Iraq: A Journey to the Cradle of Civilization

Iraq is a country whose name has stirred the minds of historians, archaeologists, and adventurers for centuries. Today, the country is gradually opening up to tourism, offering a unique opportunity to touch the origins of human history. Ancient Iraq, known as Mesopotamia, is the place where writing, law, and the world's first cities originated. How old is Iraq as a state within its modern borders? Not very — about 100 years. But how old is this land? Millennia.

The territory of Iraq is predominantly flat, especially in the central and southern parts, where the legendary Tigris and Euphrates rivers flow. It is here, in the land between the rivers, that Mesopotamia itself was born. To the west lies an extensive desert in Iraq, which is part of the Syrian Desert. The country's climate is sharply continental, with a hot dry summer and a mild winter. Keep this in mind when planning your trip: the best time to visit is spring and autumn. Iraq is located in Southwest Asia and has access to the Persian Gulf, which historically has made it an important trading hub.

The population of Iraq is about 40 million people and represents a colorful mosaic of Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, and Assyrians. Every resident of Iraq is proud of their heritage and warmly welcomes those who show a sincere interest in their culture. The official languages are Arabic and Kurdish, while English is also commonly used, especially in the major cities of Iraq and tourist areas. The local currency is the Iraqi dinar.

When you arrive in Iraq, you are literally walking through the pages of a history textbook. One of the key points of any route is Babylon. Although much of what we know about this city has come to us through biblical stories and the works of Herodotus, today you can see the reconstructed Ishtar Gate and the remains of the legendary walls. This is the place where Hammurabi ruled with his code of laws, and where Nebuchadnezzar II built the Hanging Gardens.

Equally impressive is the ancient city of Ur, considered the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. Here stands the majestic ziggurat — a stepped temple complex dedicated to the moon god Nanna. Climbing to its top, you can imagine how priests thousands of years ago watched the stars from here. Archaeological excavations in Ur have given the world priceless artifacts that shed light on the life of the Sumerians.

For those interested in more recent history, Baghdad is a must-visit. Although the main city of Iraq has suffered greatly in recent decades, unique monuments such as the Abbasid Palace and the famous Mutanabbi Street — the center of book trading, remain. The National Museum of Iraq in Baghdad, having reopened its doors to visitors, holds one of the richest collections of Mesopotamian artifacts in the world.

What is Iraq like today? It is a state with a dynamically developing economy, the basis of which is the colossal oil reserves in Iraq. By their volume, the country is among the top three world leaders, and the income from the export of black gold forms the budget and allows for the restoration of infrastructure. Oil rigs have become as much a symbol of modern Iraq as the ancient ziggurats. Iraq is one of the republics with a federal structure, which is especially important for taking into account the interests of the Kurdish Autonomous Region.

Kurdish Autonomous Region (Iraqi Kurdistan) — the safest and most stable part of the country, which for many years has been the main gateway for tourists. Its capital, Erbil, claims to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Iraq. There is a special atmosphere here: modern shopping centers are adjacent to the ancient citadel, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Life here is bustling, and the streets are full of cafes and restaurants.

The population of Iraq continues to grow, and a large part of the population of Iraq — youth. Despite all the difficulties, the locals are incredibly life-loving and hospitable. They value when foreigners show respect for their culture and traditions. For a tourist, this means that over a cup of strong tea, you may be told stories that are not found in any guidebook. The Iraqi troops and security forces maintain order in the main tourist areas, but it is recommended to travel with a local guide.

The first and most important step for a trip is obtaining a visa. Iraq is among the countries where entry for most foreigners requires prior permission. The process may seem complicated, but it can be significantly simplified by turning to professionals. We recommend using the services of our agency www.buch-dein-visum.de, which specializes in visa processing for this destination. We will take care of all the paperwork. You will find all the information about visas to Iraq, including the list of documents, terms, costs, and special features of processing, on the page «Visas».

As for transportation, major cities in Iraq, such as Baghdad and Erbil, are connected by regular flights with neighboring countries. Inside the country, it is most convenient to travel on domestic airlines or by car with a driver. Public transportation is developed, but it may not be very comfortable for a foreigner. Renting a car without a local driver is not recommended due to the specifics of traffic rules and logistics of road checks.

For a comfortable and safe vacation, follow a few simple rules. Dress modestly, especially for women. Always have copies of your passport and visa with you. Register your stay at the embassy of your country. Drink only bottled water. And most importantly — be open to communication. Iraq is a country with an incredibly rich soul, which will only open up to those who come here without prejudice. Your journey to the cradle of civilization will be an experience you will never forget.

German Embassy in Iraq 

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Baghdad is the official representation of Germany in Iraq. It is responsible for diplomatic and consular relations between Germany and Iraq, and provides support to German citizens and European residents who may need assistance in Iraq.

Address, contact details

• Address: Mahala 609, Street 3 / House Nr. 53, Hay Al-Mansour, Baghdad, Iraq.
• Mailbox: P.O. Box 2036, Baghdad.
• Phone: +964 790 192 2526
• Fax: +49 228 176 70 71 (via Berlin-/coordination number) 

Main areas of activity of the consular department

• The embassy's consular service provides the following services:
• Consular assistance to German and EU citizens in Iraq (including emergencies, loss of documents, etc.)
• Supervision of the rights and interests of German citizens abroad.
• Cooperation with Iraqi and international authorities on document and security issues.
  
  

Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Erbil (Kurdistan Region, Iraq)

• Address: Kirkuk Road, Azady (opposite Salahaddin University), Erbil, Iraq.
• Phone: +964 75 07 90 79 09; also +49 228 177 17 91 00 (coordination)
• The consulate serves applicants who legally reside in the provinces of Erbil, Dohuk, Sulaymaniyah, and Halabja.

For residents of Germany and Europe: what is important to know

• If you are a citizen of Germany or another EU country and are planning a stay or trip to Iraq, familiarize yourself with security recommendations and possible restrictions in advance.
• If you reside in Germany and need assistance from the embassy in Iraq (for example, a family member there, business, projects), refer to the contacts above.
• In case of an emergency (fire, terrorist attack, arrest, loss of documents) — immediately contact the embassy or consulate.
• If you represent the interests of a German company, organization, or are planning a trip to Iraq — ensure that the entry, visa, and security procedures are coordinated.