What is the Capital of Iraq? Baghdad
Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq, is located in the heart of the country, along the Tigris River. The city, founded in 762 CE during the reign of the Abbasid Caliphate, has a rich and complex history that stretches back over a millennium. For much of the medieval period, Baghdad was the largest and most influential city in the Islamic world, known as a center for science, culture, and intellectual thought. During its peak, Baghdad became home to great scholars, philosophers, and poets, and it hosted the legendary House of Wisdom, which served as a significant intellectual hub for the Arab world. See Lawfaqs for other major cities in Iraq.
In the modern era, Baghdad has faced numerous challenges, including invasion, war, and political instability. Despite the setbacks, the city remains a key player in Iraq’s cultural, political, and economic life. It is the largest city in Iraq, the center of government, and the site of many important national institutions.
Although the city suffered significant damage during the Iraq War (2003–2011), Baghdad has undergone efforts of reconstruction and revitalization. Today, it remains a bustling metropolis with a population of approximately 9 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in the Middle East. Baghdad is located in the Central Mesopotamian Plain, giving it proximity to important archaeological sites that are considered the cradle of civilization.
City Facts
- Area: 455 km²
- Population: Approximately 9 million (2023 estimate)
- Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST, UTC +3)
- Highest Mountain: Mount Hazar-Merga, which is located in the Kurdish region of Iraq, near the Iranian border, rises to 3,611 meters (11,847 feet). Although it’s not located directly in Baghdad, it is part of the broader Iraqi region and represents the highest peak in the country.
- Longest River: The Tigris River is the longest river flowing through Baghdad, covering a total length of 1,850 kilometers (1,150 miles). The river is essential for the city’s water supply, agriculture, and its historical importance as a central trade route in ancient Mesopotamia.
Major Landmarks in Baghdad
Baghdad is home to many important historical and cultural landmarks, despite the ravages of war and modern conflicts. These landmarks serve as symbols of the city’s glorious past and ongoing resilience.
1. The Baghdad National Museum
The Baghdad National Museum is one of the most significant museums in the Middle East, housing a wealth of artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia. The museum’s collection spans over 7,000 years of history, showcasing treasures from the Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Islamic empires. During the Iraq War, the museum was looted, and many of its priceless artifacts were stolen or damaged. However, the Iraqi government, with the help of international organizations, has made efforts to return and restore these important pieces. Visitors to the museum can view some of the finest examples of ancient Mesopotamian art, including statues, tablets, and ceramics.
2. Al-Mustansiriya University
Founded in 1233 CE, Al-Mustansiriya University is one of the oldest universities in the Arab world. Located in the heart of Baghdad, this institution has long been a center for intellectual study, particularly in the fields of law, philosophy, and theology. The university complex itself is a stunning example of Islamic architecture, featuring a large courtyard, intricate mosaics, and classical arches. Although the university has been affected by political upheaval and the effects of war, it remains an important center of higher education in Iraq.
3. The Abbasid Palace
The Abbasid Palace was once the residence of the Abbasid Caliphs, who ruled the Islamic world from the 8th to 13th centuries. The palace is a monumental example of Islamic architecture, complete with large courtyards, gardens, and fountains. While much of the palace has been destroyed or damaged, efforts have been made to preserve what remains, and it stands as a testament to Baghdad’s historical grandeur. The palace was built during the height of the Abbasid Caliphate and served as a symbol of political power.
4. The Al-Shaheed Monument
The Al-Shaheed Monument is one of the most iconic landmarks in Baghdad, built to honor Iraqi soldiers who perished in the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988). The monument consists of a giant dome surrounded by a reflecting pool, symbolizing the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers. The structure is both modern and symbolic, embodying the nation’s mourning and resilience in the face of tragedy. The monument is a popular place for visitors and locals alike to reflect on Iraq’s painful history and hopes for a better future.
5. Kadhimayn Shrine
The Kadhimayn Shrine is an important Shiite religious site in Baghdad, dedicated to Imams Musa al-Kadhim and Ali al-Ridha. It is considered one of the holiest sites for Shiite Muslims in Iraq and attracts thousands of pilgrims annually, especially during religious observances such as Ashura. The shrine is a beautiful and intricate structure, with ornate minarets and large courtyards. The religious and cultural significance of the site cannot be overstated, as it is central to the identity of Shiite Islam in the region.
Climate Overview
Baghdad has a hot desert climate, characterized by scorching summers and mild winters. The city’s location in the Mesopotamian Plain makes it prone to extreme temperatures, especially in the summer months when highs can reach 40°C (104°F) or higher. Winters are much milder, with average highs ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F). Baghdad also experiences very little rainfall, with precipitation mostly occurring during the winter months.
Monthly Climate Overview
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Precipitation (mm) | Sunny Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13 | 32 | 8 |
| February | 15 | 28 | 10 |
| March | 19 | 22 | 12 |
| April | 24 | 14 | 14 |
| May | 30 | 4 | 16 |
| June | 35 | 0 | 18 |
| July | 39 | 0 | 19 |
| August | 39 | 0 | 18 |
| September | 34 | 2 | 16 |
| October | 26 | 10 | 14 |
| November | 19 | 18 | 10 |
| December | 14 | 30 | 8 |
Other Cities That Have Served as Capital in Iraq’s History
Ctesiphon (224–651 AD)
Before Baghdad, the ancient city of Ctesiphon served as the capital of the Parthian Empire and later the Sassanian Empire. It was strategically located on the Tigris River, southeast of modern Baghdad. Ctesiphon was one of the largest cities in the world at its peak, and its Taq Kasra arch was the largest vaulted structure in the world for over a millennium. However, after the Arab conquest in the 7th century, Ctesiphon was abandoned, and its residents fled to what would eventually become Baghdad.
Kufa (656–661 AD)
Kufa, located in southern Iraq, was briefly the capital of the Caliphate during the reign of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph in Sunni Islam and the first in Shiite Islam. The city was founded as a military base and grew into an important political and religious center. However, after the death of Ali, Kufa lost its significance as the center of the Islamic world, and Baghdad gradually became the political capital.
Country Facts: Iraq
General Country Information
- Population: Approximately 43 million (2023 estimate)
- Area: 438,317 km²
- Largest City: Baghdad
- Currency: Iraqi Dinar (IQD)
- Official Languages: Arabic and Kurdish
- ISO Country Codes: IQ (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2), IRQ (ISO 3166-1 alpha-3)
- Government: Federal parliamentary republic
- Prime Minister: Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani (as of 2023)
- Independence: Iraq gained independence from the United Kingdom on October 3, 1932.
Iraq is a country with an ancient history, from its Sumerian beginnings to its central role in Islamic civilization. It is home to iconic cities like Babylon and Nineveh and has been the site of many significant historical events. Baghdad, as the capital, plays a central role in this narrative, continuing to evolve despite the challenges it has faced. From the Tigris River to its political institutions, Baghdad is both a symbol of Iraq’s past and the hope for its future.
