and tranquil surroundings. The crystal clear blue waters of Lake Dukan are surrounded by rugged mountains, lush green valleys, and picturesque towns, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.- Location: Kurdistan region, Iraq
- Size: Approximately 270 square kilometers
- Max Depth: Up to 140 meters
- Length: Approximately 30 kilometers
- Width: Varies between 500 meters to 8 kilometers
Lake Dukan in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful part of Kurdistan
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315votesA famous street in Baghdad, known for its bookstores, cafes, and cultural events. It is named after the famous 10th-century Arab poet, Al-Mutanabbi.Al-Mutanabbi Street is a famous cultural and literary hub located in Baghdad, Iraq. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in the country due to its rich historical significance and vibrant atmosphere. Named after the renowned classical Arab poet Al-Mutanabbi, the street has become a symbol of intellectual and artistic expression in Iraq.
- Location: Baghdad, Iraq
- Historical Significance: Reflects the cultural and literary heritage of Iraq
- Inspiration: Named after the poet Al-Mutanabbi, a notable figure in Arabic literature
- Bookstores: Numerous bookshops offering a wide range of books and publications
- Cafes: Home to many cozy cafes where intellectuals and artists gather
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44votesThe Tigris River is the second largest river in Iraq and is a major source of water for the country. It is also a popular spot for boat tours and fishing.The Tigris River is one of the most iconic and beautiful natural landmarks in Iraq. It is a major river in the region that has played a crucial role in the history and development of various civilizations. The river flows for approximately 1,850 kilometers, originating from the Taurus Mountains in Turkey and passing through various cities in Iraq, including Baghdad, before joining the Euphrates River.
- Length: 1,850 kilometers
- Location: Mainly flows through Iraq, with its source in Turkey
- Significance: Historical and cultural significance as the cradle of ancient civilizations
- Role: Important water resource for irrigation and domestic use
- Wildlife: Habitat for various species of fish, birds, and other wildlife
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512votes
Shatt al-Arab
Natural formationA river that forms the boundary between Iraq and Iran, it is a major waterway for shipping and trade. It is also a popular spot for picnics and boat tours.Shatt al-Arab is a majestic river formed by the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers near the city of Basra in southern Iraq. It stretches for approximately 200 kilometers, flowing through the fertile Mesopotamian plain and eventually into the Persian Gulf. The river serves as a natural border between Iraq and Iran.- Length: 200 kilometers
- Origin: Confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers
- Location: Near Basra, southern Iraq
- Border: Iraq and Iran
- Flow: Towards the Persian Gulf
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611votesA UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Samarra Archaeological City is home to the Great Mosque of Samarra, one of the largest mosques in the world.The Samarra Archaeological City, located in Iraq, is an ancient city that was once the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate in the 9th century. It holds great historical and cultural significance, not only for Iraq but also for the Islamic world. The city is situated on the eastern banks of the Tigris River, approximately 125 kilometers north of Baghdad.
- Size: The archaeological site covers an area of around 15,058 hectares.
- Great Mosque of Samarra: The city is renowned for its Great Mosque, known as the Malwiya Tower, which features a unique spiral minaret.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Samarra Archaeological City is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, recognizing its outstanding universal value.
- Abbasid Palace: The city includes the remnants of the Abbasid Palace, once a grand structure representing the opulence of the Abbasid rulers.
- Spiral Minaret: The most iconic structure in Samarra is the Malwiya Tower, a spiral minaret that stands tall at 52 meters and can be seen from far distances.
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711votesAn ancient Sumerian ziggurat located in the city of Ur, it is one of the best-preserved ziggurats in Iraq. It is believed to have been built in the 21st century BCE.The Ziggurat of Ur is an ancient stepped pyramid located in the city of Ur, southern Iraq. It was built during the early 21st century BCE by the Sumerians and is one of the most well-preserved ziggurats in the world. The ziggurat served as a religious center dedicated to the moon god Nanna.
- Construction Period: Early 21st century BCE
- Height: Approximately 70 feet (21 meters)
- Base Dimensions: Approximately 210 feet by 150 feet (64 meters by 46 meters)
- Materials Used: Sun-dried mud bricks and bitumen
- Stepped Structure: Consists of three layers or terraces with a central staircase
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85votes
Hassan Janali, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Public domainA unique wetland ecosystem located in southern Iraq, the Marshes of Mesopotamia are home to a variety of plant and animal species. They are also an important cultural site for the Marsh Arabs who have lived in the area for centuries.The Marshes of Mesopotamia, also known as the Iraqi Marshlands, are a unique and visually stunning ecological region located in southern Iraq. This area is characterized by its vast wetlands and lush landscapes, making it one of the most beautiful places in Iraq. The marshes have a rich cultural and historical significance, as they are believed to be the site of the ancient Garden of Eden.- Size: Approximately 20,000 square kilometers
- Biodiversity: Home to over 200 species of birds and numerous fish species
- Ecosystem: Supports a unique and fragile ecosystem, composed of reeds, marshes, and canals
- Cultural Heritage: The Marsh Arabs have inhabited this area for thousands of years and have developed a unique way of life adapted to the wetland environment
- Restoration Efforts: Since 2003, restoration projects have been initiated to revive the marshes, which were largely drained under Saddam Hussein's regime
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912votes
Taisir Mahdi · CC BY-SA 4.0A Shia Muslim mosque located in the Kadhimiya district of Baghdad, it is one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam. It is dedicated to the 7th-century martyr Imam Musa al-Kadhim.Al-Kadhimiya Mosque, also known as Imam Al-Kadhimiya Shrine, is a revered holy site located in Kadhimiya, a district of Baghdad, Iraq. It is one of the most beautiful and significant religious sites in the country, attracting millions of Shia Muslims and visitors from around the world.- Architectural Style: Islamic and Persian architectural styles
- Area: Approximately 10,000 square meters
- Entrance: Four grand gates with intricate designs
- Dome: Golden dome with intricate tile work
- Minarets: Two tall minarets with elaborate decorations
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103votesThe Kurdish Mountains are a range of mountains located in northern Iraq, bordering Turkey and Iran. They are known for their stunning natural beauty, with snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and lush forests.The Kurdish Mountains, also known as the Zagros Mountains, are a majestic mountain range located in Iraq. They stretch across the northern part of the country and are part of the larger Zagros mountain system that extends into neighboring Iran and Turkey. With their breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance, the Kurdish Mountains are considered one of the most beautiful places in Iraq.
- Location: Northern Iraq
- Height: Average elevation of about 3,000 meters (9,800 feet)
- Length: Approximately 1,600 kilometers (994 miles)
- Biodiversity: Home to diverse flora and fauna including oak, pistachio, and walnut trees, as well as various species of birds and mammals
- Scenic Beauty: Snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and pristine lakes
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Ranking factors for beautiful place
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Natural beautyConsider the landscape, including mountains, rivers, lakes, deserts, and forests. How visually stunning are these natural features?
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Historical and cultural significanceHow important is the location in terms of Iraq's history and cultural heritage? Are there significant archaeological sites, ancient ruins, or historically important monuments?
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ArchitectureLook at the architectural beauty of buildings, palaces, mosques, and other structures in the area.
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Cultural diversityAssess if the location reflects the diverse cultural background of Iraq's various ethnic groups.
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UniquenessHow unique is the place compared to other regions in Iraq and the world? Does it offer something that can't be found elsewhere in the country?
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Accessibility and infrastructureEvaluate the accessibility of the location, including transportation options, accommodations, and facilities (like restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues).
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Safety and securityHow safe is the area for tourists and locals? Are there any current security concerns or geopolitical issues that might impact the area's beauty ranking?
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Local community and hospitalityObserve the friendliness, warmth, and welcoming nature of the local community, as this can contribute to the overall experience and beauty of a place.
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Environmental conservation and sustainabilityAssess the efforts made by the local community and the government to preserve the natural environment, historic sites, and cultural heritage.
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PopularityFinally, consider the popularity of the location among both local and international tourists – a higher popularity could indicate a more beautiful place. However, also consider if over-tourism is affecting the natural beauty and sustainability of the area.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful place in Iraq. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or location is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1426 views
- 182 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each location once every 24 hours. The rank of each location is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beautiful place in iraq
Iraq is a country that has a rich history and diverse landscape, with breathtaking scenery that is sure to leave visitors in awe. From the lush green mountains, to the vast deserts and ancient cities, Iraq has a beauty that is often overlooked due to its tumultuous past. However, with the country now on the mend, tourists are starting to rediscover the beauty of Iraq and all that it has to offer. In this article, we explore some of the most beautiful places in Iraq, showcasing the stunning natural wonders and cultural landmarks that make this country truly unique. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff or simply looking for a new adventure, Iraq is sure to captivate you with its beauty and charm.
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