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Baghdad is approaching the title of Arab Tourism Capital
Reportage 11/13/2024
Fajr Muhammad
Photography: Ahmed Jabbara
After thirty years of exile, Fares Jalal returns to Baghdad to discover a city that has changed unexpectedly. Jalal, who returned to his hometown after many years in Europe, says:
“I did not expect to see Baghdad so lively and joyful, especially in its nights, which are decorated with lights and an atmosphere of life.”
Baghdad, which embraces a tremendous cultural heritage, is today seeking to win the title of Arab Tourism Capital.
The city is famous for its historical and religious monuments, which attract visitors from all over the world.
Advisor to the Prime Minister for Tourism and Antiquities Affairs, Omar Hassan Al-Alawi, confirms that the government has completed the preparation of a comprehensive file that includes plans to develop infrastructure and tourism services, with a focus on enhancing security and improving the public environment, noting that
this important file was prepared by Iraqi experts and specialists.
There will be various cultural and artistic programs and activities when Baghdad is chosen as the capital of Arab tourism.
According to the Director General of the Tourism Facilities Department in the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities in Iraq, Dr. Abdul Qadir Al-Jumaili,
“Infrastructure is now being provided for the tourism system, because it is one of the important requirements for Baghdad to obtain the title of Arab Tourism Capital, including preparing the Al-Rashid Camp and Wedding Island tourist sites to be two sites.” Entertainment for visitors, as well as for Arab and foreign tourism, which in turn will improve local tourism as well.
Tales and monuments
The visitor who wanders around the regions and suburbs of Baghdad cannot ignore the monuments and hills, each of which tells stories and tales of peoples and people who lived before us, and who strived with all their knowledge and strength to leave scientific and historical edifices that generations after them would be proud of and whose development they may have developed. The ruins of the Mustansiriya School, built by the Abbasids in the year 1233, on an area of more than four thousand square meters, on the shore of the Tigris River.
Architect Farah Youssef seeks to visit this historical and cultural landmark on an ongoing basis, and she takes her two daughters with her on this small tour in an effort to introduce them to this history. Farah says:
“I actually feel proud as I walk around this place, which dates back to the times when Baghdad was a cultural landmark.” And a destination for those seeking science and knowledge.”
Another monument that is no less important than its predecessor is the Ziggurat of Akrkuf, which was founded by the Kassites and contained temples that glorified the Sumerian gods.
It was one of the sacred places at that time, and it is located south of Baghdad.
It is known that this ziggurat was the capital of the country during the time of the Kassites, specifically King Kurigalzu I, but it later lost its status and importance.
For his part, Muhammad Hussein Amin Al-Bayati, Director General of Conservation and Preservation of Antiquities at the General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage in the Ministry of Culture, indicated that,
by order of Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, and the directives of the Minister of Culture, a joint higher committee was formed, which included the Ministries of Culture and Housing, to prepare estimation tables. To maintain 6 archaeological sites and rehabilitate them for tourism, which are Al-Qashla, Al-Mustansiriya Madrasa, the Abbasid Palace, Khan Murjan, the site of Akarkov, and Al-Bab Al-Wastani.
The schedules have been completed and submitted to the Prime Minister, and we are awaiting allocations to begin work in full swing to accomplish the task and show the city of Baghdad, in its most beautiful image, especially its archaeological sites, not only from For future generations and even the entire world.
Experts agree on the need for tourism infrastructure, the most important of which are hotels and accommodation for guests arriving, either from the provinces or outside the country. However,
this does not seem to be available, so these places must be provided so that Baghdad can obtain the title.
Researcher and academic Dr. Samaa Ali Al-Zubaidi notes that Baghdad’s nomination for this title is a valuable opportunity. Because attention will be directed towards it,
which means the possibility of providing support and support for foreign investments inside Iraq and Baghdad, specifically, and
this in turn will provide job opportunities and prosperity for various projects. Al-Zubaidi also explained that
marketing the capital means the influx of tourists, and
this in turn will stimulate economic activity.
The importance of the matter cannot be overlooked in encouraging young people to develop their skills in dealing with different cultures and multiple languages, and
this will lead to the development and formation of creative ideas, expanding perceptions, and opening multiple horizons in the field. Innovative and new fields of work, which reduces the burden on the government in employing all graduates in its institutions and placing them in the private sector instead.
Fear and anxiety
Perhaps the positive images available in Baghdad are able to give everyone hope and optimism, in the possibility of it obtaining the important title of the Arab Tourism Capital, but
engineer Mazen Najm does not hide his concern that this matter cannot be achieved; Because
it is believed that the environmental pollutants that have appeared in the skies of the capital, Baghdad, recently, and the air pollution with sulfur smells, in addition to the presence of some roads and streets that lack major services, may be an obstacle to achieving this goal.
Data and studies conducted by reputable international organizations have recently shown that Baghdad has become one of the cities suffering from environmental pollution, and this in turn has affected its air quality.
Greater interest
Baghdad can be a city that satisfies all tastes.
If you are a fan of development and civilization, you will find these images present and visible in its various corners, and if you are one of those who search for holiness and light, you will find what you are looking for in it as well.
With these words, the young woman Maryam Hamid, who has long lived outside the country, expressed her opinion.
Hamid felt proud of her country’s history, as she always sought to talk to her foreign friends continuously about this heritage and heritage, which even includes the sacred shrines that are spread throughout the country. In Baghdad, especially since these places tell stories of people and heroes whose counterparts are rare in the world.
The head of the Iraqi Tourism Forum, Walid Al-Zubaidi, points out that
choosing Baghdad for this position is very important, and it will certainly have a positive impact on the capital, as
this will attract visitors and tourists of different nationalities.
If Baghdad wins this important and vital position, this matter will lead to interest. More in the tourism sector by government agencies. Al-Zubaidi says:
“There are several conditions that must be met in the city that is chosen as the capital of Arab tourism, including the availability of sound tourism management, the infrastructure that must be present in those facilities, as well as the diversity of styles and activities that will be held in those places, if the city wins.” "With the title."
National economy
The importance of tourism in supporting the national economy is no secret to anyone, and
there are many countries in the world whose economies are based on tourism. Because
Iraq, and Baghdad in particular, is distinguished by its archaeological and cultural monuments, as well as urbanism and development,
the researcher and economic expert, Dr. Sattar Al-Bayati, finds that nominating Baghdad to be the capital of Arab tourism would advance the economy and urban development, because
this matter would bring investors and capital, and this is certainly true.
It will be reflected in the stability that the country is experiencing, especially recently. Al-Bayati explains that
infrastructure, such as bridges, parks, and archaeological sites, are all helpful factors that benefit the city of Baghdad and give it more distinction, as there are many countries in the world, especially the third, that do not have such components.
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Reportage 11/13/2024
Fajr Muhammad
Photography: Ahmed Jabbara
After thirty years of exile, Fares Jalal returns to Baghdad to discover a city that has changed unexpectedly. Jalal, who returned to his hometown after many years in Europe, says:
“I did not expect to see Baghdad so lively and joyful, especially in its nights, which are decorated with lights and an atmosphere of life.”
Baghdad, which embraces a tremendous cultural heritage, is today seeking to win the title of Arab Tourism Capital.
The city is famous for its historical and religious monuments, which attract visitors from all over the world.
Advisor to the Prime Minister for Tourism and Antiquities Affairs, Omar Hassan Al-Alawi, confirms that the government has completed the preparation of a comprehensive file that includes plans to develop infrastructure and tourism services, with a focus on enhancing security and improving the public environment, noting that
this important file was prepared by Iraqi experts and specialists.
There will be various cultural and artistic programs and activities when Baghdad is chosen as the capital of Arab tourism.
According to the Director General of the Tourism Facilities Department in the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities in Iraq, Dr. Abdul Qadir Al-Jumaili,
“Infrastructure is now being provided for the tourism system, because it is one of the important requirements for Baghdad to obtain the title of Arab Tourism Capital, including preparing the Al-Rashid Camp and Wedding Island tourist sites to be two sites.” Entertainment for visitors, as well as for Arab and foreign tourism, which in turn will improve local tourism as well.
Tales and monuments
The visitor who wanders around the regions and suburbs of Baghdad cannot ignore the monuments and hills, each of which tells stories and tales of peoples and people who lived before us, and who strived with all their knowledge and strength to leave scientific and historical edifices that generations after them would be proud of and whose development they may have developed. The ruins of the Mustansiriya School, built by the Abbasids in the year 1233, on an area of more than four thousand square meters, on the shore of the Tigris River.
Architect Farah Youssef seeks to visit this historical and cultural landmark on an ongoing basis, and she takes her two daughters with her on this small tour in an effort to introduce them to this history. Farah says:
“I actually feel proud as I walk around this place, which dates back to the times when Baghdad was a cultural landmark.” And a destination for those seeking science and knowledge.”
Another monument that is no less important than its predecessor is the Ziggurat of Akrkuf, which was founded by the Kassites and contained temples that glorified the Sumerian gods.
It was one of the sacred places at that time, and it is located south of Baghdad.
It is known that this ziggurat was the capital of the country during the time of the Kassites, specifically King Kurigalzu I, but it later lost its status and importance.
For his part, Muhammad Hussein Amin Al-Bayati, Director General of Conservation and Preservation of Antiquities at the General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage in the Ministry of Culture, indicated that,
by order of Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, and the directives of the Minister of Culture, a joint higher committee was formed, which included the Ministries of Culture and Housing, to prepare estimation tables. To maintain 6 archaeological sites and rehabilitate them for tourism, which are Al-Qashla, Al-Mustansiriya Madrasa, the Abbasid Palace, Khan Murjan, the site of Akarkov, and Al-Bab Al-Wastani.
The schedules have been completed and submitted to the Prime Minister, and we are awaiting allocations to begin work in full swing to accomplish the task and show the city of Baghdad, in its most beautiful image, especially its archaeological sites, not only from For future generations and even the entire world.
Experts agree on the need for tourism infrastructure, the most important of which are hotels and accommodation for guests arriving, either from the provinces or outside the country. However,
this does not seem to be available, so these places must be provided so that Baghdad can obtain the title.
Researcher and academic Dr. Samaa Ali Al-Zubaidi notes that Baghdad’s nomination for this title is a valuable opportunity. Because attention will be directed towards it,
which means the possibility of providing support and support for foreign investments inside Iraq and Baghdad, specifically, and
this in turn will provide job opportunities and prosperity for various projects. Al-Zubaidi also explained that
marketing the capital means the influx of tourists, and
this in turn will stimulate economic activity.
The importance of the matter cannot be overlooked in encouraging young people to develop their skills in dealing with different cultures and multiple languages, and
this will lead to the development and formation of creative ideas, expanding perceptions, and opening multiple horizons in the field. Innovative and new fields of work, which reduces the burden on the government in employing all graduates in its institutions and placing them in the private sector instead.
Fear and anxiety
Perhaps the positive images available in Baghdad are able to give everyone hope and optimism, in the possibility of it obtaining the important title of the Arab Tourism Capital, but
engineer Mazen Najm does not hide his concern that this matter cannot be achieved; Because
it is believed that the environmental pollutants that have appeared in the skies of the capital, Baghdad, recently, and the air pollution with sulfur smells, in addition to the presence of some roads and streets that lack major services, may be an obstacle to achieving this goal.
Data and studies conducted by reputable international organizations have recently shown that Baghdad has become one of the cities suffering from environmental pollution, and this in turn has affected its air quality.
Greater interest
Baghdad can be a city that satisfies all tastes.
If you are a fan of development and civilization, you will find these images present and visible in its various corners, and if you are one of those who search for holiness and light, you will find what you are looking for in it as well.
With these words, the young woman Maryam Hamid, who has long lived outside the country, expressed her opinion.
Hamid felt proud of her country’s history, as she always sought to talk to her foreign friends continuously about this heritage and heritage, which even includes the sacred shrines that are spread throughout the country. In Baghdad, especially since these places tell stories of people and heroes whose counterparts are rare in the world.
The head of the Iraqi Tourism Forum, Walid Al-Zubaidi, points out that
choosing Baghdad for this position is very important, and it will certainly have a positive impact on the capital, as
this will attract visitors and tourists of different nationalities.
If Baghdad wins this important and vital position, this matter will lead to interest. More in the tourism sector by government agencies. Al-Zubaidi says:
“There are several conditions that must be met in the city that is chosen as the capital of Arab tourism, including the availability of sound tourism management, the infrastructure that must be present in those facilities, as well as the diversity of styles and activities that will be held in those places, if the city wins.” "With the title."
National economy
The importance of tourism in supporting the national economy is no secret to anyone, and
there are many countries in the world whose economies are based on tourism. Because
Iraq, and Baghdad in particular, is distinguished by its archaeological and cultural monuments, as well as urbanism and development,
the researcher and economic expert, Dr. Sattar Al-Bayati, finds that nominating Baghdad to be the capital of Arab tourism would advance the economy and urban development, because
this matter would bring investors and capital, and this is certainly true.
It will be reflected in the stability that the country is experiencing, especially recently. Al-Bayati explains that
infrastructure, such as bridges, parks, and archaeological sites, are all helpful factors that benefit the city of Baghdad and give it more distinction, as there are many countries in the world, especially the third, that do not have such components.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
