THE BEST CAPITALS IN THE WORLD 16-Baghdad
Baghdad: The Heart of Iraq and a City of Rich History Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, is one of the most historically significant cities in the Arab world and the Middle East. Often referred to as the "City of Peace" (مدينة السلام), Baghdad has long been a center of culture, politics, trade, and learning. Located along the Tigris River in central Iraq, the city's history spans over a millennium and reflects the changing fortunes of empires, dynasties, and civilizations. A Glimpse into Baghdad's History Founded in the 8th century by the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur, Baghdad quickly grew into a major political and cultural hub of the Islamic world. Under the Abbasid dynasty, the city became the center of intellectual and artistic achievement, attracting scholars, poets, scientists, and philosophers from across the Islamic world and beyond. This period, known as the "Islamic Golden Age," saw Baghdad become a major center of learning, with institutions like the Hous...