Baghdad

 

Baghdad: The Timeless Capital of Civilization

Introduction

Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, is one of the most historically significant cities in the world. Founded in the 8th century as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, it became a global center of knowledge, culture, and trade during the Islamic Golden Age. Despite facing wars and instability in recent decades, Baghdad remains a vital cultural and economic hub. This documentary explores its geography, history, society, economy, cuisine, and tourism, supported by factual data and references.

1. Basic Facts and Geographic Overview

1. Location: Central Iraq, on the Tigris River
2. Coordinates: 33.3152° N, 44.3661° E
3. Population (2024 est.): ~8.7 million
4. Area: ~673 km²
5. Climate: Hot desert climate (Köppen: BWh), with long, dry summers and short, mild winters
6. Elevation: 34 meters (112 ft) above sea level
7. Rainfall: ~150 mm annually (mostly in winter).

Baghdad is Iraq’s largest city and political, economic, and cultural capital. Strategically located between Mosul and Basra, it’s also a key transportation and trade hub.

Al-Mustansiriya School

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2. Historical Overview

Founded in 762 CE by the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur, Baghdad quickly became a center of the Islamic Golden Age. It was renowned for its libraries, scholars, architecture, and the House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikma), where translations and scientific advancements flourished.

Key historical periods:

• Abbasid Caliphate (8th–13th century): Peak of intellectual and scientific life

• Mongol Invasion (1258): Destruction of much of the city by Hulagu Khan

• Ottoman Period (16th–20th century): Rebuilding and administrative reforms

• Modern Iraq (1921–present): Capital of the Kingdom of Iraq, then the Republic

• Recent Conflicts: heavily damaged in the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88), Gulf War (1991), Iraq War (2003–11), and ISIS insurgency (2014–17).

Key Historical Sites:

Al-Mustansiriya University (1233 CE) – One of the oldest universities in the world.

Abbasid Palace (12th century) – A remnant of the Abbasid era.

Al-Kadhimiya Mosque – A major Shia shrine.

Imam al-Kadhim Shrine

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3. Social and Cultural Fabric

• Ethnic groups: Predominantly Arab (75%), with Kurdish (15%), Turkmen, and Assyrian minorities.

• Religions: Islam (Shia ~55%, Sunni ~40%), Christianity, Mandaeism, Yazidism

• Languages: Arabic (official), Kurdish,  Turkmen, and Syriac spoken.

• Culture: Known for poetry, music, calligraphy, and storytelling. Baghdad remains a symbol of Arab intellectual heritage and resilience.

• Education: Home to University of Baghdad (founded 1957), Iraq’s largest.

  

  Iraqi Museum

  
  

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4. Economic Profile (Focus on Informal Economy)

Despite challenges from decades of conflict, Baghdad remains Iraq’s economic heart:

• GDP (Iraq, 2023 est.): ~$267 billion USD

• Unemployment (Iraq, 2023 est.): ~13.5%

• Main sectors in Baghdad:

  • Retail and informal trade

  • Construction and housing

  • Public sector employment

  • Oil-related services (though not direct extraction)

🔹 Informal Economy Statistics:

• Estimated that over 60% of Baghdad’s active labor force is engaged in informal activities

• Street vending, small-scale services, and home-based businesses are widespread

• Average public salary: $150–$300/month (2024)

• Informal monthly income can range from $100 to $500 depending on the job

 Abu Nawas Street

5. Most Important Sector: Oil Industry (Key Data)

Iraq has the 5th largest oil reserves globally (~145 billion barrels).

Baghdad’s Role: Government and oil company headquarters.

Pre-2003 Production: ~2.5 million barrels/day.

Current Production: ~4.5 million barrels/day (2023).

Challenges: Corruption, outdated infrastructure, political instability.

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Zawraa Park 

6. Traditional Cuisine and Average Restaurant Prices

Baghdad’s cuisine is a rich blend of Mesopotamian, Ottoman, and Persian influences.

Dish	Description	Average Price (in restaurants)
Masgouf	Grilled river fish, often carp	$10–$20
Kubba Mosul	Deep-fried bulgur shell with meat filling	$3–$5
Tashreeb	Meat stew served over bread	$4–$6
Dolma	Stuffed vegetables	$3.5–$5
Samoon + Falafel	Street sandwich with pickles and salad	$1–$2
Baklava/Kleicha	Popular desserts	$1.5–$3.5
Quzi	Spiced lamb with rice	$8–$15

Best Places to Eat:

• Abu Shihab Restaurant – Famous for Masgouf.
  Al-Sa’ah Restaurant – Traditional Iraqi dishes.

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7. Major Tourist Attractions

Dolma

Baghdad’s cultural legacy is visible across its districts and historic buildings:

🕌 Al-Mustansiriya School

• One of the oldest universities in the world (established 1233 CE)

• Located near the old city center

🕋 Imam al-Kadhim Shrine (Kadhimiya)

Masgouf

• Important Shia pilgrimage site

• Ornate golden domes and religious significance

🏛️ Iraqi Museum

• Houses priceless Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian artifacts

• Reopened in 2015 after restoration

🌉 Al-Jumhuriya Bridge & Abu Nawas Street

• Scenic riverside walk with cafes and art installations

🏞️ Zawraa Park and Zoo

• Family-friendly, includes a small amusement park

📚 Baghdad Book Market (Mutanabbi Street)

• A historical street for book lovers

• Rebuilt after bombings, now a cultural center

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Kubba Mosul

8. Accessibility and Transport

✈️ By Air:

• Baghdad International Airport (BGW):

  • 16 km west of downtown

  • Accessible by taxi or ride-hailing apps (e.g., Careem)

🚕 In the City:

• Transport options:

  • Yellow taxis (no meter; bargain in advance)

  • Public minibuses (very affordable but crowded)

  • Ride-sharing apps growing in popularity

  • Walking is common in old quarters like Kadhimiya and Mutanabbi

    

    Tashreeb

    
    

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9. References and Sources

• Iraqi Central Statistics Organization (2023)

• World Bank Iraq Economic Update (2023)

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Iraq

• Local restaurant menus and street interviews

• Al-Jazeera, BBC Arabic, Rudaw (news coverage)

• World Bank – Iraq Economic Monitor (2023) – Link

• UNESCO: Historical Sites of Baghdad – Link

• Iraqi Ministry of Oil – Production Reports – Link

• CIA World Factbook – Iraq – Link

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Conclusion

Baghdad remains a city of immense historical importance, struggling to recover from decades of conflict. While security remains a concern, its cultural heritage, oil wealth, and resilient society offer hope for revival.