Por Qué Viajar a Irak: Un Destino Emergente que Debes Conocer

Why travel to Iraq now? Reasons to discover this emerging destination

Irak, con su vasto patrimonio histórico y cultural, ha sido por mucho tiempo un destino subestimado por el turismo internacional. Después de años de conflictos y de estar cerrado al mundo, el país está emergiendo con un renovado esfuerzo por mostrarse al mundo como un lugar lleno de historia, belleza y hospitalidad. Hoy más que nunca, es el momento perfecto para viajar a Irak y experimentar todo lo que tiene para ofrecer. Si alguna vez has considerado viajar a este fascinante destino, aquí te dejo algunas razones por las cuales viajar a Irak ahora es una excelente decisión.

1. Iraq is not an Islamic State, and women are present in all sectors.

A common myth about Iraq is that it is an Islamic state, governed by strict religious laws. However, this is not true. Iraq is a parliamentary republic with a democratic political system, where religion plays an important role in daily life, but does not dictate the laws of the country. Iraq has great religious diversity, including Sunni and Shia Muslims, Christians and Yazidis, and this is reflected in the openness and plurality of Iraqi society.

Moreover, Iraqi women are present in all sectors of work, from education to parliament. During my trip, I observed that women are not only active in working life, but also have a strong presence in government and decision-making. They are teachers, doctors, lawyers and businesswomen, and their participation in society reflects the country's evolution towards greater gender equality. It is inspiring to see how women are breaking barriers and contributing to Iraq's development in various fields, despite the challenges they have faced in recent decades.

2. Tangible security: peace of mind has arrived

Iraq has historically been associated with insecurity due to years of war and conflict. However, this perception has changed considerably in recent years. During my recent trip I was able to see that security in many areas of the country is palpable. The government has made significant efforts to ensure that tourists can explore the country with peace of mind. In cities such as Baghdad, Erbil and Basra, tourists can enjoy historical monuments and traditional markets without feeling the threat of insecurity. The presence of security forces at key points and effective security controls have helped to improve the perception of security in the country.

Iraqis, for their part, are committed to stability and peace, which is also reflected in their willingness to welcome visitors with hospitality and friendliness. People are eager to put the years of conflict behind them and to show the world the beauty of their country. As one travels through the various regions of Iraq, it is evident that the situation has improved substantially and that the country is moving into a new era of peace and reconstruction.

3. A country in search of peace: Iraqis want tranquillity

After decades of conflict, Iraqis want stability and peace first and foremost. It is inspiring to see how people, who have suffered so much, are now focused on rebuilding their country and finding a path to a better future. Throughout my tour in Iraq, I experienced a sense of optimism and hope in the people I met. Despite the hardships experienced, Iraqis are extremely proud of their country and their heritage. The friendliness and hospitality of the locals is sincere, and they are excited to share their traditions and history with visitors.

As the country continues to heal the wounds of the past, significant cultural and social change is taking place. Women, youth and families are becoming more involved in social and economic activities, which is contributing to a renewed dynamism in Iraqi society. This spirit of resilience is a testament to the strength of the Iraqi people and their ability to rebuild and move forward with hope.

4. An uncrowded destination: the privilege of seeing everything at your leisure

Iraq remains a relatively unknown destination for many tourists, which makes it a perfect place for those looking for a quieter, more authentic experience. Unlike other popular destinations that are overcrowded with tourists, Iraq allows you to enjoy its rich history and culture without the crowds. This was something I personally experienced during my trip. I was able to explore historical sites such as the ancient city of Babylon, the ziggurat of Ur or Samarra in complete tranquillity, without other tourists interfering with the experience.

The lack of overcrowding also allows you to have a more personal connection with the places and people. By interacting with the locals you can get to know their history in a deeper way and feel that you are really discovering a country that, although full of beauty, has not been exploited for tourism. It is a unique opportunity to explore one of the world's oldest and most fascinating destinations, with the advantage of enjoying it without the crowds that characterise other more popular tourist destinations.

5. Iraq, the cradle of civilisations: living history

Iraq is undoubtedly the cradle of civilisations. It was in these lands that some of humanity's first great civilisations emerged, such as the Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians. At sites such as Ur, Babylon and Nimrud, you can walk among the remnants of what were once mighty empires that shaped world history. These cities, now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, bear witness to the achievements of these civilisations, from the invention of writing to advances in mathematics and astronomy.

Every place in Iraq is a reminder of the country's historical significance. The ancient city of Babylon, famous for its imposing walls and hanging gardens (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), transports you back to a time when humanity was taking its first steps towards civilisation. Visiting these places is a way to connect with the roots of humanity, and in doing so, you discover not just a tourist destination, but a legacy of thousands of years that has profoundly influenced our culture today.

6. UNESCO-protected heritage: a global legacy

Iraq is home to several UNESCO-protected World Heritage Sites that are the country's national pride. The site of Babylon, with its majestic Ishtar Gate and the remains of Nebuchadnezzar's Palace, is just one of these treasures. Other notable sites are the ancient Hatra city, Erbil Citadel, the cities of Ashur and Samarra. These sites are important not only for Iraq but for whole humanity, as they represent some of the most significant achievements in the history of ancient civilisations.

By visiting these sites, you are not only exploring the history of a country but also connecting with the roots of human culture. These monuments have not only survived the passage of time but have been carefully preserved so that future generations can also enjoy their beauty and understand their importance.

7. Cultural and landscape diversity: Iraq from north to south

Iraq is a country of both geographical and cultural contrasts. In the north, the Kurdistan Region is famous for its mountains and green landscapes that contrast with the arid lands of the south. In Kurdistan, the Kurds maintain a strong cultural identity, which is reflected in their traditional dress. Kurdish women wear brightly coloured dresses and gold jewellery, a symbol of their cultural pride. This part of the country is also known for its hospitality and for being one of the most peaceful in terms of security.

As you move towards the centre of Iraq, the cities become larger and you can see how people's dress changes, adopting a more modern style, while still respecting Iraqi cultural norms. In large cities like Baghdad, women wear modern clothes and, for the most part, scarves to cover their hair, reflecting the balance between tradition and modernity in everyday Iraqi life.

Dress in southern Iraq reflects both tradition and the influence of religion. Women in particular tend to dress conservatively, following cultural and religious norms that require them to cover themselves. The most common garment is on abaya, a long loose-fitting tunic, usually black in colour, covering the entire body. Although women's dress has traditionally been more conservative, recent years have seen a slow change in some sectors of society, with more women opting for modern adaptations of the abaya, or even adopting more varied styles, while still respecting their customs.

8. Unique gastronomy: an explosion of flavours

Iraqi cuisine is another of Iraq's gems. Influenced by the culinary traditions of the empires that dominated the region, Iraq's cuisine is rich and varied. From the delicious kebabs and qoozi (roast lamb) to tasty dolmas and biryani, Iraqi food is a unique experience. The blend of local herbs and spices, such as cumin, coriander and cinnamon, gives each dish an incomparable flavour. In addition, traditional sweets such as knafe and baklawas are the perfect finishing touch to complete meal.

Conclusion

It is important to clarify that, despite the widespread perception that Iraq is a dangerous or closed country, this is not the case , it does not reflect reality current. Iraq is not an Islamic State, and the situation has improved considerably in terms of security and stability in many areas. In addition, the country has come a long way in terms of gender equality, with women present in all sectors of work, including government and parliament. Iraq is a destination full of stories, landscapes and welcoming people who are eager to show the world their rich heritage and culture.

Iraq is a unique destination full of history, culture and beauty, which is being reborn as a tourist hotspot. With growing security and a population eager to share its rich heritage and spectacular scenery, Iraq offers a travel experience that few other destinations can match. It is not just a place where you can explore the roots of civilisation, but a country where you will experience an unforgettable journey through its people, food, history and culture.