Basra: The Most Beautiful City in Iraq
Basra is a historical Iraqi city that has been established for over a thousand years, dating back to 637 AD. Covering an area of 19,070 square kilometers, it operates under a local government, with the Basra Provincial Council serving as its legislative authority. The highest administrative position is held by the governor. The city is known by various titles, including “Umm al-Khayr” (Mother of Good) and “Al-Fayha” (The Blooming).
Geography
Geographically, Basra is located in the southernmost part of Iraq. It is bordered to the south by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, to the east by Iran, to the north by the Dhi Qar and Maysan Governorates, and to the west by Al-Muthanna Governorate. The city boasts diverse topography, including plains, plateaus, mountains, and deserts.
Population
Basra ranks among Iraq’s largest cities, with an estimated population of 4.7 million people. As of 2011, the population density reached 245 inhabitants per square kilometer. Arabic is the official language spoken by the residents, and the majority practice Islam, with a small percentage belonging to Christianity.
Neighborhoods
The city is home to various neighborhoods including Al-Baradiya, Al-Manawi Pasha, Al-Hartha, Al-Jumhuriya, Al-Ma’qal, Al-Abbasiyah, Al-Khalij, Al-Tahsiniah, Al-Abla, Al-Husayn, Al-Asma’i Al-Jadid, Brehia, Al-Hakimiah, Tanuma, Al-Janina, Al-Tuysah, Al-Qabla, Al-Najibiya, Al-Mofiqiya, Al-Ashar, Al-Muharabin, Al-Asma’i Al-Qadim, Al-Andalus, Al-Jubaylah, and Al-Qasim Al-Shimali.
Tourist Attractions
- Notable mosques including Imam Ali’s Step Mosque, Al-Kawaz Mosque, Al-Maqam Mosque, Basra Grand Mosque, and Bab Suleiman Mosque.
- An ancient Jewish temple.
- The traditional merchant houses built over three centuries ago.
- Significant shrines such as the tomb of Al-Zubair Ibn Al-Awwam, the shrine of Talha Ibn Ubaydullah, the resting place of Imam Al-Hasan Al-Basri, and the shrine of Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Sirin.
- Abu Sitar Restaurant.
General Information
- The city was historically part of the Sassanian Empire and was known as the Principality of Mishan.
- Basra has seven districts: Basra, Al-Madinah, Shatt al-Arab, Al-Qurna, Abu Al-Khasib, Al-Faw, and Al-Zubair.
- It serves as Iraq’s primary maritime outlet to the Arabian Gulf and is the country’s sole port.
- Key agricultural products include millet, barley, wheat, and rice.
- Basra functions as a vital artery for Iraq, thanks to its oil resources, agricultural production, and tourism.
- Notable figures from Basra include the renowned scholar Al-Jahiz, poet Badr Shakir Al-Sayyab, linguist Al-Khalil Ibn Ahmad Al-Farahidi, physicist and optician Al-Hassan Ibn Al-Haytham, Abu Al-Aswad Al-Du’ali, who introduced diacritics, dream interpreter Muhammad Ibn Sirin, and Imam Abu Dawood Al-Sijistani, a leader in hadith studies.