Iraq

Best known in the last few decades for its political and religious conflict, the Middle Eastern country of Iraq was once home to the greatest and most stable civilizations on the planet. Beginning with the Sumerians in the 6th millennium BC, the ancient civilizations of Iraq produced some of the earliest writing, literature, sciences, mathematics, laws, and philosophies of the world; the region is often referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization".

Today, Iraq is a Muslim country with a slight Shi'ite majority (60-65 percent). Most of its notable sacred sites are Shia shrines, which mark the tombs of imams and martyrs and glitter with silver and gold. Despite ongoing conflict, the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala remain the most popular pilgrimage destinations for Shia Muslims after Mecca and Medina.

Iraq Guide

English Name: Iraq Local Name: Al Iraq (Jumhuriyat al-Iraq) Time Zone: UTC+3 Calling Code: 964 Currency: Iraqi dinar (IQD) Area: 438,317 sq km Population: 28,945,657 (July 2009 est.) Languages: Arabic, Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Turkoman (a Turkish dialect), Assyrian (Neo-Aramaic), Armenian Religions: Shia Muslim 60%-65%, Sunni Muslim 32%-37%, Christian or other 3%

Iraq Sacred Sites Index Browse our illustrated index of sacred sites and religious places Iraq Map A detailed interactive map of Iraq with major cities and religious sites marked, plus links to travel maps and more Iraq Books A hand-selected gallery of books on Iraq specially chosen for Sacred Destinations readers

Featured Destinations in Iraq (List All Destinations) Karbala Karbala The Shia holy city of Karbala is home to the glittering shrines of Imam Husayn and Imama Abbas.

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