Travel ideas for Iraq - unique sights, worth Guinness records
Hanging Gardens of Amitis
From the series “Seven Wonders of the World”
The legend associated with the construction of a fabulously charming palace with a garden is very amazing. In the 7th century BC, Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II concluded a military alliance with the king of the Medes and confirmed his marriage to the daughter of the Median king. Queen Amytis wasn't pleased by the noisy and dusty Babylon featuring extremely depressing desert landscapes. To comfort his wife, the king commanded to construct the hanging gardens for her. It was the incredibly beautiful palace with spacious terraces, which were literally drowning in various flowering plants.
Archaeologists and historians discovered that the most magnificent building in Babylon was the four-story pyramid-shaped palace. The facade has been almost completely hidden by the dense greenery. Waterfalls have fallen down from palace walls forming a huge pond. The main perplexity associated with the second wonder of the world, is the fact that the grand building is not mentioned in a number of important and detailed chronicles. Herodotus never told about the Hanging Gardens in his writings. The only documentary evidence of their existence is the chronicle of the Chaldean priest Berosus. However, modern scientists see no doubt in this spectacular palace. ... Complete sights collection
Babylon Ruins
From the series “The Surviving Artifacts of Jewish Civilization”
An area of the ancient city was about 4 square km. There were many fortifications, majestic palaces, and religious monuments. Today, their ruins attract to these places many people practicing Judaism. Since the beginning of archaeological research in the ancient Babylon, many objects were restored. Travelers have an opportunity to admire the great fortification wall that has surrounded the city thousands of years ago. Tourists can see recreated ancient towers and fortresses.
In addition to the ruins of ancient buildings, researchers also found numerous clay tablets with the cuneiform writing. Decoding them will shed light on many important historical events and Jewish traditions. For many years, Babylon remained synonymous with any large and immoral city. For the first time, the death of Babylon was foretold by the prophet Isaiah. For several thousand years, the magnificent ancient city and its tragic history have been an integral part of Jewish culture. Absolutely anyone can stroll through its artistically restored streets today. ... Complete sights collection
Jarmo
From the series “Remains of the First Ancient Cities”
Shell jewelry discovered during the excavations has become an important find for archaeologists. They indicate that the inhabitants of Jarmo maintained trade relations with neighboring tribes. Numerous products and tools made of bone also indicate a high level of development of the city's residents. They include buttons, spoons, and even needles. Fragments of pottery were found on the territory of the ancient city. They are considered the earliest in the Middle East.
Farming and ranching were the main occupations of the city's residents. Places, where barley, legumes, and wheat were cultivated for many years, were discovered on the territory of the city. Grazing was also carried out in these places. The ruins of square mud houses are considered the main attractions of the archaeological area today. Even the hearth survived in some of them. Recent radiocarbon dating suggests that some dwellings were founded in these areas more than 11.5 thousand years ago. Surprisingly, the city's population was relatively small at such an impressive scale. About 150 people lived there permanently. ... Complete sights collection
Abu Ghraib Prison
From the series “Famous prisons of the world”
Evidence of mass torture was made public a year later. The US military used them against prisoners. The prison came under the control of the Iraqi government in 2006. All prisoners were transferred from Abu Ghraib to other prisons in the country as soon as possible. The Iraqi government decided to close the prison in 2014. Numerous rebel attacks have contributed to this in many ways. They have repeatedly managed to release several hundred prisoners.
Criminal proceedings were initiated against the US military in 2006. Judge Alvin Hellerstein did it. It was he who ordered the United States government to release the photos taken by the American invaders in prison. 12 American servicemen were found guilty. They were sentenced to various prison terms. Abu Ghraib is no longer used for its intended purpose. But the territory of the former prison is strictly guarded. Outsiders are not allowed to enter it. ... Complete sights collection
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