Country | Iraq |
Area | 673 km2 (260 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+3 (Arabian Standard Time) |
Coordinates | 33.34058, 44.40088 |
Highest elevation | 34 m (112 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, is a city rich in history and culture, situated on the banks of the Tigris River. With a population of over 7 million people, it is the second-largest city in the Arab world, following Cairo. Founded in 762 AD as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, Baghdad quickly emerged as a major center of learning, culture, and commerce in the Muslim world.
Historically, Baghdad played a pivotal role during the Islamic Golden Age, becoming the world’s largest city and housing the renowned House of Wisdom, an intellectual hub that attracted scholars from across the globe. At its peak, the city had a population exceeding one million people. However, Baghdad faced significant devastation in 1258 when it was largely destroyed by the Mongol Empire, leading to centuries of decline marked by plagues and the rule of successive empires.
In the modern era, Baghdad saw a resurgence with the recognition of Iraq as an independent state in 1932. It reestablished itself as a significant center of Arab culture and experienced rapid population growth. Despite its large population, Baghdad covers a relatively small area of just 673 square kilometers (260 square miles).
The city’s infrastructure suffered severely during the Iraq War, which began in 2003 with the United States-led invasion and lasted until 2011. The conflict and subsequent insurgency resulted in substantial loss of cultural heritage and historical artifacts, along with making Baghdad one of the most targeted cities in the world by terrorist attacks during that period. However, since the territorial defeat of the Islamic State militant group in 2017, the incidence of terrorist attacks has significantly declined.
Today, Baghdad continues to rebuild and restore its historical and cultural sites. The city’s landmarks include the Al-Shaheed Monument, the National Museum of Iraq, and the Abbasid Palace, which reflect its rich historical tapestry. The diverse population of Baghdad includes various ethnic and religious groups, contributing to its vibrant cultural landscape.
Baghdad remains a city of resilience, gradually reclaiming its place as a cultural and intellectual hub in the region. Despite the challenges it has faced, the city’s enduring spirit continues to shape its future.
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