City Guide: Basra

The second largest city of Iraq, Basrah is a settlement which Umar ibn al-Khattab formed for military purposes. Afterwards, it became the only harbour where Arab merchant ships transporting freight to Far East Asia took of from. Starting from the end of the 19th century, life in the city began revolving around petroleum. Most of the Iraqi petroleum is distributed to the world through the terminal located in Basrah. Petrochemical industry holds a significant place in the economy of the city and country, although it is in second place overall.

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• Tourist Attractions

  Al-Ashar is an old center of commerce with marketplaces and shopping centers. Al-Maq’il region containing the harbour and modern living spaces is where residential areas were located in the past as well. The historical houses of Basrah are worth a visit.
  
  The island of Sinbad, a hero from One Thousand and One Nights, is also located in Basrah. This small island is right in the middle of Shatt al-Arab where the rivers Euphrates and Tigris confluence. You can reach the island, among places to see, through Khalid Bridge.
  
  Palm tree forests present a beautiful view on the shore of Shatt al-Arab. The trees are especially condensed in the Abu Al-Khasib region. Corniche Street stretches from Lion of Babylon Square to the four palaces along the shore of Shatt al-Arab. Remains of the house of poet Badr Shakir al-Sayyab  are also for you to see here. In the city center, there is a statue of the poet, erected in 1972.
  
  Sayyid al-Musawi Mosque, also called Mosque of the Children of Amer, is one of the religious structures to see in the city center. There is a Latin church on 14th July Street as well.

• Culture & Entertainment

  Basrah Museum is at the top of places to see. Pieces from Sumerian, Babylonian, and Islamic civilizations are on display here.
  
  The Museum for Martyrs documents the pain endured during the Iran-Iraq war. The Museum for Martyrs stands as a case in point of a time period when human life was thought nothing of, though from an Iraqi perspective only.
  
  The amusement park called Basrah Land provides young people thrilling times with with giant rides and games. Akhora, on Basrah Street, is one of the oldest park of the city. The sports complex called Basrah Sports City is going to be the largest one of its kind in the Middle East.

• Food & Drink

  The Cuisine of Basrah has a lot in common with the Anatolian cuisine. The dominant cuisine in Basrah is diversified by not only Arabic dishes but also those of Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians.Poultry and seafood as well as red meat are used in dishes. Spicy kabobs, many different kinds of cooked rice –pilaf-, vegetables, and fruits are served within the same meal. Every meal includes yoghurt as a sauce and katik –a type of bread unique to Basrah. Tea is served after every single meal.

• Shopping

  Bazaar in the Al-Ashar region maintains its commercial activities, although not as much compared to the past, due to wars. Basrah Mosque is, in fact, the first mosque built outside of the Arabian Peninsula.
  
  Amogaiz, also called the Indian Market, is perhaps the busiest marketplace in Basrah. It was named as such, because of the Indian merchants who came to Basrah in the beginning of the last century. The bazaar by the name of Hanna-Sheikh –one of  the oldest and most influential families of Basrah-is another historical spots for shopping.

Ticket Sales Offices: Basra

• Basra: Airport Map Information

  Basra Airport

  Address	:	Basrah International Airport PO Box 23006, Basrah, Iraq
  Phone	:	+964 (0)40 886 3999

• Basra: Airport Map Information