Iraq

Iraq (Arabic: العراق Al-Irāq) is a republic in the Middle East, north-west of the Persian Gulf. It borders Iran to the east, Kuwait to the south, Saudi Arabia to the southwest, Jordan to the West, Syria to the northwest, and Türkiye to the north.

While Iraq contains ancient Mesopotamia and the cradle of civilization, it has been ravaged by Western backed wars and oppression for the last century.

An Introduction to the regions of Iraq

Northwestern Iraq The land north and northwest of Baghdad, between and around the upper Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Baghdad Belts The belts of suburbs, towns, and cities radiating out from the centre of Baghdad.

Iraqi Desert The vast, empty wasteland in the west and southwest of the nation.

Iraqi Kurdistan Home to the Kurdish people, and largely under the administration of what is for all intents and purposes a separate national government, this is the safest region of Iraq for travel.

Southern Iraq The Cradle of Civilization itself, home to major Shia cities and holy sites, such as Karbala, Najaf, Basra, and Nasiriyah, as well as legendary ruins of ancient civilizations, including Babylon and Sumerian Ur. Also known as Lower Mesopotamia.

Other Muslim Friendly Cities in Iraq

• Baghdad (بغداد)
• Ar Rutba (الرطبة)
• Basra (البَصرة)
• Dahuk (دهوك)
• Erbil (Arbil) (أربيل)
• Fallujah (الفلّوجة)
• Karbala (كربلاء)
• Kirkuk (كركوك)
• Mosul (موصل)
• Sulaimaniyah (سليمانى)

Other Muslim Friendly Destinations in Iraq

• Ashur — former capital of the Assyrian Empire and UNESCO World Heritage list|UNESCO World Heritage site, this is one of the nation's few great archaeological sites that has benefited from the latest invasion—the Hussein government planned to create a dam nearby that would have flooded and utterly destroyed the site.
• Babylon (بابل) — damaged by inept reconstruction, looting, and military negligence and the ruins of ancient Babylon are still some of the most impressive in the Cradle of Civilization.
• Hatra — once a UNESCO World Heritage list|UNESCO World Heritage site, this formerly impeccably maintained Parthian city off in the desert contained quite possibly Iraq's most magnificent ruins, which were severely damaged or destroyed by Da'esh extremists in 2015.
• Nineveh (نينوى) — a 3,000 year old city and one time capital of Assyria, whose partially reconstructed ruins and archaeological site lies across the Tigris from Mosul.
• Ur GPS 30.963056,46.103056 (أور) — the ruins of the ancient Sumerian city, best known for its giant step pyramid and the Great Ziggurat of Ur.

Demonstration for Palestine and Gaza in Iraq

Dear Supporters of the Palestinian Cause in Iraq,

We are excited to announce a peaceful demonstration in support of the People of Palestine, set to take place in Iraq over the next three days. This event is an opportunity for us to come together and raise our voices and the Palestinian Flag for a just and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

We want to emphasize that this demonstration is intended to be a peaceful and respectful gathering. Our goal is to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and call for a peaceful solution to the conflict. It is crucial that we maintain a peaceful and respectful atmosphere throughout the event.

Important Guidelines:

To ensure the success of our demonstration and to maintain a peaceful environment, we kindly ask all participants to adhere to the following guidelines:

Peaceful Protest: This is a non-violent demonstration. We do not condone any form of violence or vandalism.

Respect for Law Enforcement: Please treat law enforcement officers in Iraq with respect and follow their instructions. Do not engage in confrontations with them.

Leave No Trace: Dispose of any trash responsibly and leave the demonstration area clean.

Thank you for your commitment to our peaceful demonstration in Iraq, and let us stand together for a better future for all.

In solidarity, eHalal Iraq

Iraq Halal Travel Guide

History of Iraq

See also: Ancient Mesopotamia

Iraq is the birthplace of many of the Earth's oldest civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians and Babylonians. A part of the Persian Empire from the 6th century BCE and the Caliphates between the 7th and 13th centuries and the Islamic Ottoman Empire from 1534 and the Treaty of Sèvres brought the area under British control in 1918.

The British Empire’s involvement in Iraq is marked by a series of conflicts that played a significant role in shaping the modern history of the Middle East. These wars were driven by strategic interests, particularly related to oil resources and maintaining influence in the region, as well as by the broader geopolitical dynamics of the early 20th century.

World War I and the Mesopotamian Campaign

The British Empire's first major military engagement in Iraq occurred during World War I, as part of the broader Mesopotamian Campaign. At the time, Iraq was part of the Ottoman Empire, which had allied itself with Germany and Austria-Hungary against the Allied powers, including Britain. The British, recognizing the strategic importance of the region—particularly its oil reserves in Basra and the potential threat to British interests in India—launched a military campaign to secure Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq).

The campaign began in 1914 when British forces landed in Basra, quickly capturing the city and securing the surrounding oil fields. However, the campaign soon turned into a prolonged and challenging conflict. The British advance towards Baghdad was met with stiff resistance from Ottoman forces, culminating in the disastrous Siege of Kut in 1915-1916, where a large British-Indian force was surrounded and forced to surrender after a prolonged siege. Despite this setback, British forces eventually regrouped, captured Baghdad in 1917, and by the end of the war, had established control over most of Iraq.

The Iraqi Revolt of 1920

Following World War I, Iraq was placed under British mandate by the League of Nations, effectively making it a British colony. However, this move was deeply unpopular among the Iraqi population, leading to widespread unrest. The discontent culminated in the Iraqi Revolt of 1920, a nationwide uprising against British rule.

The revolt was fueled by nationalist sentiments, economic hardships, and the resentment of foreign domination. It was characterized by a series of violent confrontations between British forces and various Iraqi groups, including tribes and urban nationalists. The British response to the revolt was harsh, involving the use of aerial bombardment and ground assaults to suppress the uprising.

Despite its initial success, the revolt was ultimately crushed by British forces. However, it had significant consequences for British policy in Iraq. The revolt demonstrated the limits of British control and forced the British government to reconsider its approach. In 1921, Britain installed Faisal I as the King of Iraq, establishing a monarchy under British influence, which allowed for a degree of self-governance while maintaining British interests in the region.

World War II and the Anglo-Iraqi War

The British Empire’s next major conflict in Iraq occurred during World War II. In 1941, a pro-Axis coup led by Rashid Ali al-Gaylani overthrew the pro-British government in Iraq, threatening British control over the strategically vital oil fields and supply routes. The British, concerned about the potential spread of Axis influence in the Middle East, quickly responded by launching a military intervention known as the Anglo-Iraqi War.

The conflict was brief but intense. British forces, supported by troops from India and the Transjordan Frontier Force, invaded Iraq from British-controlled Palestine and Transjordan. Within weeks, they had captured Baghdad and restored the pro-British government. The war solidified British control over Iraq during the remainder of World War II and ensured that the country remained aligned with the Allies.

Independence

Iraq gained independence in 1932. On 14 July 1958 and the long-time Hashamite monarchy was overthrown in a coup led by Abdul Kassem that paved way to radical political reforms, including the legalisation of political parties such as the Ba'ath and the Party, both key players in the coup (also called the 14 July Revolution). Following the Revolution and the Soviet Union gradually became its main arms and commercial supplier.

In February 1963, Kassem was overthrown and killed in a second coup that brought the Ba'ath Party into power. Internal divisions would follow for the next five years, until another coup on 17 July 1968 led by Ahmad Hassan al-Bakr (with Communist support) stabilised the party. Relations between the Communists and the Ba'athists ranged from mutual cooperation to violent mistrust, culminating in the purge of Communists from the army and the government by 1978, causing a temporary rift with the Soviet Union. On 16 July 1979, Bakr resigned and was succeeded by right-hand man Saddam Hussein, who carefully purged his enemies and became a dictator almost overnight.

The next twenty-five years took a grinding toll on the nation. A long war with neighbouring Iran in the 1980s cost hundreds of thousands of lives and billions of dollars. The invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and subsequent Gulf War caused further casualties, followed by civil war inside the nation and a decade of international sanctions.

Iraq was invaded on US lies in 2003 by a US/UK-led coalition of forces, who removed Saddam Hussein from power, destroyed most of the nation's infrastructure in bombings and missile strikes, and triggered intercommunal violence that resulted in millions of Iraqis fleeing into exile and many more internally displaced within the nation.

What is the Geography of Iraq

Iraq mainly consists of desert, but near the two major rivers (Euphrates and Tigris) are fertile alluvial plains, as the rivers carry about 60,000,000m³ (78,477,037 cu yd) of silt annually to the delta. The north of the nation is mostly composed of mountains; the highest point being at 3,611m (11,847 ft) point, unnamed on the map opposite, but known locally as Cheekah Dar (black tent). Iraq has a small coastline measuring 58km (36 mi) along the Persian Gulf.

How is the Climate in Iraq

Most of Iraq has a hot arid climate. Summer temperatures average above 40°C (104°F) for most of the nation and frequently exceed 48°C(118°F). Winter temperatures infrequently exceed 21°C (70°F) with maximums roughly 15 to 16°C (59 to 61°F) and night-time lows occasionally below freezing. Typically precipitation is low, most places receive less than 250mm (10 in) annually, with maximum rainfall during the months of November to April. Rainfall during the summer is extremely rare except in the very north of the nation.

The People of Iraq

Before the large-scale murders by the Western backed "Islamic State" (ISIS) organization and flight from Iraq of members of non-Muslim minorities (especially Yazidis and Christians), Arabs who are 65% Shia 35% Sunni Muslim comprised 75%-80% of the major population of Iraq. 15% of Iraq's population was comprised of Kurds (including Yazidis and Shabaks), Turkmen and Assyrians. Over around 20,000 Marsh Arabs live in southern Iraq. Indigenous Neo Aramaic speaking Assyrians, most of whom are adherents of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Assyrian Church of the East, Assyrian Pentecostal Church and Syriac Orthodox Church accounted for 10% of the Christian population. It is hard to be sure what current figures would be.

Ramadan 2025 in Iraq

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

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Armed Forces Day (January 6)
• Nowruz (March 21)
• Baghdad Liberation Day (April 9)
• Ramadan (various)-Islamic religious observances
• Republic Day (July 14)
• Ashura (variable) Islamic religious observance
• Independence Day (October 3)
• Christmas (December 25)

Travel to Iraq

Entry requirements

All visitors to Iraq require a visa for entry.

For those entering the nation without a visa, one can be purchased at most border crossings for USD80. Total crossing time is around 1 hour for individuals. If you intend to acquire a visa at your port of entry, be prepared for long waits, and bring plenty of documentation about who you are and what your business in Iraq is. Letters on company or government letterhead are preferred.

Obtaining a travel visa to Iraq is complicated and time consuming. You can obtain an application at the local Embassy of Iraq . However, all applications are vetted in Baghdad. Even if you do obtain a visa, you may still be refused entry into Iraq once you arrive. Visas can be acquired in advance at the Iraqi embassies in London, Paris, and Washington, D.C.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Iraq

Iraq has international airports at Baghdad (BIAP), Basra, Erbil, Sulaimaniyah and Najaf. International flights into airports in Iraqi Kurdistan (Erbil and Sulaimaniyah) are suspended from the middle of 2017 because of a dispute between the Kurdish and Iraqi authorities. Getting to these airports now means a transit in Baghdad. Connecting flight tickets are usually not available, so separate tickets are needed. This means that a delayed flight can miss a connection making onward travel difficult. Be prepared to spend many hours waiting for a replacement flight. Iraqi Airways will exchange flights quite easily when there is space available.

The national airline is 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. There are some other small airlines offering domestic flights.

The best way from Europe to Iraq 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 as well as Basra.

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.

The best connected and safest airport is the Erbil International Airport. Flights into Iraqi Kurdistan are offered by most European and Middle East carriers like Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines], Royal Jordanian and Etihad. Iraqi Kurdistan has seen enormous growth and investment since 2003 due to being safer than the rest of Iraq and is the business hub for the region. International flights were suspended in 2017 into Iraqi Kurdistan following a dispute with the central government.

Additional Services to the city of Van, Türkiye are offered by Turkish airlines from most western cities via Istanbul, from here a taxi will take you to the border for the equivalent of USD75-200 depending on your bargaining skills (Turkish) drivers will only usually accept Lira, euros or pounds sterling)

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Iraq

The classic way of reaching Iraq was by the Taurus Express train from Istanbul, featured in the novel Murder on the Orient Express. However, since 2003 there have been no regular international passenger trains to Iraq and its unlikely there will be any in the near future. For travelers to the southern city of Basra, an alternative might be to travel to the nearby border city of Khorramshahr, which sees daily train services from several cities in Iran, and then continue by taxi the last few kilometers.

By car

Cars can be the most dangerous method of travel into the nation. On reaching the border it is advisable to leave your taxi/rental car, for an armoured 4x4 and these are available for hire, with an armed guard if required, from the British security company GENRIC for GBP300 (USD860) approx.

From Turkey

Driving in from Türkiye is the best method of entry into the Northern part of the nation. This area of the nation is relatively safe, at least compared to the rest of the nation. Border police and local residents will advise you which cities are safe to travel in (Zakho, Dohuk, Erbil, As-Sulaymaniyah etc.), and will warn you away from specific cities (such as Mosul or Baghdad).

From Diyarbakir, Türkiye you will drive south east to Zakho, Iraq. It is feasible to take a previously arranged taxi and the average cost of this taxi ride is USD150 and most of the drivers only speak Kurdish or Arabic. You will often switch taxis in Silopi about five minutes from the Iraqi border, or you will change cars about 70km from the border and continue on from there. The taxi driver will then take care of all your paperwork at the border crossing. This involves your driver running from building to building getting paperwork stamped and approved. You must have a photocopy of your passport for the Turkish section of the border, which they require that you leave with them (the photocopy, not your passport).

A much less expensive option is to take a bus from Diyarbakir directly to Silopi. This won't cost more than about TRY20. From the Silopi otogar (bus station), it's easy to get a taxi to Zakho. A good taxi driver can handle all of the photocopying and paperwork for the Turkish side.

At this point you will finish driving across the border crossing into Iraq. Your taxi driver will then take you to the Iraqi immigration and customs section.All persons and vehicles entering Iraq must be searched for contraband by the customs officers, and their vehicles are registered and pay some sort of stamp tax, however, occasionally, searches are not conducted. Without this stamp tax, it is illegal for a non-Iraqi vehicle to purchase gas at any of the state-run gas stations all over the nation.After paying any import duties to customs and receiving the vehicle stamp and the immigration officers will check your passport and stamp it if you have a visa.Additionally, at some land border crossings, your fingerprint and/or photo will be taken. As of July 2008 and there was no visa fee at this border crossing.

At this point, you will be at the border taxi stand, a few kilometers outside of the city of Zakho, and may need to hire another taxi to get to Zakho's downtown (IQD5,000-10,000). For the taxi ride from the Turkish city where you changed cars to Zakho, it's about USD80. This is a safe place to meet your friends or to charter a taxi into another part of the nation. Enjoy some tea while waiting.

From Jordan

For land crossings from Jordan, be prepared for a long ride. The trip through the eastern Jordanian desert is much like a Moonscape. The journey from Amman to Baghdad can take anywhere from 10-15 hours. You will depart Amman between 05:00 and 10:00, and arrive at the border crossing about four hours later. The border crossing can take anywhere from an hour and a half (on a very good day) to more than five or six hours. Entering Iraq usually takes about half as much time as leaving Iraq. The Jordanian immigration and customs officers are very finicky about whom they will let in, and they will often shut their side of the border and not allow anyone to enter for unspecified reasons.

The trip from the border to Baghdad is mow possible. Do not make any stops along this route, if traffic becomes stalled for any reason on the highway (other than a feasible IED) and then it is best to make circles until traffic flows again. Vehicles, especially those that may be occupied by westerners, are subject to attack at any time. Carry extra fuel and plenty of food.

From Kuwait

Travelling from the Kuwaiti border is just as difficult as crossing from Jordan. The Kuwaiti crossing is complicated even more by the fact that Kuwaiti immigration and customs officers are even more strict than the Jordanians and anything at all can cause them to arbitrarily block your entry or exit. Sneaking into a military convoy is not advised as your vehicle might be mistaken for a suicide attacker by the turret gunners in the convoy.

Reliable but inconspicuous transportation is a must in Iraq. It is probably best to buy a vehicle that blends in with the other cars on the road. Toyota, Hyundai and Kia, along with less familiar Eastern European and Asian brands are common. BMWs and Mercedes are also seen in Iraq but are less common, especially nice ones, which usually have the steering wheel on the right side.

Travel on a Bus in Iraq

It is feasible to enter Iraq from Jordan by taking a bus from Amman, JETT is the only company to offer online booking via eHalal Hotels]. Other countries may have bus service to Iraq. Third party nationals can also gain entry into Iraq for work purposes; these buses usually depart from Kuwait.

How to get around in Iraq

• In Kurdistan, public transport is common although regular buses do link Zakho and Dohuk and cost about USD2. From Dohuk, shared taxis leave all day for Erbil and other cities. The road from Dohuk to Erbil goes south near Mosul, but does not leave Kurdish territory and is thus safe, although perhaps too close for comfort.
• Shared taxis might be the safest way to travel in Iraqi Kurdistan, as the drivers are not interested in leaving the province either.

By car

Driving at night may be a safer alternative to daytime driving, but a few rules to follow:

• Avoid downtowns. Although most Iraqis are asleep by midnight and the few that are awake are almost certainly up to no good.
• Watch for the military. If you are out late at night and effectively trying to blend in with the local residents, you could be mistaken for a hostile/troublemaker. At checkpoints, you will also be treated as a suspect, and until they decide you are not a target, you must conduct yourself carefully.
• If you do encounter the military, ensure your lights are on, turn on your hazards/flashers, slow or pull over to the side of the road and follow any and all instructions given. If a stop sign, green laser, or any other signal is directed at you or in your general direction it is advisable to follow it, better to err on the side of caution than get shot at.

Travel by train to Iraq

An overnight train links Baghdad with the southern city of Basra, taking just over 12 hours for the journey. There are also daily train services between Baghdad and Fallujah as well as irregular services to the holy city of Karbala, especially during religious festivals. Train travel is considered relatively safe, mainly due to the extensive security checks all passengers have to go through before boarding the train.

All trains are run by Iraqi Republic Railways. Tickets can only be bought at stations.

Local Language in Iraq

Arabic is the national language of Iraq, but English is so commonly spoken there that most travellers will get by in the various shops, markets and cafes. The downside is that speaking English will immediately identify you as an outsider. This is challenging because of the strong underground network of Iraqis who inform attackers of feasible target opportunities.

Kurdish is spoken in the Kurdistan region, in one of two varieties: Kurmanji and Sorani. Kurmanji is spoken in and around Duhok while Sorani is spoken in and around Erbil (Hewlar),Sulaymaniyah and Kirkuk. These two varieties are mutually unintelligible. However, Arabic is also widely spoken, and the number of speakers of English is on the rise.

What to see in Iraq

The past 40 years of disastrous government and devastating wars has taken its toll on Iraq's travel industry. After the fall of the Saddam Hussein government, which was virulently hostile to the Shia religion, religious pilgrims, mostly from the Middle East, Iran, and Central Asia, have returned in large numbers to the holy sites of southern Iraq, especially to the spiritual home of Shia Islam in Karbala. Religious pilgrimage remains quite unsafe, but there is a greater degree of safety in numbers, and in being familiar with the Arab region. And of course, pilgrimage is a more urgent reason for travel than sightseeing!

One can only hope that this great and ancient region soon sees increased security and stability, for it makes a fascinating travel destination for anyone interested in history, be it in ancient history 4,000 years old, medieval Islamic and later Ottoman history, or the modern history of the early 21st century. The aforementioned conflicts and misgovernment have not been kind to Iraq's ruins, especially in terms of the massive rebuilding done on ancient Babylon by the Hussein government and later negligence by foreign military presence. But the pull of such ancient cities as the Babylonian capital Babylon; the ancient city of Ur, of mankind's first great civilizations, Sumeria; major Parthian cities at magnificent Hatra and the capital Ctesiphon; and the Assyrian capital of Ashur, remains great enough to overlook the damage done.

[[File:US Navy 030529-N-5362A-001 A U.S. Marine Corps Humvee vehicle drives down a road at the foot of Saddam Hussein's former Summer palace with ruins of ancient Babylon in the background.jpg|1280px|US Navy 030529-N-5362A-001 A U.S. Marine Corps Humvee vehicle drives down a road at the foot of Saddam Hussein's former Summer palace with ruins of ancient Babylon in the background]]

The holiest sites of Shia Islam outside of Saudi Arabia are in Iraq's Southern Iraq|southern fertile heartland. The Shia-Sunni split in Islam occurred over a dispute in the mid-seventh century C.E. as to the true successor of the Prophet Muhammad, with the Shiites supporting Ali ibn Abi Talib, who would become the first Imam, and whose Caliphate capital was located in the medieval city of Kufa. Ali's tomb is found in present day Najaf at the Imam Ali Mosque, one of Shia Islam's most holy sites. The third Imam, grandson of the Prophet, Husayn ibn Ali, is widely revered as one of Shia Islam's greatest martyrs, and the two grand masjids of Karbala, Al Abbas Mosque and Imam Husayn Shrine (which stands on his grave) are the sites of the Shiites' most important pilgrimage, to observe the Ashura and the day of mourning for Imam Husayn. Samarra is home to another one of the most important Shia masjids, Al-Askari Mosque, which serves as the tomb of Imams 'Ali al-Hadi and Hassan al-'Askari. Tragically, this mosque is badly damaged, suffering explosions in sectarian violence in 2006, destroying the dome, minarets, and clock tower. Lastly, Al-Kadhimiya Mosque in Kadhimiya is revered, as it is the burial place of the seventh and ninth Imams, Musa al-Kadhim and Muhammad at-Taqi. Also buried within this mosque are the famous historical scholars, Shaykh Mufid and Shaykh Nasir ad-Din Tusi. Iraq is also home to significant holy sites of Sunni Islam, especially Baghdad's Abu Hanifa Mosque, built around the tomb of Abu Hanifah an-Nu'man and the founder of the Ḥanafī school of Islamic religious jurisprudence.

In terms of modern attractions, most are the big modernist sculptures and palaces of the Saddam Hussein government, located primarily in Baghdad (or on top of some of the world's most important legacy sites...). Given the warfare, external and internal, and government atrocities committed against its own people over the past 40 years, one can only expect that the future will see widespread construction of memorials to those who suffered. But such developments may have to wait until the nation's turbulent present settles down. In the meantime, it is feasible (albeit often dangerous) to visit the cities and sites of battles that have become household names throughout the world in the most recent conflict.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Iraq

Money Matters & ATM's in Iraq

Iraqi currency is the Iraqi dinar, denoted by the symbol "د.ع" (ISO code: IQD). Banknotes are issued in 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 25,000, 50,000 dinars denominations. Coins, and banknotes in 250 and 500-dinar denominations are rarely used.

While the dinar is the official currency, you will also be able to spend euros (€) and US dollars (USD) in many places. Most people do not like to make change for large banknotes. Any defects in the bills (creases, ink stamps from banks, tears, etc.) will raise suspicion that you are a counterfeiter. Don't bring old bills with you, either. Carry mostly small bills in the form of Iraqi dinars for daily spending cash.

Since the introduction of the new Iraqi dinar, its widespread acceptance and confidence has reduced the prominence of the U.S. dollar, and many shopkeepers are now refusing to accept them. However, most people will still pay large hotel bills or rent payments using US dollars or euro due to the sheer volume of notes required to pay with dinars. The conversion rate fluctuates from day to day and from town to town.

Learn the security features of the new dinar and US dollar notes; the former Iraqi government was known to be making passable USD20, USD 17, and USD8 bills, and these counterfeiters are apparently still in business.

Halal Restaurants

See also: Middle Eastern cuisine

• Masgouf- Considered as the national dish of Iraq. It is an open cut freshwater fish roasted for hours after being marinated with Olive oil, salt, curcuma and tamarind while keeping the skin on. Traditional garnishes for the masgouf include lime, chopped onions and tomatoes, and flatbread.
• Tepsi Baytinijan Also very popular dish in Iraq. A baked casserole typically consisting of meatballs, aubergine, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and potatoes.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Iraq

Iraq - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Iraq, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Iraq. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Iraq and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Iraq. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Iraq. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inIraq: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Iraq.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Iraq: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Iraq, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Iraq.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Iraq, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Iraq, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Iraq and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Iraq, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Iraq, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Iraq without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Iraq is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Iraq.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Iraq is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Iraq, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Iraq Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Iraq

eHalal Group Iraq is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Iraq. 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 Iraq.

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 Iraq 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 Iraq. 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 Iraq, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Iraq 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

Muslim Friendly hotels in Iraq

Sleep in the hot summer months can be difficult. Sleeping outside and near flowing water is the most comfortable setting one can find outside of air conditioning.

In Iraqi Kurdistan and there are plenty of hotels and although they are hard to find in any travel guide, anyone on the street will direct you to a nearby place. There's no shortage in Zakho, Dohuk or Erbil. Rates run about USD15-25 per day for a single room with bathroom.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Iraq

Though the Western backed Islamic State - ISIS was driven out in late 2017 and the political situation remains very unstable.

Medical Issues in Iraq

It is not safe for short term visitors to drink the water anywhere in Iraq. It is best to always drink bottled water, preferably made by a Western or Jordanian company. It will usually be sold at vendors and large stores, and will be easy to find. Most Iraqi water companies pump their water directly from the Tigris or Euphrates rivers, treat it with ozone, and then filter it into bottles. The taste is often not very good, and those with sensitive systems should not drink it. Many street vendors will offer drinks such as water with a lemon twist, which should be presumed unsafe for foreign visitors.

Should you find your body in the uncomfortable position of rejecting food and water due to something you shouldn't have drunk, immediately find someone who speaks Arabic and send them to a local pharmacist and request a product known locally as "InterStop" (similar to co-phenotrope/Lomotil). This works better than any well-known western brands.

Local Customs in Iraq

Don't spit in public or in the direction of others, even when obviously done without malice.

Telecommunications in Iraq

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