Baghdad

Baghdad (Arabic: بـغداد Baġdād) is the capital of Iraq.

Introduction

Once one of the greatest centres of learning and culture in the world, Baghdad has a long and illustrious history. Once a favoured destination on the 'hippie trail' and packed full of sights, since the American-led invasion of 2003, Baghdad has since become one of the most dangerous city's on earth.

Travel to Baghdad

Travel to Baghdad is not recommended (September 2023) because of wartime instability and security concerns. Westerners are particular targets of kidnapping and assassination by militant and extremist groups.Baghdad airport is secure, so transiting there if necessary is safe.

What is the best way to fly to Baghdad

Baghdad_Airport_مطار_بغداد_الدولي - A flying carpet sculpture on the wall at Baghdad International Airport. Baghdad International Airport GPS 33.267066,44.231097 (previously Saddam International Airport) IATA Flight Code: BGW is about 16 kilometers west from the centre of Baghdad. After some damage during the wars and the airport is in full operation and growing due to the recovery of Iraq.

[[File:Iraqi Airways Boeing 737-81Z at Munich Airport.jpg|1280px|Iraqi_Airways_Boeing_737-81Z_at_Munich_Airport]]

All of the usual airport facilities are available, such as banks, money exchange, ATMs, mobile phone companies, restaurants and even a hotel. The airport has three interlinked terminals, one of which is being refurbished. It is easy to walk between the terminals both land side and air side. One terminal is used by Iraqi Airways (the most counter-clockwise one) and the middle one handles all other flights. The food outlets are small and limited air side, so if you have a long wait, it is better to check in and return back through security to use the land side restaurants.

The national airline is n.asp Iraqi Airways that operates a growing fleet of more than 30 modern jets. Their main activity are domestic flights but Iraqi Airways also offers Flights to numerous international destinations. FlyBaghdad also has local and regional Flights to/from BIAP.

The best way from Europe to Baghdad is either with Austrian or Turkish Airlines. Austrian Airlines provides four flights per week from Vienna (IATA Flight Code: VIE) to BIAP. Turkish Airlines flies twice daily from Istanbul (IATA Flight Code: IST) to BIAP.

Within the Middle East, Royal Jordanian operates two daily roundtrip Flights from Amman (IATA Flight Code: AMM). Emirates and the low-cost carrier flydubai from Dubai arrive on a daily basis in Baghdad and Basra.

Baghdad airport is under control of the Iraqi government. Take-offs and landings at BIAP are controlled by the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation. Several critical pieces of Air Traffic Control gear have not been turned on and the result of thit is that BIAP can only accommodate Visual Flight Rule (VFR) landings, not instrument landings.Because of this and the frequent sandstorms that hit the area can obscure visibility and cause Flights to be turned away. It is not unusual for commercial Flights to make it all the way to BIAP and then turn around and return to their origin due to limited visibility on the runway.

When departing at BIAP, be prepared for some queuing. If you are not working in Iraq on a government contract, your entrance to the airport grounds about three or four miles from the airport terminal will require you and your vehicle to wait in line to be searched. These security checkpoints can take from two to three hours to process through. The best strategy is to find lodgings somewhere within the BIAP area of control on the day prior to your flight so that you aren't subjected to the long wait and end up missing your flight.

Travel by train to Baghdad

Nightly train services are available from Basra, arriving early morning. Prices range between IQD 10,000 for a couchette to IQD 25,000 for first-class. Irregular services from Karbala, mostly on weekends, are available too. Additionally, trains runs twice per day from Fallujah. Due to the ongoing conflict cancellations are common.

• Baghdad Central Station - محطة بغداد المركزية | Damascus Sq 33.323764,44.380595 Baghdad Central Station =حطة بغداد المركزية Completed in 1953, Baghdad Central Station is an architecturally impressive terminus, all trains call here. Located on Qahira Street, a kilometre north of downtown, at Damascus Plaza.

How to travel to Baghdad by car

Overland travel is feasible from all neighbouring countries, but is strongly discouraged due to violence.

Travel by Bus to Baghdad

Multiple daily buses arrive from most major Iraqi city's. The Jordanian state bus company, JETT offers two weekly bus departures from Amman, leaving at 07:00. A one-way journey costs 42.50 Jordanian dinars. Long-distance bus services from Istanbul and Ankara restarted in the summer of 2023, with two departures per week. However journey time is a gruelling 30 hours or more. Most long-distance buses arrive at the sprawling Al-Alawi bus terminal GPS 33.324580,44.384477 (گراج العلاوي), next to the central station. Buses leave and arrive from stands both north and south of the Allawi skyway.

Get Around in Baghdad

Traveling around Baghdad is challenging due to almost daily bombings and shootings. Those that can afford it use helicopter or armored cars. The International Zone around government buildings and the embassy area is safer and it is feasible to walk or use a bicycle, even here however it is always important to be vigilant.

Baghdad is served by an extensive bus network, maps of the network is however not available in English. A commuter service connects the city with the southern suburb of Doura. Taxis are also plentiful and quite affordable to use.

What to see in Baghdad

• Al-Faw Palace - قصر الفاو | Also known as the Water Palace for its site beside the Tigris River. Used as a military base for US troops AAAAA
• Baghdad Zoo - حديقة حيوانات بغداد | The largest zoo in the nation, opened in 1971. It was destroyed in the 2003 war but has quickly recovered. There are, however, few larger mammals to see.
• Baghdadi Museum - المتحف البغدادي | History and folklore museum depicting life in Baghdad.
• Swords of Qādisīyah - قوس النصر | Victory Arch - 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.
• 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.
• Al-Shaheed Monument - نُصب الشهيد | Another monument dedicated to the Iraqi soldiers who died in the Iran-Iraq war. The monument consists of a circular platform 190 metres in diameter in the centre of an artificial lake. A museum, library, cafeteria, lecture hall and exhibition gallery are on two levels underneath the domes.
• 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 open only on special occasions.
• Umm al-Qura Mosque - جامع أم القرى | A mosque built to commemorate the "victory" in the 1991 Gulf War and the minarets are shaped like barrels of guns and SCUD missiles.
• Al-Kadhimiya Mosque - الحضرة الكاظمية | 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

Shopping in Baghdad

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

Halal Restaurants & Food in Baghdad

Restaurants and cafés are much saver now. The zone is also the place for finding American junk-food in the Middle East including Burger King (Please do not support Burger King as Burger King supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) and Subway.

• Marsa Al-Zawariq | A place famous for its Halal Kebab grills.

• Shah Bender Café The oldest operating tea house in Baghdad, a hub to discuss matters of the day over a cup of tea.

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Baghdad

eHalal Group Baghdad is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Baghdad. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Baghdad.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Baghdad ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Baghdad. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Baghdad, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Baghdad are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Baghdad

Ramadan 2025 in Baghdad

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Baghdad

• Baghdad International Airport Hotel - فندق مطار بغداد الدولي | A standard business hotel, but with quite a hefty price. On secure grounds at the airport and often used by people visiting on business.
• Inter Hotel
• Babylon Warwick Hotel
• Coral Baghdad Hotel An upstart hotel that has quickly become one of the most popular higher-end hotels in Baghdad.
• Cristal Grand Ishtar Hotel | A hotel in central Baghdad.
• Masbah Plaza Hotel | Luxury hotel, restaurant on site. Free Wi-Fi.

Stay safe in Baghdad

The easiest way to stay safe in Baghdad is not to go near Western installations. Movement within Baghdad mear the International Zone, aka Green Zone, requires a pass or that you be accompanied by authorized officials.

News & References Baghdad

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