One app for all your study abroad needs
The capital of Iraq is Baghdad. Baghdad, also known as Bagdad, is situated on the Tigris River, the area has been inhabited since ancient times. Throughout the 20th century, the city expanded significantly in both size and population. It suffered extensive damage during the Persian Gulf War (1990–91) and the Iraq War (2003–11), during which a U.S.-led coalition force occupied it. However, it became an epicentre of the political, administrative and economic growth of Iraq. let us read more about what is the capital of Iraq.
Table of Contents
About Baghdad: The Capital of Iraq
Baghdad is positioned in the central region of Iraq, which is a link between Iraq’s northern and southern regions. Because of its strategic location, the city has gained importance as a cultural and commercial centre.
- Before Baghdad was established as a city, the area was a part of the ancient region of Mesopotamia, likely hosting small communities and trading outposts.
- During the reign of Hārūn al-Rashīd, it reached its zenith, as numerous stories from The Thousand and One Nights depict its grandeur as one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the world. I
- Baghdad served as a hub of Islamic civilization, ranking second only to Constantinople (modern Istanbul) in terms of trade and cultural influence.
| History of Baghdad | |
| 762 AD | Baghdad was laid when the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur founded the city. |
| 836 | The city was temporarily relocated to Sāmarrāʾ |
| 8th to 13th century | Baghdad became the Islamic Golden Age. It promoted philosophy, scientific advancements, literature, and art. |
| 1258 | The Mongolian Invasion of Iraq took place. This invasion led by Hulagu Khan caused widespread destruction, including the loss of precious manuscripts and artworks, marking the end of Baghdad’s golden age. |
| 1401 | Baghdad was captured by Timur and seized by the Persian Ṣafavid dynasty in 1508 |
| Late 13th century | Baghdad saw a series of shifts in governance, falling under the rule of the empires like Jalairid Sultanate, Ilkhanate, Black Sheep and White Sheep Turkmen, and the Safavid Dynasty. |
| 1534 | Baghdad came under Ottoman control |
| 1623-1638 | Again under the Safavid Dynasty, |
| 1914– 1918 | In the post-World War I period, Baghdad came under British colonial administration. |
| 1920 | Later Baghdad became the capital of the Kingdom of Iraq |
| 1958 | It became the Republic of Iraq |
In recent years, Baghdad has faced numerous challenges, including the Iran-Iraq War, Gulf Wars, and internal conflicts. The city has demonstrated incredible resilience, rebuilding and adapting to change. New developments have coexisted with historical sites, illustrating a city that is evolving while preserving its rich heritage.
Also Read – What is the Capital City of Himachal Pradesh?
Geography, Demography and Economy of Baghdad
Baghdad is situated next to the Tigris River. The Alluvial plain starts from the north of Baghdad and extends to the Persian Gulf. The landscape of Baghdad is defined by its wide, level floodplain location.
- The weather in Baghdad is classified as a hot desert climate.
- Baghdad is also recognised as the world’s hottest city, with temperatures reaching 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The city receives little to no rain, and it occasionally faces dust storms, especially in the summer.
- The city of Baghdad has an estimated population of more than 6 million.
- Its inhabitants hail from ethnic backgrounds such as Kurds, Turkmen, Arabs and Assyrians.
- The city’s economy is varied and in the economic well-being of Iraq, ranks among the top 10 wealthiest Arab nations.
- Given Iraq’s substantial oil reserves, the oil and petroleum sectors are important to the city’s economic stability.
- Baghdad also thrives on various manufacturing industries, ranging from textiles to food processing and machinery and within the service sector, healthcare, banking and education.
Also Read – What Is The Capital Of Bangladesh?
Facts About Iraq
The culture of Iraq has a rich history and cultural heritage that dates back centuries. The official language of Iraq is Kurdish and Arabic.
- The world’s oldest writing, the cuneiform script was first discovered in Iraq in 3400 BC.
- Six countries share boundaries with Iraq
- Iraq is the region of the World’s oldest civilization
- It is also called “Land Between the Rivers”.
- Iran has in total six UNESCO sites – Babylon, Ashur, Samarra Archaeological City and Hatra along with Erbil Citadel and the site of Ahwar of Southern Iraq.
FAQs
The capital of Iraq is Baghdad and the currency is the Iraqi Dinar.
The official name of the state is the “Republic of Iraq” (Jumhūriyyat al-ʿIrāq), reaffirmed in the 2005 Constitution.
Mesopotamia
Related Blogs
That is all about what is the capital of Iraq. If you want to know more about topics like this, then visit our general knowledge page!