There are plenty of travel “experts” on you tube nowadays: the channel is teaming with them. We watch them, but sometimes cast a beady eye at some. Have they actually been to the location that they’re discussing? Is the content fresh and / or original? Do we get the feeling that we’re watching something authentic? These queries (and sometimes qualms) happens a lot to us, and we watch a lot of travel content to keep our site fresh. We thank all of the content creators who do their job and do it right.
One such true travel expert is Davud Ahkundzada. He goes everywhere, making friends as he goes. He’s affable, inquisitive but never overbearing. He always seems to make friends wherever he goes. In this installment, we find him in Iraq, doing his thing. Now, some – us for example – who may find this kind of adventure thrilling and informative. We would love to visit these fascinating locales when we can. And we will. In this video, Davud was exploring some of the incredibly old artifacts and structures in Iran.
As he was moving from one gem to another, an older gentleman came up to Davud and started a conversation. To cut a long story short, Davud thought that the man was a tour guide. In fact, the gentleman was a taxi driver who just happened to be there on site and also happened to be a walking encyclopedia of ancient Iraqi history.
Whether you’re a fan of history or not, this impromptu conversation is not only interesting because of the topic, but it also shows the magic that can happen when you step up and start talking. People are beautiful everywhere, and they’re just waiting to meet people like Davud – or like you – when the opportunity presents itself.
In sthis instance, learning about Iraq’s history is a journey through some of the most significant moments in human civilization. Begin with the foundational civilizations of Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq). This is where writing, agriculture, and urban centers first emerged.
Study the spread of Islam into the region and the establishment of Baghdad as a major center of learning during the Abbasid Caliphate. The study the establishment of the modern Iraqi state, the rise of Ba’athism, the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and the 2003 invasion and its aftermath are all important for those who want to combat the hatred that is propagated by war-mongering nations. Look away from them and, instead, get to know its citizens.
Iraq, despite its past and ongoing challenges, holds a wealth of historical and cultural treasures that are increasingly attracting adventurous tourists. Here are some of the key places you can visit: Babylon:
This ancient city, once a center of Mesopotamian civilization, offers a glimpse into a rich and powerful past. Another significant Mesopotamian city, Ur is known for its impressive Ziggurat, a massive stepped pyramid. Hatra: an ancient Parthian city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features well-preserved ruins of temples and fortifications. Nineveh: The ruins of the ancient assyrian city of Nineveh can be visited near Mosul.
Samarra Archaeological City: This UNESCO world heritage site, shows the remains of the Abbasid Caliphate capital.
