Iraq
Iraq
Iraq holds the cradle of ancient Mesopotamia, ziggurats at Ur, the ruins of Babylon, and a cultural memory stretching back to some of humanity's earliest cities and writing systems. Iraqi Kurdistan's northern mountains and the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala draw a small but growing number of visitors and pilgrims. Decades of conflict have left much of the country's tourism infrastructure undeveloped, and current security conditions vary significantly by region, so travel requires careful, up-to-date guidance.
Main destinations
Food & drink to try
Masgouf
Carp split flat and roasted upright by a fire on the Tigris bank, then laid on the coals.
Quzi
Whole lamb over spiced rice with almonds and raisins, served at weddings.
Dolma
Vine leaves, onions and peppers stuffed with rice and cooked upside down in one pot.