Baghdad, the capital of Iraq and one of the most iconic cities in the Arab world, has witnessed a history of splendour, knowledge and tragedy. Known as the 'Jewel of the Tigris', Baghdad was for centuries the cultural and academic epicentre of the Islamic world, and remains today a place of great historical and cultural significance. Despite the challenges it has faced in recent times, Baghdad continues to fascinate those who seek to understand its ancient roots and its impact on the modern world.
The Founding of Baghdad and its Rise in the Golden Age
Baghdad was founded in AD 762 by the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur, who chose this site because of its strategic position near the Tigris River. Its design, based on a perfect circular plan, gave it the nickname 'Round City'. This configuration, unprecedented for its time, reflected the caliph's vision of creating a capital that would be not only an administrative centre but also a manifestation of the power and grandeur of the Abbasid Caliphate.
During the The Golden Age of Islam (8th to 13th centuries), Baghdad became the cultural, scientific and economic heart of the Islamic world. The city was home to scholars, poets, philosophers and scientists from all over the world. The Caliph Al-Ma'mun established the House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikma), an institution dedicated to the translation and preservation of knowledge, where the major philosophical and scientific works of the Greeks, Romans, Persians and other peoples were translated into Arabic.
In this period, Baghdad was a symbol of progress and sophistication, a metropolis where medicine, mathematics, astronomy and philosophy flourished. Great thinkers such as Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and Al-Khwarismi developed theories and discoveries that profoundly influenced European science centuries later.
During the Golden Age, Baghdad was a leader in hydraulic engineering. Islamic scientists and philosophers developed new methods of irrigation and water storage, essential for such a large city in an arid region. It also became the main commercial centre of the region, thanks to its strategic location between East and West. During the Golden Age trade flourished, connecting Baghdad with China, India, Africa, Europe and the Arab world. This allowed for the exchange of goods, science and culture, making Baghdad a centre of wealth and power.
Baghdad was also a literary centre, especially in poetry. Poets such as Abu Nuwas and Al-Mutanabbi profoundly influenced classical Arabic poetry. The stories of the One Thousand and One Nights who were largely born in Baghdad, also reflect the cultural richness of the city.
During the Golden Age of Islam, Baghdad became a centre of global knowledge and culture, where significant advances were made in science, mathematics, medicine, philosophy, art and commerce. The city was not only a centre of political power under the Abbasid caliphs, but also a beacon of civilisation that profoundly influenced the history of the Islamic world and the development of world thought and science. Although the city suffered many hardships in later centuries, its legacy remains one of the most important in history.
Mongolian Plunder and Decline
Baghdad's splendour did not last forever. In 1258, the city was brutally sacked by the Mongol hordes under Hulagu Khan. This devastating event not only destroyed much of the city's infrastructure, but also marked the end of its role as the cultural epicentre of the Islamic world. The Library of Baghdad, which contained thousands of priceless manuscripts, was burned, and much of the works and knowledge accumulated over centuries were lost forever.
After the sack, Baghdad entered a long period of decline. Although the city never completely lost its importance, the Mongol invasion marked the beginning of centuries of political instability and economic decline, which led to its loss of pre-eminence in the region.
Modern Baghdad: A Resilient City
Today, Baghdad is a city struggling to rebuild itself after decades of conflict and war. The 2003 invasion of Iraq and the years of violence that followed left deep scars on the capital, both on its infrastructure and its people. However, the city has begun to re-emerge, and despite its challenges, it remains an important cultural and political centre in the Arab world.
One of the most important treasures of Baghdad is the National Museum of Iraq which houses one of the most important collections of archaeological artefacts in the world. Although the museum was looted during the invasion, many of the artefacts have been recovered and restored, allowing visitors to appreciate the rich history of Mesopotamia, with over 5000 years of history.
The Cultural Renaissance
In recent years Baghdad has experienced a cultural resurgence. In an effort to reclaim its identity as a centre of learning and culture, events and festivals celebrating the city's rich heritage have been organised. One of the most notable examples is in Al Mutanabbi Street. Baghdad's literary heart. This street, dedicated to the famous Arab poet Al-Mutanabbi, is the place where book lovers gather to buy, sell and talk about literature. Despite attacks and violence, Al Mutanabbi Street remains a symbol of Baghdad's cultural resistance.
Music has also played an important role in Baghdad's cultural renaissance. The Iraq National Symphony Orchestra, which suffered greatly during the war, has re-emerged and performs regular concerts that attract Iraqis and foreigners alike. This resurgence is a sign of the resilience of the Baghdadi people and their desire to preserve their cultural identity despite the difficulties.
Tourist in Baghdad: What to See & Do
Although tourism in Baghdad is not as common as in other countries in the region, the city still offers a number of fascinating sites for those wishing to explore. One of the most important sites is the Al-Shorja Souk, one of the oldest markets in the city. Here, visitors can experience the daily life of Baghdadis and buy local products such as spices, fabrics and handicrafts.
Another site not to be missed is the Caliphate Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Baghdad. Built in the 9th century during the Abbasid Caliphate, this mosque is one of the oldest in the city and a testament to the architectural splendour of the period.
The Abasi Palace. This beautiful palace, reflecting Islamic architecture, was not only an administrative centre but also a symbol of the caliph's divine power. The architecture and luxury of the palace reflect the wealth and magnificence of the Abbasid caliphate, which at the time ruled a vast empire.
Al-Tahrir Square, an emblematic place and a symbol of protest and revolution.
Al-Mustansiriya Madrasa, was one of the most important institutions of The Golden Age of Islam and an important centre of education in Baghdad during the time of the Abbasid caliphate. Its construction began in 1227 under the reign of the Abbasid caliph. Al-Mustansir (hence its name) and was completed in 1250. This madrasa was one of the largest and most prestigious educational institutions of its time, and its influence lasted for several centuries.
Around Baghdad: There are several historical, archaeological and cultural sites that offer a fascinating insight into Iraq's rich heritage. These sites, which are located in the vicinity of the capital, encompass the ancient Mesopotamian civilisation as well as important Islamic sites. Below are some of the highlights to explore near Baghdad:
Samarra: Located about 120 km north of Baghdad.
Hatra: Located about 110 km west of Mosul, north of Baghdad.
Ctesiphon: Located about 30 km southeast of Baghdad, near present-day al-Mada'in.
Karbala: Located about 100 km south of Baghdad.
Babylon: Located about 85 km south of Baghdad.
Last but not least, let's not forget the rich gastronomy that the city has to offer, and of course a wide variety of international dishes. To find out more about the delicious Iraqi cuisine, visit our article on: THE RICH IRAQI GASTRONOMY.
The Future of Baghdad
Despite the current challenges, Baghdad's future appears to be full of hope. Government and local initiatives are working to restore the city's infrastructure and revitalise its cultural life. As the country stabilises, there is hope that Baghdad will once again take its place as one of the great cities of the Arab world.
In conclusion, Baghdad, the "Jewel of the Tigris", is a city that has seen the rise and fall of empires, witnessed scientific and cultural advances that changed the course of history and remains a place full of life, resilience and beauty. For those seeking an authentic and unique experience, Baghdad offers a window into the rich heritage of Mesopotamia, the Islamic World, Persian and Ottoman influence and the promise of a vibrant future.
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